Plans for the HBO Max prequel series Welcome to Derry, which delves into the horrifying mythology of the well-known horror adversary Pennywise the Dancing Clown, have been formally revealed by Warner Bros. Fans will get a new look at the eerie town of Derry and the terrifying clown that has haunted it for decades in this eagerly awaited series, which will broaden the universe Stephen King established in It.

Set in the 1960s, Welcome to Derry promises to explore the earliest sightings of Pennywise, examining how the monstrous figure became embedded in the town’s history of tragedy, fear, and horror. While It already hinted at the cycle of terror every 27 years, Welcome to Derry will delve deeper into the origins and rituals that haunt Derry. With Andy Muschietti, the director of both It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019), helming this series, fans can expect a continuation of the cinematic atmosphere that made Pennywise’s story unforgettable. Jason Fuchs and Barbara Muschietti are also returning, ensuring continuity in the storytelling.

Though Pennywise actor Bill Skarsgård is yet to confirm his involvement, the production team hints that viewers may encounter new interpretations of classic King characters, with a host of fresh faces and a narrative that follows how Derry’s residents grapple with Pennywise’s sinister influence over time. Casting has reportedly already begun for young adults and families central to the series, hinting at an intergenerational story that captures the essence of horror throughout Derry’s cursed history.