Streaming release date (United States)
Welcome to Derry Season 1 will be available to watch on Max in 2025. An exact release date is not available yet.
Welcome to Derry - Season 1
(2025)Coming soon
2025
Synopsis
Witness the beginning of Pennywise the Clown
Set in the 1960s, Welcome to Derry explores the mysterious origins of the terrifying Pennywise the Clown. It further reveals the background that led up to Andy Muschietti's 2017 film adaptation of IT.
1 Episodes
S1 E1 - Season 1
What to know
What is Welcome to Derry Season 1?
Welcome to Derry Season 1 is an upcoming Max horror television series produced by Warner Bros. Television. A prequel to Andy Muschietti's successful IT films and developed by Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs, Welcome to Derry delves into the backstory of the chilling clown named Pennywise. The initial film focused on a curse haunting the town of Derry, where Pennywise lurks. Ben (Jeremy Ray Taylor) ultimately uncovers Derry's eerie past as a beaver trapping camp, where all who signed the charter suddenly vanished. Pennywise, reappearing every 27 years, terrorizes and mercilessly preys on children.
What is Welcome to Derry Season 1 based on?
This series is based on Stephen King's novel It. King has expressed his support for the series but is not directly involved. The show tells the origin story of Pennywise and uses the book as the basis for it.
Who is handling Welcome to Derry Season 1?
Known for directing the supernatural horror film Mama in 2013 and the 2023 release of The Flash, Andy Muschietti takes on the role of director in Welcome to Derry, helming not only the pilot but several other episodes. Joining him in the writer's room is his sister, Barbara Muschietti, along with co-showrunners Jason Fuchs (a co-producer of IT Chapter Two) and Brad Caleb Kane, a Tokyo Vice writer. They also serves as executive producers on the series, along with Shelley Meals and the original IT producers Roy Lee and Dan Lin.
Who is starring in Welcome to Derry Season 1?
Welcome to Derry stars Jovan Adepo, an actor best known for his roles in Fences and Mother! Chris Chalk, star of Gotham and Perry Mason also stars. The cast also includes Taylour Paige (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom), James Remar (Dexter), Stephen Rider (Daredevil) and Madeleine Stowe (12 Monkeys).
Does Bill Skarsgard play Pennywise in Welcome to Derry Season 1?
Bill Skarsgard does not return to portray Pennywise in this prequel series. After having played the character in It and It Chapter Two, many fans were hoping to see him reprise his role. Instead, a new actor will take up the mantle of portraying this iconic horror villain.
Production News
- March 29, 2022
- HBO Max has officially greenlit the development of a prequel series based on the horror film It titled Welcome to Derry. The series will be overseen by IT director Andy Muschietti, who will act as both executive producer and director for the pilot episode. Joining him as executive producers are Barbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs. (Source: Variety)
- November 9, 2022
- Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane will work as co-showrunners on the series. (Source: Variety)
- February 23, 2023
- HBO Max has officially given the green light to Welcome to Derry, with Muschietti set to direct multiple episodes and Fuchs assuming writing responsibilities. (Source: Deadline)
- April 5, 2023
- Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, James Remar and Chris Chalk joins the cast. (Source: Deadline)
- April 12, 2023
- Welcome to Derry will premiere on Max in 2024. (Source: Bloody Disgusting)
- April 14, 2023
- The cast adds Madeleine Stowe and Stephen Rider. (Source: Deadline)
- May 8, 2023
- Working under the title of "Fairview", filming begins on the series. (Source: Fangoria)
- July 13, 2023
- Filming has been suspended on Welcome To Derry following the continuing SAG-AFTRA strike. (Source: The Peterborough Examiner)
- October 30, 2023
- Production will resume on the series in January 2024 following the strike's conclusion. (Source: Hotlist)
- November 2, 2023
- Welcome To Derry is delayed to 2025. (Source: Deadline)
