IT: Welcome To Derry builds upon the chilling world originally created by Stephen King in his 1986 novel, It, which has sold over 350 million copies globally. While the series draws inspiration from King’s iconic story, it takes creative liberties with the timeline and characters compared to the 2017 and 2019 film adaptations. This HBO Max project was scripted by Jason Fuchs, a writer known for his work on titles such as Flipper, Argylle, Wonder Woman, and It Chapter Two. Although Stephen King did not write the show directly, his original story remains the foundation for the series, inspiring its themes and atmosphere.
The Influence of Stephen King on the Series
Stephen King’s original novel forged the terrifying mythology of Pennywise the Clown, which has impacted generations by instilling fears associated with clowns, known as coulrophobia. Without King’s creative vision, IT: Welcome To Derry would not exist. Even though the show’s script is new, King’s imaginative world continues to resonate through every storyline and scene. The author’s contribution lies in the characters, eerie settings, and disturbing imagery that the series adapts and expands upon in different ways.
Insights from the Writer and Director of IT: Welcome To Derry
Although Stephen King has not been heavily involved in promoting the show beyond sharing the trailer on Twitter, he did highlight the early release of Episode 2 on Halloween 2025, encouraging viewers to watch.
“Don’t miss an early release of Episode 2 on Halloween. Episode 1 of #ITWelcomeToDerry is now streaming.@hbomax @HBO @IT_Official #HappyHalloween pic.twitter.com/ujD3lCD91f”
— Stephen King, Author
In a rare interview with the New York Post, King reflected on the series, noting the abundance of horror and surreal visuals that stand out, particularly recalling a frightening scene set in a supermarket.
“Andy Muschietti (director) has got a touch of genius when it comes to scares. Folks are going to see some scenes in their nightmares.”
— Stephen King, Author
Regarding Pennywise, once again portrayed by Bill Skarsgård, King remarked on the character’s enduring terror.
“When Pennywise finally appears, he’s still scary as hell.”
— Stephen King, Author
What IT: Welcome To Derry Means for Fans and the Franchise
IT: Welcome To Derry continues to expand Stephen King’s universe, blending familiar elements with new interpretations to keep audiences engaged. The show’s existence confirms the lasting appeal of King’s horror legacy and the cultural weight of the original novel. By revisiting Derry through a different lens, the series offers both longtime fans and newcomers a fresh yet recognizable experience. Moving forward, this adaptation hints at further explorations of King’s expansive world in television and film, likely encouraging renewed interest in his broader bibliography.
Don't miss an early release of Episode 2 on Halloween. Episode 1 of #ITWelcomeToDerry is now streaming.@hbomax @HBO @IT_Official #HappyHalloween pic.twitter.com/ujD3lCD91f
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) October 31, 2025
