Pennywise Returns: Welcome to Derry Season 1 Release Date, Cast, Plot, and Everything You Need to Know
HBO Max is ready to take viewers back to the terrifying town of Derry with IT: Welcome to Derry, a chilling prequel to the hit It movies based on Stephen King’s legendary novel. Set decades before the events of the films, the series promises to explore the origins of Pennywise and the sinister history that has haunted the small Maine town for generations. With Bill Skarsgård reprising his role as the nightmarish clown, anticipation for the series is at an all-time high.
Welcome to Derry season 1 release date and episode count
Season 1 of IT: Welcome to Derry will premiere on October 26, 2025, exclusively on HBO Max in the United States. The season is set to run for nine episodes, laying the groundwork for what has been described as the first chapter in a three-season arc.
Each season is planned to take place in a different era of Derry’s cursed timeline, exploring the cyclical nature of Pennywise’s reign of terror. Production began in May 2023 and wrapped in August 2024 after navigating industry-wide strikes, ensuring fans have been waiting a long time for this story to hit screens.
Plot: where Welcome to Derry fits in Stephen King’s universe
The prequel takes place in 1962, roughly 27 years before the events of the 2017 It movie. The story begins with a family moving to Derry just as a young boy mysteriously goes missing. From there, the familiar dread begins to creep in, with children once again sensing a presence that adults seem determined to ignore.
Alongside the supernatural horror of Pennywise, the series also delves into real-world issues of the 1960s. The burning of the Black Spot nightclub, a pivotal moment referenced in King’s novel, will be depicted on screen, shedding light on themes of racial tension and systemic denial within the community.
Adding a fascinating crossover for King fans, the show introduces Dick Hallorann, played by Chris Chalk, who later appears in The Shining. This nod deepens the connective tissue of King’s literary universe, hinting that Welcome to Derry will serve as more than just a prequel to It.
The atmosphere and trailer reveal
HBO Max released the first trailer on September 23, 2025, giving fans a glimpse of the eerie 1960s backdrop and the horrors lurking beneath. The trailer is drenched in dread: red balloons drifting into frame, children screaming, and glimpses of Pennywise’s horrifying grin.
The footage is punctuated by the haunting needle drop of Joyce Harris’ song Dreamers, which lends a deceptively sweet tone before the horror takes over. The trailer suggests a heavy emphasis on mood and slow-building tension, staying true to the unsettling spirit of the films.
Welcome to Derry season 1 cast
The cast of Welcome to Derry combines familiar faces with fresh talent. Leading the lineup is Bill Skarsgård, reprising his iconic role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Other notable cast members include:
- Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise
- Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon
- Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon
- Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann
- James Remar
- Madeleine Stowe
- Rudy Mancuso
- Stephen Rider
Behind the camera, Andy and Barbara Muschietti, who directed and produced the recent It films, return as executive producers. Andy Muschietti once again brings his creative vision to the project, supported by Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane as showrunners.
What to expect from the story in season 1
The first season explores how Pennywise’s cycle of terror grips the town long before the Losers Club comes into play. The missing boy at the center of the story acts as the trigger for a series of chilling events that tie into Derry’s long history of violence and tragedy.
The series is expected to balance supernatural horror with human evil. The setting of 1962 means audiences will also see how prejudice, cover-ups, and willful ignorance feed into the greater cycle of fear that Pennywise thrives on.
This blend of supernatural terror and real-world horror is at the heart of Stephen King’s storytelling, and Welcome to Derry looks set to capture that essence while carving out new territory within the mythos.
FAQs about Welcome to Derry season 1
When is Welcome to Derry season 1 releasing?
The series will premiere on HBO Max on October 26, 2025, with nine episodes planned for the debut season.
Is Bill Skarsgård returning as Pennywise?
Yes, Bill Skarsgård is back to reprise his terrifying role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, ensuring continuity with the recent It films.
Where does the story take place in the timeline?
Season 1 is set in 1962, decades before the events of the 2017 It film, exploring Derry’s darker past and Pennywise’s earlier cycle of terror.
Will Welcome to Derry connect with other Stephen King stories?
Yes, the inclusion of Dick Hallorann from The Shining suggests crossovers within King’s larger universe, offering deeper connections for longtime fans.
How many seasons will Welcome to Derry have?
The series is planned as a three-season arc, with each season exploring a different era in Derry’s cursed history.
Conclusion
IT: Welcome to Derry season 1 promises to deliver both spine-chilling horror and poignant social commentary, expanding on Stephen King’s timeless tale of fear. With Bill Skarsgård returning as Pennywise and the Muschietti team once again at the helm, the prequel is shaping up to be a must-watch for horror fans and King enthusiasts alike.
Are you excited to see Pennywise return to the screen in Welcome to Derry? Share your thoughts in the comments and follow InvestRecords.com for the latest updates on HBO Max’s highly anticipated series.