The terrifying, shape-shifting clown Pennywise is back — but this time, he’s more brutal than ever. In It: Welcome to Derry, the prequel series to the hit It films, co-creator Andy Muschietti and his team have decided to raise the stakes, amplifying Pennywise’s terror in ways that go beyond what was shown in the movies. Set in 1962, the HBO series dives into the origins of Pennywise, giving viewers a deeper understanding of the monster that haunts the town of Derry, Maine.
While fans of the It films may already be familiar with the dread-inducing presence of Pennywise, Muschietti has elevated the intensity of the character for the television adaptation, promising a more brutal and unnerving version of the villain. As the show launches on HBO in October 2025, the creative direction behind this darker take on Pennywise is a major talking point for fans of Stephen King’s classic horror novel.
Overview Table: Key Information About It: Welcome to Derry
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | October 26, 2025 |
| Format | Prequel to It, TV series |
| Creator/Director | Andy Muschietti |
| Main Cast | Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Bill Skarsgård |
| Genre | Horror, Supernatural, Thriller |
| Setting | 1962, Derry, Maine |
| Rotten Tomatoes Rating | 78% Approval Rating |
| Metacritic Score | 61/100 |
| Viewership (First 3 Days) | 5.7 million viewers |
How It: Welcome to Derry Increases Pennywise’s Brutality
Muschietti, who directed both It (2017) and It: Chapter Two (2019), is returning to the Pennywise universe but with a distinct twist. The show is set in the early 1960s, preceding the events of the movies, and gives fans a look at Pennywise’s first rampage through Derry.
While the films focused on the town’s haunting during the 1980s, It: Welcome to Derry takes a step back in time, offering viewers an origin story for the monster. Muschietti has confirmed that Pennywise’s presence in the show will be more intense and brutal than in the films. He explained, “I really wanted to raise the volume… to do something slightly different from what I did before in the movies.”
This higher intensity is not limited to Pennywise’s on-screen antics but extends across the series’ entire tone. Muschietti continued, “Even though the style and the tone of the movies is continued, the volume is a little higher in terms of intensity, both in horror and emotions.” His goal, as he explained, is to offer fans a heightened experience — one that feels both more visceral and terrifying.
The Creative Process Behind Pennywise’s Evolution
Muschietti’s decision to amplify Pennywise’s brutality came from the desire to push boundaries in the It franchise. The TV series format allowed for a deeper exploration of the character, which led Muschietti to expand on certain aspects of Pennywise that weren’t fully explored in the films.
He elaborated, “This is a television format, so we have the ability to dig deeper into the psychology of the character, and that naturally elevates the horror.” Pennywise’s infamous ability to prey on the fears of children is expanded in Welcome to Derry, with Muschietti diving into the emotional core of each victim, making their encounters with Pennywise even more intense.
While the films had their fair share of chilling moments, the series format allows for more sustained tension and a more methodical build-up to the scares. Muschietti emphasized that they were going for a “heightened” experience — the horror isn’t just about shocking visuals but also about the emotional and psychological toll Pennywise inflicts on those around him.
Pennywise’s Origins: How Welcome to Derry Expands on His Lore
In It: Welcome to Derry, the character of Pennywise is given more backstory, providing a more comprehensive look at the evil that has haunted Derry for generations. This show doesn’t just revisit the same old tricks but explores the origins of the entity that takes the form of the terrifying clown.
As the series begins in 1962, viewers will be introduced to a new set of characters who are tied to Derry’s early history. Muschietti explained that while Pennywise is a central figure, the show would explore the social and historical backdrop of Derry during the ’60s. This era brings with it its own cultural fears and challenges, which will become part of Pennywise’s power.
The character of Pennywise, portrayed once again by Bill Skarsgård, will be seen in his early stages of terror, making him more unpredictable and terrifying than before. Muschietti hinted that the prequel explores how Pennywise becomes the iconic figure we know, giving him even more sinister traits and motives.
The Cast and Their Role in Bringing Welcome to Derry to Life
The cast of It: Welcome to Derry includes a mix of fresh faces and seasoned talent, with the promise of complex, compelling characters who will interact with Pennywise in ways we’ve never seen before. The main ensemble includes:
- Taylour Paige: Known for her roles in Zola and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Paige brings a new energy to the series with her portrayal of one of the series’ central characters.
- Jovan Adepo: Having impressed audiences with his performances in The Watchmen and Overlord, Adepo’s role in Welcome to Derry is set to expand the show’s emotional scope.
- Chris Chalk, Clara Stack, Amanda Christine, and Mikkal Karim-Fidler also join the cast, adding depth and diversity to the story.
In addition to the newcomers, Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise, continuing his chilling portrayal of the villain. His presence alone raises the stakes, as fans anticipate even more terrifying sequences from the character.
The Success of It: Welcome to Derry Premiere and Reception
On October 26, 2025, It: Welcome to Derry premiered to massive anticipation, and it didn’t disappoint. Within its first three days, the show drew in 5.7 million viewers, becoming one of HBO’s top debuts. The show’s success is a testament to the lasting impact of Stephen King’s universe and the appeal of Muschietti’s directorial vision.
Critics have been generally favourable about the series. It has earned a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while Metacritic gave the show a score of 61/100. The consensus is that the series successfully balances the emotional and horror aspects of the It universe while raising the intensity of its central villain.
FAQs
While it retains the core themes of horror and psychological fear, Welcome to Derry elevates the intensity of Pennywise’s character and expands his backstory. The series explores Pennywise’s origins, diving deeper into the emotional impact of his terror.
Yes. Co-creator Andy Muschietti has confirmed that Pennywise’s brutality will be heightened in the series, with a more intense focus on both horror and emotional stakes.
The cast includes Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Bill Skarsgård (returning as Pennywise), and other talented actors like Clara Stack and Amanda Christine.
Filming for It: Welcome to Derry began in May 2023 and wrapped in August 2024, following a brief pause due to the writers’ strike.
The series has received a positive reception, with a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 61/100 on Metacritic, praised for its suspense, atmosphere, and emotional depth.
