Just when you thought it was safe to go back to Maine, Pennywise the Dancing Clown is returning to haunt your nightmares. The highly anticipated HBO Max prequel series, IT: Welcome to Derry, is set to premiere on October 26, 2025, and it’s shaping up to be more than just another horror show. This isn’t just a return to the creepy, small-town setting of Stephen King’s iconic novel; it’s a deep dive into the dark history of Derry and a major step towards building a connected Stephen King cinematic universe.
For years, fans have dreamed of a sprawling, interconnected universe of King’s stories, and IT: Welcome to Derry seems to be the first major piece of that puzzle. With the return of Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise and the introduction of a key character from The Shining, this series is poised to change the way we see Stephen King adaptations forever.
Caption: The official poster for IT: Welcome to Derry, teasing a return to the haunted town. Credit: HBO Max Source: HBO Max
What We Know About the Story of IT: Welcome to Derry
Set in 1962, 27 years before the events of IT: Chapter One, the nine-episode series will explore the origins of the ancient, shape-shifting evil that plagues the town of Derry. The story will reportedly center on the arrival of Charlotte and Leroy Hanlon (played by Taylour Paige and Jovan Adepo), the ancestors of the Losers Club’s own Mike Hanlon. Their arrival coincides with a new wave of mysterious disappearances, and the series will delve into one of the darkest chapters in Derry’s history: the burning of the Black Spot nightclub, a hate crime that was a key interlude in King’s novel.
In an exclusive interview with TV Insider, director Andy Muschietti explained his decision to focus on this event:
“It’s a big paroxysm of violence that not only reflects the darkness of the story in the book, but also is a bit of a reflection of the violence that happened in America and all the implications of racial tension and segregation that happened back in those days.”
This focus on the historical context of the 1960s, including the ever-present threat of the Cold War and nuclear annihilation, will add a new layer of terror to the series. Muschietti has promised a “new set of horrors, a collective fear, which is very tied to the era,” as well as some “extreme body horror” that is sure to have viewers sleeping with the lights on.
The Shining Connection: A Bridge Between Worlds
Perhaps the most exciting news for Stephen King fans is the inclusion of a major character from another of his most famous works. Chris Chalk has been cast as a younger version of Dick Hallorann, the telepathic chef from The Shining. This is a massive move, and it’s the strongest indication yet that Warner Bros. and HBO are serious about building a connected King universe.
In the IT novel, Hallorann has a brief but significant role. He is a survivor of the Black Spot fire and uses his “shining” ability to help save Will Hanlon, Mike’s father. The inclusion of Hallorann in IT: Welcome to Derry is a brilliant way to tie the two stories together and expand on the mythology of the shining. As Muschietti told TV Insider, “For us, it was a no-brainer. Dick was an outstanding character, not only because he’s in The Shining but also because [his] power is definitely ingrained in the story.”
This connection opens up a world of possibilities for future Stephen King adaptations. Could we see other characters with the shining appear in future seasons? Will there be more explicit references to the events at the Overlook Hotel? Only time will tell, but the inclusion of Dick Hallorann is a tantalizing taste of what’s to come.
Caption: Bill Skarsgård will reprise his role as the terrifying Pennywise in IT: Welcome to Derry. Credit: Entertainment Weekly Source: Entertainment Weekly
The Return of Bill Skarsgård and a Star-Studded Cast
Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Derry without Pennywise, and fans can rejoice that Bill Skarsgård is returning to the role that made him a horror icon. Skarsgård’s portrayal of the demonic clown was a highlight of the recent films, and his involvement in the prequel series is a huge vote of confidence. Not only is he starring in the series, but he’s also serving as an executive producer, which suggests he’s deeply invested in the project.
The rest of the cast is equally impressive. In addition to Paige, Adepo, and Chalk, the series will feature James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, and Rudy Mancuso. This is a talented ensemble, and it will be fascinating to see how their characters navigate the horrors of Derry.
Beyond Derry: The Dark Tower and the Future of the Stephen King Universe
Andy Muschietti has also hinted that IT: Welcome to Derry will have connections to King’s magnum opus, The Dark Tower series. In his interview with TV Insider, he revealed that the show will “open a window to the other side” and give audiences a glimpse of the “macroverse” that connects all of King’s stories.
“Everything that is on the other side, it’s connected to the Dark Tower because it’s the same universe, the macroverse,” he explained. “In this series, there will be more than speculation. We’re gonna have that and give the audience glimpses of the other side.”
This is a huge deal for fans of The Dark Tower, who have been waiting for a faithful adaptation of the series for years. While the 2017 film was a critical and commercial disappointment, the prospect of a connected universe of films and TV shows is an exciting one. With the success of shows like Stranger Things 5, which has a similar retro-horror vibe, there is a clear appetite for this kind of storytelling.
IT: Welcome to Derry is shaping up to be a must-watch for any horror fan, but it’s also a pivotal moment for Stephen King adaptations. With its deep dive into the history of Derry, its connections to The Shining and The Dark Tower, and its star-studded cast, this series has the potential to be the start of something truly special. So mark your calendars for October 26, 2025, and get ready to float again.
References
- New York Post – https://nypost.com/2025/09/19/entertainment/fall-2025s-most-anticipated-tv-shows-it-welcome-to-derry-chad-powers-and-more/
- Deadline – https://deadline.com/2025/09/it-welcome-to-derry-release-date-hbo-max-1236504081/
- ComicBook.com – https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/it-welcome-to-derry-the-shining-dick-hallorann/
- TV Insider – https://www.tvinsider.com/1211684/it-welcome-to-derry-andy-muschietti-interview-fall-preview-exclusive/
