HBO Max has unveiled the official trailer for IT: Welcome to Derry, and it’s a chilling invitation to revisit one of horror’s most cursed towns. Set to premiere on October 26, this prequel series dives deep into the origins of Pennywise and the sinister history of Derry, Maine. For fans of Stephen King, the trailer offers a rich tapestry of lore, dread, and interconnected storytelling that promises to expand the mythos far beyond the sewer grate.
A Town That Never Lets You Leave
“You were never meant to leave.” The trailer opens with this ominous line, immediately establishing Derry as more than just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing entity. The town’s malevolence pulses through every frame, from the flickering streetlights to the decaying infrastructure. This isn’t just a story about a clown; it’s about a place infected by something ancient and insidious.
Familiar locations return: the sewer system, shadowy alleyways, and the unmistakable Shawshank State Prison. The inclusion of Shawshank is more than a nod—it’s a signal that HBO is embracing the broader Stephen King universe, weaving together threads from multiple stories into one cohesive nightmare.
A Timeline of Terror
One of the most intriguing aspects of the trailer is the series’ structure. According to fan theories and comments, each season will jump back 27 years, tracing Pennywise’s reign through different historical periods:
- Season 1 (1962): The burning of the Black Spot, a racially motivated attack that reflects the town’s deep-seated hatred.
- Season 2 (1935): The Bradley Gang shooting, a violent episode that underscores Derry’s lawlessness.
- Season 3 (1908): The Kitchener Ironworks explosion, a tragedy that hints at the town’s cursed foundations.
This approach allows the show to explore not just supernatural horror, but the real-world evils that feed it. By anchoring each season in a specific historical context, Welcome to Derry promises to be as socially resonant as it is terrifying.
Pennywise Returns
While it’s not confirmed whether Bill Skarsgård will reprise his role, the trailer suggests a similar portrayal—feral, unpredictable, and deeply unsettling. Pennywise appears only briefly, but those glimpses are enough: glowing eyes in the dark, a twisted grin, and the ever-present red balloon.
Fans are already comparing Skarsgård’s interpretation to Tim Curry’s iconic performance in the 1990 miniseries. One viewer commented that Curry made them fear clowns as a child, but Skarsgård’s “rabid animal” take is even more disturbing. It’s a testament to how Pennywise evolves with each generation, always familiar yet freshly horrifying.
The King-Verse Expands
The trailer is packed with references to other Stephen King stories. Hallorann from The Shining makes an appearance, Shawshank Prison looms in the background, and there are hints of The Mist. This isn’t just fan service—it’s deliberate world-building. HBO seems intent on creating a Stephen King universe that rivals other cinematic franchises, but with a darker, more psychological edge.
One fan theorized that Welcome to Derry could be the Derry equivalent of Castle Rock, but with tighter storytelling and a clearer focus. If the trailer is any indication, this series will be more than just a horror show—it will be a narrative web connecting King’s most iconic tales.
Visuals and Atmosphere
The cinematography is striking. Sepia tones dominate the flashbacks, giving them a dreamlike, almost haunted quality. Present-day scenes are drenched in shadow, with tight framing that evokes claustrophobia and unease. Every shot feels meticulously crafted to evoke dread.
Sound design plays a crucial role. Menacing laughter echoes throughout the trailer, layered with whispers and distant screams. It’s not just what you see—it’s what you hear, and what you imagine. The horror lies in the spaces between the visuals, in the suggestion of something lurking just out of frame.
No Heroes, No Hope
Unlike the IT films, which centered around the Losers Club and their eventual triumph, Welcome to Derry offers no such comfort. This is a prequel. There are no heroes, no final confrontation—just fear, isolation, and inevitable doom.
One viewer summed it up succinctly: “This is gonna be a bloodbath. Those kids are absolutely screwed.” It’s a grim promise, but one that horror fans will appreciate. The stakes are higher when hope is absent, and in Derry, hope is just another illusion.
Horror with Purpose
Welcome to Derry isn’t just another horror series. It’s a meditation on cyclical violence, buried trauma, and the monsters we refuse to confront. Pennywise is more than a clown—he’s a metaphor for everything we fear but won’t face.
By exploring different eras, the show can tackle racism, corruption, war, and more—all through the lens of supernatural horror. It’s ambitious, but necessary. Horror has always been a mirror, and Welcome to Derry seems poised to reflect some uncomfortable truths.
Final Thoughts
The trailer for IT: Welcome to Derry is a masterclass in horror storytelling. It teases without revealing, evokes without overwhelming, and promises a journey into darkness that few will forget. For longtime fans of Stephen King, it’s a thrilling expansion of familiar lore. For newcomers, it’s an invitation to explore a world where fear is eternal and evil never sleeps.
As October 26 approaches, one thing is certain: Derry is calling. And this time, we’re not just visiting—we’re staying. The clown is back, and he’s hungrier than ever.
