On October 26, 2023, HBO Max will release It: Welcome to Derry, a highly anticipated prequel to the successful duology based on Stephen King’s iconic novel. The series promises to delve into the dark origins of Pennywise and the evil that plagues the city of Derry, set years before the events of the 2017 and 2019 films. The first episode has already received praise from King, who described it as “terrifying,” which could raise audience expectations.
Pennywise has never stopped being the writer’s pretty boy
Andy Muschietti, known for directing It and It: Chapter 2, returns to direct at least four episodes of this series, continuing his collaboration with producer Barbara Muschietti and screenwriter Jason Fuchs. The original films grossed over $1.1 billion, and HBO Max is confident that the new series will attract both die-hard fans and new viewers.
Despite the fact that more than six years have passed since the last release of It, which could affect public interest, HBO Max has made It: Welcome to Derry one of its main bets for the end of the year. The series is expected to not only have one season, as the possibility of at least two additional seasons has been mentioned, exploring different periods in the history of Derry, including key years like 1935 and 1908.
With a strategic launch and content that shapes up as a supernatural horror adventure, the trailers have shown a connection to the narrative of the films, although some critics have already questioned whether the series will offer enough innovations to maintain the initially generated interest. Nevertheless, the involvement of key figures and King’s endorsement provide a promising outlook for fans of the It universe.
