HBO's It: Welcome to Derry Prequel Series Prepares October Premiere with Stephen King's Support

The HBO Max series "It: Welcome to Derry" is a highly anticipated prequel to Stephen King's iconic "It," premiering on October 26. Creators Andy and Barbara Muschietti have chosen to delay the appearance of Pennywise the clown in the first half of the show to build suspense and challenge the notion that "It" is only one creature, emphasizing the entity's collective and shape-shifting nature. The series explores untold stories and the dark history of Derry, Maine, filling in gaps left by King's original novel, with the blessing and enthusiasm of King himself, who encouraged the creators to expand on his work without imposing restrictions. Actors from the series highlight its deeper themes of connection, trust, and vulnerability, moving beyond a simple horror narrative to explore the humanity within the story. The Muschettis aim to tell the history of Derry in reverse across seasons, promising a comprehensive and definitive portrayal of the town's sinister past. The cast and creators express excitement about the project, with King’s support seen as a key endorsement of their creative direction.