Fans of Stephen King have reason to celebrate this season. HBO’s upcoming horror series, “Welcome to Derry,” promises to transport viewers back to the haunted town made famous in It. The project is already making headlines as more information emerges about the Welcome to Derry cast, its storyline, and how it connects to one of the most terrifying villains in film history — Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
The series is currently one of HBO’s most anticipated titles, with horror enthusiasts eager to uncover new layers of Derry’s cursed history. Let’s dive into everything confirmed so far about the cast, production, and what viewers can expect when the red balloons rise again.
What Is “Welcome to Derry”?
“Welcome to Derry” serves as a prequel to It: Chapter One and It: Chapter Two, exploring the town’s sinister roots decades before the Losers’ Club faced Pennywise.
Set in the 1960s, the series aims to uncover how Derry’s evil first emerged and why it continues to haunt generations. According to early production notes, the show will blend horror, suspense, and drama, with themes of trauma and collective fear woven throughout the story.
The creative team behind the project includes Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti, who directed the It films. Alongside Jason Fuchs, they’re crafting a multi-layered story that deepens the mythology of Derry while introducing new characters and terrifying moments.
The Welcome to Derry Cast: A Stellar Lineup
One of the biggest reasons fans are buzzing is the Welcome to Derry cast, which features a mix of Hollywood veterans and rising stars.
Here’s a closer look at the main cast:
- Taylour Paige (Zola, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) – Known for her intense, grounded performances, Paige is expected to play a central character investigating Derry’s past.
- Jovan Adepo (Watchmen, Fences) – Adepo brings depth and emotion to every role, making him perfect for a series built on psychological tension.
- Chris Chalk (Perry Mason, Gotham) – Chalk’s dramatic presence suggests his character may hold key information about Derry’s secrets.
- James Remar (Dexter, Oppenheimer) – A seasoned actor often cast in morally complex roles, Remar could portray a figure of authority tied to the town’s eerie history.
- Madeleine Stowe (Revenge, The Last of the Mohicans) – Stowe’s addition brings classic gravitas; she may play a matriarch or historian connected to the town’s origins.
- Stephen Rider (Daredevil, The Resident) – Rider’s character details remain under wraps, but his filmography suggests a moral and emotional backbone within the story.
While the studio hasn’t confirmed whether Bill Skarsgård will reprise his role as Pennywise, rumors persist that he could return in a limited capacity or flashback sequence. Fans, however, remain divided on whether a new actor should take over the chilling role.
Production and Filming Details
Production began in early 2024 in Toronto, Canada, which doubled as Derry, Maine, for both It films. The setting provides the small-town charm and eerie isolation that perfectly matches Stephen King’s vision.
Filming faced a temporary halt during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, but resumed soon after new agreements were reached. As of October 2025, post-production is nearing completion, suggesting that “Welcome to Derry” will likely premiere in early 2026.
The first season is set to feature eight one-hour episodes, each exploring a different facet of the town’s cursed history.
What the Series Will Explore
The Welcome to Derry cast will anchor a story that delves into fear itself — both supernatural and psychological. The series will reveal how the evil presence beneath Derry manipulates its citizens, feeding off their silence and guilt.
Instead of focusing solely on Pennywise, the show will dive deeper into the town’s unsettling traditions and the collective denial that lets horror thrive. Viewers will see how residents struggle with the idea of confronting what truly lurks beneath their streets.
Early interviews suggest the story might include flashbacks to key historical moments in Derry’s past — possibly tying the creature’s origins to early settlers or tragic town events long forgotten.
A Creative Team with a Vision
The Muschiettis have redefined modern horror with It and are now expanding their storytelling through television. Partnering with Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane, the show promises high production values and strong emotional arcs.
Director Andy Muschietti recently shared that the goal is to make “Welcome to Derry” feel cinematic. “We’re not just retelling It — we’re uncovering new layers of fear,” he explained. “Every episode will add something unexpected to the mythology.”
Cinematographer Checco Varese, known for his atmospheric work on Dopesick and It: Chapter Two, brings his signature haunting visuals. Meanwhile, composer Benjamin Wallfisch returns with a chilling score designed to blend nostalgia and dread.
Stephen King’s Approval
Stephen King has publicly supported the project, saying he’s “excited to see where Andy and Barbara take Derry next.” His endorsement reassures fans that the show will remain faithful to his world while exploring new storytelling paths.
King’s stories often focus on small-town secrets and the darkness within ordinary people — and “Welcome to Derry” appears set to continue that theme.
Why Fans Can’t Wait
Horror fans across the United States are eagerly awaiting updates about the series. The combination of a strong cast, familiar creative team, and the rich mythology of It has created massive online buzz.
Social media is filled with speculation about character roles and hidden Easter eggs connecting the show to the It films. On Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), fans are debating whether Pennywise’s origin will tie directly to cosmic horror elements from King’s larger universe.
This steady stream of discussion keeps “Welcome to Derry” trending across fan communities.
Connection to the IT Universe
The It movies, released in 2017 and 2019, became box office juggernauts, earning over $1.1 billion worldwide. Their mix of horror, emotion, and nostalgia struck a chord with audiences.
“Welcome to Derry” is designed to complement those films rather than replicate them. Instead of retelling familiar events, it will explore the psychological and social roots of fear.
Through the eyes of the Welcome to Derry cast, viewers will witness how the town’s residents learned to live with terror — and how their choices shaped Derry’s dark destiny.
The Impact on HBO’s Horror Strategy
HBO has leaned heavily into horror and prestige drama in recent years, with hits like The Last of Us and True Detective: Night Country. “Welcome to Derry” fits perfectly into this evolving lineup.
The series is expected to attract both horror enthusiasts and general audiences who enjoy high-quality storytelling with emotional depth. Analysts predict it could become one of HBO’s biggest genre releases since The Outsider, another Stephen King adaptation.
If successful, the show could lead to spin-offs exploring other corners of King’s interconnected universe.
A Glimpse of Pennywise’s Influence
Even if Pennywise himself appears sparingly, his influence will loom over every episode. From red balloons to eerie sewers, his presence will symbolize Derry’s ongoing nightmare.
The production design team has reportedly reconstructed iconic locations from the films, including the town library, the Neibolt House, and Derry’s storm drains. These visual callbacks will connect the prequel directly to the cinematic universe fans know.
Public Reactions and Expectations
Critics and fans are both expecting “Welcome to Derry” to balance horror with humanity. The show aims to highlight how communities deal with generational trauma — a theme that runs through much of Stephen King’s work.
If executed well, the series could redefine what horror television looks like in the streaming era. HBO’s investment and the cast’s talent suggest this will be more than just another monster story.
Final Thoughts
The Welcome to Derry cast is ready to lead audiences back into Stephen King’s eerie world — where fear is timeless and secrets never stay buried. With its cinematic direction, talented ensemble, and haunting storylines, the series could become one of HBO’s standout hits of 2026.
For longtime King fans, “Welcome to Derry” offers the perfect blend of mystery, nostalgia, and terror. As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: Derry’s history is darker than anyone imagined.
Would you dare visit Derry? Share your thoughts and predictions about the cast and story in the comments below.