Bill Skarsgård returns as the terrifying Pennywise in the new Stephen King IT prequel series, Welcome to Derry, which premiered on October 27, 2025, on Sky Atlantic and NOW. This follow-up to the hit IT films introduces fresh characters residing in the eerie town of Derry while expanding on the dark mythology established by King’s original novel.
Introducing the Main Cast of Welcome to Derry
Welcome to Derry brings together a diverse ensemble to expand the world of Stephen King’s IT. Alongside returning icon Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise, the series unveils new Derry residents, some with significant ties to the original story. Below is a detailed look at the primary cast members and their characters.
- Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Dancing Clown
- Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon
- Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon
- Blake Cameron James as Will Hanlon
- Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann
- James Remar as General Shaw
- Stephen Rider as Hank
- Madeleine Stowe as TBC
- Rudy Mancuso as Captain Pauly Russo
- Clara Stack as Lilly
- Amanda Christine as Ronnie
- Mikkal Karim-Fidler as Teddy
Bill Skarsgård Revives Pennywise the Clown
Pennywise is the sinister supernatural entity terrorizing Derry’s inhabitants, most often taking the form of a clown. However, Pennywise is a shape-shifter, also appearing as other monstrous beings, such as the giant spider seen in IT: Chapter Two. Skarsgård, who first gained wide recognition in horror through roles in Netflix’s Hemlock Grove and later appearances in Castle Rock, Barbarian, Nosferatu, Atomic Blonde, John Wick: Chapter 4, and Marvel’s Eternals as the voice of Kro, brings chilling depth to the character.
As a member of the famed Skarsgård acting family, his siblings include Stellan, known for Andor, and Alexander, featured on Succession, continuing the family’s strong presence in film and TV.
The Hanlon Family: New Connections to Derry
Taylour Paige stars as Charlotte Hanlon, a morally grounded resident of Derry and grandmother to Mike Hanlon, a key figure from the original novels and films. Paige’s career highlights include her role in the Netflix film Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom along with appearances in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, The Toxic Avenger, and VH1’s dance series, Hit The Floor.
Jovan Adepo portrays Leroy Hanlon, Charlotte’s husband and a US Army major, grandfather to Mike Hanlon. An older version of Leroy was played by Steven Williams in the 2017 film IT: Chapter One, where he cared for Mike and employed him at an abattoir. Adepo’s notable work includes his Emmy-nominated role as Hooded Justice in HBO’s Watchmen and roles in The Leftovers, The Stand, and Netflix’s 3 Body Problem series.
Blake Cameron James plays Will Hanlon, the son of Charlotte and Leroy, who is an inquisitive lover of science and Mike Hanlon’s father. Though newer to acting, James has received recognition for the indie film We Grown Now and a guest spot in NBC’s Found.
Chris Chalk Portrays a Younger Dick Hallorann
Chris Chalk joins the series as Dick Hallorann, a soldier in the US Army, who is better known to Stephen King fans for his later role as the wise cook at the Overlook Hotel in The Shining. His inclusion in Welcome to Derry builds on a subtle link King made between Hallorann and the town of Derry.
“Dick thinks all of these people [in Derry] are corny. He doesn’t respect a single one of them, and that’s the journey of Dick. The Dick you know is super nice… Good luck with this Dick.”
– Chris Chalk, Actor
Chalk has a substantial resume including Homeland, The Newsroom, Gotham, Perry Mason, and a guest role portraying James Baldwin in Ryan Murphy’s Feud: Capote vs The Swans. His film work includes 12 Years a Slave, Detroit, and Godzilla vs Kong.
Other Key Figures in the Story
Rudy Mancuso features as Captain Pauly Russo, a close friend of Leroy who serves in the same military unit. Mancuso gained fame through his extensive online content on YouTube and social media platforms, later transitioning into film with the romantic comedy Música, which he directed and co-starred in alongside Camila Mendes.
Clara Stack plays Lilly, a young Derry schoolgirl grappling with the recent loss of her father. Stack previously portrayed a young Kate Bishop in a flashback on Disney Plus’s Marvel Hawkeye and appeared in Prime Video’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel as Francesca.
Amanda Christine is cast as Ronnie, a local child who befriends Will and Lilly. Christine has acted from a young age, with credits including A Black Lady Sketch Show and voicing the title character in Netflix’s Ada Twist, Scientist.
Mikkal Karim-Fidler appears as Teddy, another Derry child. Karim-Fidler is an emerging actor with previous roles in the 2023 film Boy in the Walls and the Netflix series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Stephen King IT Prequel Expands Derry’s Dark Legacy
Welcome to Derry digs into the unsettling history of the infamous Maine town, exploring fresh perspectives on the menace lurking beneath its surface. By weaving in new characters alongside familiar faces like Dick Hallorann, the series deepens the King mythos and offers fans a layered narrative that bridges events seen in the IT novels and films with broader aspects of King’s universe.
Director Andy Muschietti, who helmed the successful IT films, leads this latest project, maintaining the atmospheric tension and horror that captivated audiences before. With episodes releasing weekly, viewers can expect escalating suspense as the characters’ lives intertwine with Pennywise’s terrifying presence.
The series promises to have a lasting impact within the horror genre, expanding the world of Stephen King while introducing a fresh cast that embodies the anxiety and dread synonymous with Derry. Fans and newcomers alike are invited to follow this intense exploration of fear and human resilience in an infamous haunted town.
