HBO’s “Welcome to Derry” One of the most anticipated horror projects of 2025, a nine-episode prequel series to Stephen King’s iconic IT. This spine-chilling new chapter in the IT universe is being spearheaded by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, with Warner Bros. Television at the helm. In a recent interview with Radio TU, Andy Muschietti revealed that the creative team envisions the series spanning three seasons—if the first season proves successful when it premieres later this year.
Set to begin in 1962, “Welcome to Derry” will explore the events leading up to IT: Chapter One (2017). Muschietti teased that the second and third seasons will delve even deeper into the past, with each season unfolding in its own distinct decade. The second season will transport viewers to 1935, while the third will journey back to 1908, unraveling the sinister history of Derry in reverse chronological order.
The series draws inspiration from the interludes in Stephen King’s novel, which chronicle Mike Hanlon’s research into Derry’s dark past. Muschietti explained, “The interludes are fragments of Mike’s research—27 years of him trying to figure out what it is, who saw it, and what catastrophic events it caused.” These catastrophic events, which mark the beginning of each of Pennywise’s cycles of terror, will serve as the backbone of the series.
Among the horrors to be explored are the fire at the Black Spot, the massacre of the Bradley Gang in the 1930s, and the explosion of the Kitchener Ironworks. “Every time [Pennywise] comes out of hibernation, there’s a catastrophic event,” Muschietti shared. “We are basing the three seasons of this series on each of these catastrophic events.”
Muschietti also hinted at a deeper narrative purpose behind the reverse timeline, adding, “There’s a reason why the story is told backwards.” While details remain under wraps, it’s clear that the series will offer a fresh and terrifying perspective on the origins of Pennywise’s reign of terror.
The good news? Warner Bros. is reportedly thrilled with how the first season has turned out and is eager to greenlight the second season as soon as possible. “Welcome to Derry” will air on HBO and stream on Max, with a premiere date expected to be announced soon.
Stay tuned, horror fans—this is one nightmare you won’t want to miss.
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