Overview
- First poster for IT: Welcome to Derry unveiled, setting a chilling atmosphere.
- The horror series is set for a three-season journey, beginning with nine episodes in the inaugural season.
- Bill Skarsgård reprises his iconic role as Pennywise, promising a “hardcore”portrayal.
After several years of development, HBO’s horror series, IT: Welcome to Derry, has finally introduced its first promotional poster, coinciding with a character showcase featured in Max’s 2025 preview. This series serves as a prequel spin-off to the celebrated 2017 film IT. The cast includes familiar faces such as Sophia Lillis, known for her role in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, and Finn Wolfhard from Stranger Things, portraying the iconic Derry kids haunted by the sinister entity.
Originally penned by horror maestro Stephen King in his 1986 novel, IT has seen various adaptations, including a notable miniseries in 1998 that has cemented its legacy within the horror realm. HBO Max greenlit IT: Welcome to Derry in 2023, bringing back director Andy Muschietti, producer Barbara Muschietti, and co-producer Jason Fuchs, the creative forces behind the previous film adaptations that showcased the Derry kids as they grew up.
Unveiling the First Look of IT: Welcome to Derry
The first poster for Welcome to Derry features a haunting wooden sign bearing the series’ logo, ominously situated in a fog-laden field. Additionally, HBO’s streaming platform, Max, released a preview video for 2025, which glimpses the Derry kids expressing visible anxiety while Jovan Adepo’s character ominously gazes at a red balloon, accompanied by a chilling laugh that fans may find unsettling.
Excitement is palpable as the series prepares to venture into unexplored narratives rooted in King’s universe. Andy Muschietti has reassured fans of his commitment to authenticity, confirming that Stephen King played an active role in the series’ development. The new visuals have generated significant buzz, yet some fans fear potential delays pushing the release to 2026 due to a lack of a confirmed premiere date. Concerns regarding fidelity to the source material have also surfaced, though many viewers remain hopeful, recalling HBO’s successful adaptations of Game of Thrones and The Last of Us. There is keen anticipation to explore the origins of Derry, Maine, along with the lore surrounding the dreaded Eater of Worlds.
While Tim Curry’s portrayal of Pennywise in prior adaptations sent shivers down spines, Bill Skarsgård’s interpretation continues to haunt audiences today. Skarsgård has teased that Welcome to Derry promises a more intense and “hardcore” depiction of the iconic clown. After donning prosthetics in the upcoming 2024 adaptation of Nosferatu as Count Orlok, he is set to reprise his role as the malevolent Pennywise for a third time in this venture, ensuring a chilling experience with plenty of frightful scares.
Fans can expect the debut of IT: Welcome to Derry later in 2025 on HBO.
Source: Discussing Film