IT prequel TV show: Welcome to Derry plot, release date, cast, and more

Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise in It Chapter 1Warner Bros.

The popular horror franchise IT is getting a prequel TV series, so here’s everything we know about the upcoming show, Welcome to Derry, including the release date, plot, cast, and trailer updates.

Author Stephen King first released his novel It back in 1986. Since then, the story of Pennywise the clown has become one of the most well-known horror narratives of all time.

The character was first brought to the big screen in 1990. More recently, however, It was rebooted and met with both critical and commercial success with the two films It: Chapter 1 and It: Chapter 2.

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And while a third film is still yet to be announced, we do know that a prequel spin-off TV series is currently in the works. Without further ado, here are all the details we know so far about the prequel series.

Contents:

Welcome to Derry release date: When is it coming out?

While there’s no specific release date for the It prequel series Welcome to Derry, we do know it will debut at some point in 2024.

The news was shared at a press event on 12 April, 2023, during the announcement that HBO Max has relaunched as Max, which will consolidate the streaming platform’s library with Discovery+ content following the Warner Bros. Discovery merger.

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That’s quite a large window, although we’ll no doubt get a more concrete date in the coming months – we’ll be sure to keep this section updated as and when new information comes in.

Welcome to Derry plot: What’s it about?

It was reported by Variety that Welcome to Derry will take place in the 1960s and lead up to the events of IT: Chapter 1. The show is also reportedly going to focus on the origins of Pennywise the clown and how he came to be and torment the town and its inhabitants.

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Other than this, no concrete details about the plot have been released. We’ll be sure to update this section when more information is made available. The show is set to release on HBO Max’s rebranded streaming platform Max.

Welcome to Derry cast: Who’s in it?

While character details are being kept under wraps, in April 2023, HBO Max added four cast members to the ranks.

According to Variety, Zola star Taylour Paige, Watchmen’s Jovan Adepo, Perry Mason actor Chris Chalk, and James Remar of Dexter fame have all joined the cast.

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Although there are no character details right now, given that the show will be set before the events of the first It film, it is unlikely that we will see any of the original Losers Club making a return. And while we’re still no closer to finding out who’s going to be playing the grimacing villain Pennywise, there are rumors Bill Skarsgård will be back to reprise his role.

As for who’s behind the scenes, the show – which began production in March 2022 – will be executive-produced by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs. Andy Muschietti has much experience with the franchise having directed the 2017 and 2019 films IT: Chapter 1 and IT: Chapter 2.

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As well as this, it was confirmed that Jason Fuchs will serve as a co-showrunner for the project alongside Brad Caleb Kane.

Welcome To Derry: Is there a trailer?

Unfortunately, Welcome to Derry has no trailers or image stills yet. Given it is still in early production, it is unlikely that we’ll see any footage of the IT prequel TV show for some time.

However, be sure to check back here at a later date for all the latest news and details for the upcoming IT prequel series. For more TV & Movie news, check out Dexerto’s hubs below for all the latest on some of the industry’s biggest upcoming projects.

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