It: Welcome to Derry on HBO Is a Gory, Addictive Prequel — Scarier Than the Films
It: Welcome to Derry is a TV prequel series connected to the 2017 film It and 2019’s It: Chapter Two. The show is presented episodically on HBO and HBO Max, and the first season is set in 1962. Five episodes were provided for review before broadcast.
Series overview
The series was co-created and produced by Andy Muschietti, who directed both It feature films, with production collaboration from his sister Bárbara Muschietti. Co-showrunners are Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane. The show is a prequel that explores events in Derry before the films’ timelines.
Structure and tone
The season is episodic, which allows for more time to develop characters and the town of Derry. The narrative alternates between two main perspectives: a group of children investigating strange events, and a unit of Black soldiers assigned to locate the threat. Moreover, the series presents scenes that reviewers described as more graphic and disturbing than scenes in the two feature films.
Cast highlights
Key cast and character details reported from the reviewed episodes include:
- Chris Chalke plays Dick Hallorann in his younger years. The character displays early and partially understood telepathic abilities.
- Amanda Christine appears as Ronnie, a child character noted for strong presence in scenes provided for review.
- The Hanlon family includes Taylour Paige as Charlotte, Jovan Adepo as Leroy, and Blake Cameron James as Will.
Story and setting
The first season takes place in 1962. In this timeline, the extradimensional entity known as It begins a new cycle of activity in Derry. Importantly, Pennywise the clown form does not appear immediately; the creature exerts influence and terror through other means before taking that familiar form in later episodes.
The Hanlon family are new arrivals to Derry and serve as audience surrogates in the episodes provided. Meanwhile, the soldiers’ storyline shows how the threat intersects with racial and military contexts of the era. Consequently, the series explores both supernatural and social elements of the town.
Where to watch
The series is being released on HBO and HBO Max. It is not a theatrical release; rather, it is presented as a television series with multiple episodes per season. Five episodes were made available to reviewers in advance of wider broadcast.
