Filmmakers Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti are returning to the chilling world of Stephen King’s It with a new prequel series titled It: Welcome to Derry. The upcoming HBO Original series explores the origins of Pennywise the Clown, delving deep into the dark secrets that haunt the small town of Derry, Maine.
Set 27 years before the events of the first It movie, the series serves as both an origin story and a psychological exploration of evil. Speaking about the shift from film to long-form storytelling, Andy said, “Even though we come from film, it’s clear that movies have limitations. A series gives us more time to explore characters emotionally and narratively.”
The show also marks the return of Bill Skarsgård as the terrifying Pennywise. Andy revealed that the idea for the prequel emerged from conversations with Bill during the filming of It Chapter Two. “We were always imagining what the origin of Pennywise might be like. This show allows us to uncover those mysteries,” he explained.
While some fans have drawn comparisons between It: Welcome to Derry and Stranger Things, Andy clarified that his creative inspiration came solely from King’s novel. “I haven’t watched Stranger Things, so comparisons don’t affect me,” he shared. “Our love for the book guided us. What viewers know from the movies is just the surface of a much deeper story.”
Barbara, who has watched and admired Stranger Things, added, “Comparisons don’t help anyone. Our direction was always defined by Stephen King’s book and our earlier films.”
Featuring an ensemble cast including Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Clara Stack, Amanda Christine, Mikkal Karim-Fidler, and Bill Skarsgård, It: Welcome to Derry premieres on JioHotstar in India on October 26.
