Horror fans are in for a chilling treat this October as HBO gears up to release It: Welcome to Derry—a prequel series to Stephen King’s terrifying It universe. The much-anticipated show will mark the return of Bill Skarsgård as the spine-chilling Pennywise, diving deeper into the origins of the iconic character that haunted millions.
Andy and Barbara Muschietti Break Down the Storytelling Vision
At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, filmmaker Andy Muschietti, known for directing It Chapter One and It Chapter Two, shed light on the creative direction of the series. Alongside producer and sister Barbara Muschietti, he explained the thought process that went into expanding Stephen King’s horrifying mythology.
Speaking on a panel, Andy, 51, revealed,
“The show will explore how ‘It’ became Pennywise. It’s one of the big mysteries in the book. We wanted to get into that.”
Unlike the previous films, which focused on Pennywise tormenting and preying on children in the cursed town of Derry, Maine, this HBO series aims to delve into the roots of the evil entity and uncover the dark transformation from cosmic being to clown.
Who Is Bob Gray? The Mystery Deepens
One key element the series will explore is the mention of Bob Gray—a mysterious name tied to Pennywise’s origins in the book. Andy Muschietti teased that this reference is central to the storyline:
“They mention this character called Bob Gray. So, the conversations were about that and how do we tell the story…”
The creators also confirmed that they consulted closely with Stephen King throughout the development process to ensure the story remained faithful to the source material.
“We’re always respectful—there’s a line,” Muschietti noted. “Some mysteries remain. Some mysteries are created.”
Skarsgård Returns as Pennywise
Fans will be thrilled to know that Bill Skarsgård is reprising his role as Pennywise, promising the same level of bone-chilling performance that made him unforgettable in the It film franchise. His return ensures continuity and authenticity in portraying the sinister entity that has haunted Derry for centuries.
When Does It: Welcome to Derry Release?
It: Welcome to Derry is officially set to premiere on HBO and Max in October 2025, aligning with the Halloween season and promising a haunting experience perfect for horror enthusiasts.
