The Stephen King IT prequel, IT: Welcome to Derry, is set to premiere this weekend, offering fans a new glimpse into the dark origins of Pennywise and the cursed town of Derry. Launching on HBO and HBO Max this Saturday, October 26, 2025, the series revisits the eerie Stephen King universe with Bill Skarsgård returning as Pennywise under the stewardship of directors Andy and Barbara Muschietti.
Exploring the Origins of Terror in 1962 Maine
IT: Welcome to Derry takes viewers back to 1962 in the infamous town of Derry, Maine, revealing the sinister history that predates the events of the original IT films. The storyline centers on Mike Hanlon’s grandfather, the ancestor of the Losers Club member portrayed by Chosen Jacobs and Isaiah Mustafa in previous adaptations. This prequel delves into the foundations of the malevolent force of Pennywise, exposing the early manifestations of the evil that would later haunt the town’s children. The cast also includes Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon, James Remar, Jovan Adepo, Rudy Mancuso, Chris Chalk, Stephen Rider, and Madeleine Stowe, bringing a strong ensemble to this chilling origin tale.
Schedule and Availability of Episodes
The first season of IT: Welcome to Derry consists of eight episodes, with a weekly release every Sunday following the premiere. The finale is scheduled to air on December 14, 2025. Below is the full episode rollout:
- Episode 1: October 26, 2025
- Episode 2: November 2, 2025
- Episode 3: November 9, 2025
- Episode 4: November 16, 2025
- Episode 5: November 23, 2025
- Episode 6: November 30, 2025
- Episode 7: December 7, 2025
- Episode 8 (Finale): December 14, 2025
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The premiere airs simultaneously on HBO and HBO Max at 6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET in the United States. In the United Kingdom, viewers can watch the debut on Sky and NOW starting October 27 at 2:00 AM GMT, with a repeat broadcast scheduled for 9:00 PM GMT that same day.
Visual Insights and Anticipated Atmosphere
The first trailer spotlights Mike Hanlon’s grandfather uncovering disturbing news reports about missing children, setting the stage for the horrors that will later envelop the Losers Club. The 1960s setting, combined with the Muschiettis’ distinctive mixture of suspense and emotional depth, promises to expand the IT universe in unsettling ways. Fans concerned about the quality can take reassurance from Stephen King’s endorsement, signaling the series maintains the essence of the original mythology.
Main Cast Highlights
Bill Skarsgård reprises his chilling role as Pennywise, embodying the sinister clown that has become iconic in horror cinema. Taylour Paige plays Charlotte Hanlon, adding depth to the family at the heart of the prequel’s narrative. The ensemble also features accomplished actors such as James Remar, known for Dexter, Jovan Adepo from Babylon, Rudy Mancuso, Chris Chalk, Stephen Rider, and Madeleine Stowe, each contributing to the series’ varied depiction of Derry’s dark past.
IT: Welcome to Derry’s arrival comes as a significant moment for Stephen King fans and horror enthusiasts, promising to deepen the fears and mysteries surrounding the town of Derry. As the series unfolds weekly until mid-December, viewers will witness the emergence of evil that shaped a generation’s nightmares, potentially redefining the Stephen King IT prequel landscape for years to come.
