Director Andy Muschietti has revealed exciting details about the upcoming prequel series, It: Welcome to Derry, promising to unravel the enigmatic backstory of the notorious character, Pennywise. In an interview with SFX magazine, he stated that this series will provide fans with long-awaited answers to questions such as, “What does It want? Why is It there?”
Exploring Pennywise’s Origins
Set 27 years prior to the events of the original It films, It: Welcome to Derry delves into the origins of the iconic Dancing Clown. The series features Bill Skarsgård reprising his role as Pennywise, alongside a talented cast that includes Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon, Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann, and Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon. Notably, Dick Hallorann is a character from Stephen King‘s The Shining, bridging connections within King’s expansive universe.
The trailer also hints at a deeper narrative, featuring a truck bearing the name of the infamous Shawshank Prison, further intertwining the series with other King works. “We’re hoping to get an engagement with the characters that is like no other before,” Muschietti said, emphasizing the heightened horror and emotional depth the series aims to deliver.
A Multi-Season Vision
According to Muschietti, the series is designed to unfold over three seasons, with the first season set in 1962, the second in 1935, and the third in 1908. Each installment will explore different facets of the story and its characters. He commented, “Everything that we are setting up in season one will really manifest in two and three, providing a look into all the bigger questions about It.”
Co-producer Barbara Muschietti added her perspective, claiming, “I would go as far as saying I think it is the most terrifying content ever made for television. I would say so.” This sets an ambitious tone for the series, aiming to elevate the horror experience for viewers.
It: Welcome to Derry is scheduled for release on October 26, 2025. The latest issue of SFX magazine, featuring exclusive insights into the series, will hit newsstands on October 8. Fans eager to learn more about this thrilling addition to the Stephen King legacy can anticipate an engaging exploration of Pennywise’s chilling history.
