Fans of horror have been waiting with bated breath for the return of one of the most terrifying villains in modern cinema—Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The upcoming series It: Welcome to Derry has finally dropped its first full-length trailer, and it promises to dive even deeper into the unsettling origins of the evil force that has haunted generations. Set decades before the events of the blockbuster It movies, this new series is designed to expand the chilling mythology of Derry, Maine, and its infamous resident monster.
The Return of Pennywise
The highlight of the trailer is undoubtedly the reintroduction of Bill Skarsgård in his iconic role as Pennywise. Skarsgård’s chilling performance in It Chapter One (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019) cemented him as one of the most memorable horror villains of the decade. His return signals that the series isn’t just a side story—it’s a full-fledged prequel that will carry the same intensity and fear as the films.
Pennywise is seen lurking once again in the shadows, waiting for unsuspecting victims. His eerie laugh, sinister grin, and predatory presence remind viewers why the character remains so haunting, even years after his last appearance on the big screen.
A New Family Enters Derry
The trailer introduces viewers to the Hanlons, a military family hoping for a fresh start in the quiet town of Derry, Maine. At first glance, Derry seems like the perfect small town—peaceful streets, friendly neighbors, and a welcoming community. But as fans know, Derry is anything but ordinary.
The Hanlons soon discover that the town holds dark secrets. Dozens of residents—mostly children—have gone missing over the years, their disappearances never fully explained. The family quickly realizes that something sinister lurks beneath the surface, and it isn’t long before Pennywise makes his presence known.
Teenagers vs. Terror
Much like the original films, It: Welcome to Derry places young teenagers at the heart of the story. The series explores how this group of kids must confront their deepest fears while facing an evil that thrives on consuming them.
The trailer hints at moments of camaraderie and bravery, echoing the themes of friendship and resilience that Stephen King embedded in his original novel. However, it also teases the terrifying challenges they will endure—hallucinations, supernatural hauntings, and the ever-looming threat of Pennywise himself.
A Story Set Decades Earlier
What makes It: Welcome to Derry particularly intriguing is its timeline. The story is set roughly thirty years before the events of It Chapter One. This timeline allows the series to dive into the history of the town, uncovering the origins of Pennywise’s terror and how Derry became a breeding ground for such evil.
Fans of Stephen King’s original novel know that Derry has always been cursed, plagued by violence and unexplained tragedies spanning generations. By setting the series decades earlier, the creators have the opportunity to explore the cyclical nature of Pennywise’s reign of fear. This expansion into Derry’s past provides not only context but also a richer and more horrifying backstory.
The Creative Team Behind the Series
It: Welcome to Derry comes from director Andy Muschietti, the visionary filmmaker behind the two modern It films. Muschietti’s ability to balance emotional storytelling with gut-wrenching scares made the films critical and commercial successes. With him steering this project, fans can expect a seamless continuation of the It universe.
Skarsgård’s return as Pennywise is a huge win for the series. His unnerving performance set a new standard for horror villains, blending physicality, psychological menace, and that unforgettable smile. Alongside him, the cast features a mix of well-known and rising stars, including Madeleine Stowe, Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, and Rudy Mancuso.
This diverse lineup ensures a fresh perspective while also promising strong performances that will anchor the story.
Themes of Fear and Trauma
At its core, the It universe has always been about more than just a scary clown. It’s about the nature of fear, childhood trauma, and the way communities allow evil to thrive when they turn a blind eye.
The prequel series looks poised to explore these themes in even more depth. By focusing on the Hanlon family and other residents of Derry, the show will likely dig into how ordinary people cope when confronted with extraordinary terror. It will also shed light on how Pennywise manipulates and exploits human weakness to sustain his power.
Release Date and Platform
Horror fans won’t have to wait long to revisit the nightmare. It: Welcome to Derry is set to premiere on October 26 on the HBO Max streaming service. The release date is perfectly timed to coincide with the Halloween season, making it an ideal choice for viewers looking for spine-chilling entertainment.
With its eerie visuals, unsettling score, and powerful performances, the trailer has already generated massive excitement among fans. The series looks to be a must-watch event for anyone who enjoys horror, suspense, and supernatural storytelling.
Why This Series Matters
Prequels can be tricky, but It: Welcome to Derry has several factors working in its favor. First, it expands upon a story that is already beloved worldwide. Stephen King’s It has terrified readers for decades, and the recent films reintroduced the horror to a new generation. Second, with Muschietti and Skarsgård involved, fans can be confident that the series will remain faithful to the tone and terror of its predecessors.
Perhaps most importantly, the show offers a chance to dive deeper into the lore of Derry itself. By learning more about the town’s cursed history, fans gain a greater appreciation for why Pennywise’s evil persists and how it shapes the lives of those who dare to live there.