When HBO announced its plans for an 'It' prequel series, fans were both thrilled and puzzled. Why revisit the chilling tale of Pennywise, the ancient evil that haunts the town of Derry? But here's the twist: there’s far more to uncover than you’d expect. At New York Comic Con, the creators of It: Welcome to Derry revealed that this isn’t just another cash grab—it’s a deeply thought-out exploration of Stephen King’s universe. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the clown; it’s about the town, its history, and the secrets buried beneath its streets.
Led by producers Andy and Barbara Muschietti, along with showrunners Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane, the series promises to be a game-changer. During the NYCC panel, the team dropped hints about what makes this prequel stand out. For starters, it’s set in 1962, decades before the events of the original films, and it’s not just a rehash of the movies. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the series will feature familiar faces like Mike Hanlon and introduce characters like Chris Chalk’s Dick Hallorann (straight from King’s novel), it also takes bold creative liberties. Is this staying true to the source material, or is it straying too far? That’s for fans to debate.
One of the most intriguing aspects is the series’ structure. Each season is designed to span one of Pennywise’s 27-year cycles, offering a unique, time-jumping narrative. Andy Muschietti hinted that the story is told backward, unraveling the origins of Pennywise in a way that’s both mysterious and deliberate. Why backward? That’s a secret—for now. But it’s clear the creators are playing the long game, building anticipation like Spielberg did with Jaws. Pennywise won’t appear in full clown form until later in the season, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
The series also delves into unexplored corners of King’s world. Kimberly Guerrero’s character, Rose, an Indigenous woman, adds a fresh perspective to the story. And this is the part most people miss: Rose is a direct descendant of the first Losers Club—a group of Indigenous kids who fought Pennywise long before the events of the movies. This ties directly into Stephen King’s cameo in It: Chapter Two, where he appears in a store called ‘Secondhand Rose.’ Coincidence? Hardly. It’s a clever nod to the deeper lore of Derry.
But not everything is predictable. While the series will feature ancestral characters like Jovan Adepo’s Leroy Hanlon and Taylour Paige’s Charlotte Hanlon (Mike’s grandparents), it’s packed with Easter eggs that even diehard fans might miss. And the connections to the movies? They’re there, but they’re not always obvious. The series is as much about filling in the blanks as it is about creating something entirely new.
Here’s the bold question: Is It: Welcome to Derry a necessary addition to the franchise, or is it overreaching? The creators argue it’s the former, but only time will tell. One thing’s for sure: this series isn’t afraid to take risks. By hiding Pennywise until the perfect moment and weaving a complex, backward-told narrative, it’s setting itself apart from typical prequels. Will it pay off? We’ll find out when it premieres on HBO and HBO Max on October 26, 2025.
What do you think? Is this prequel a genius expansion of King’s universe, or is it a step too far? Let us know in the comments!
