Liputan6.com, Jakarta The supernatural horror series "It: Welcome to Derry" premiered on October 26, 2025, on HBO and Max.
The series takes viewers back to the town of Derry, Maine, in 1962, long before the events involving the Losers' Club.
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It is a deep prequel to the films "It" (2017) and "It Chapter Two" (2019).
Developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, the series explores the origins of the evil entity Pennywise.
The series shows Derry's dark history and the tragedies that shaped the town, including horrific incidents like the arson of The Black Spot.
With eight episodes in its first season, "It: Welcome to Derry" will explore interspersed chapters from Stephen King's original novel.
Revealing Pennywise's Origins in Welcome to Derry
The series "It: Welcome to Derry" is specifically set in 1962, 27 years before the first film.
This provides a broader overview of how Pennywise began to influence and control the town of Derry.
The plot is heavily inspired by "interludes" in Stephen King's novel, which contain Mike Hanlon's account of Derry's catastrophic history.
One of the key events highlighted is the arson of The Black Spot, a nightclub frequented by Black soldiers.
This tragic incident, which happened in 1962, is implied to be part of Pennywise's evil influence.
The series will also focus on the Hanlon family, including Leroy Hanlon (Jovan Adepo), an Air Force Major who has recently moved to Derry.
Furthermore, "It: Welcome to Derry" introduce a new group of children who will become protagonists in facing the horrors.
Welcome to Derry: Casts and Production
Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
The series also features a talented cast, including Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon and Taylour Paige as his wife, Charlotte Hanlon.
Chris Chalk also joins the cast as Dick Hallorann, a community leader with psychic abilities.
James Remar will play General Shaw, a longtime Derry figure involved in a secret project.
Stephen Rider as Hank Grogan and Madeleine Stowe as a recurring guest star also add depth to the story.
Rudy Mancuso, Matilda Lawler, Amanda Christine, Clara Stack, Blake Cameron James, and Mikkal Karim-Fidler round out the cast of children who will face Pennywise in "It: Welcome to Derry."
Production on "It: Welcome to Derry" began with development by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, along with Jason Fuchs, in March 2022.
The series was greenlit in February 2023, with Andy Muschietti directing the first few episodes.
Principal photography was halted due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, but completed in August 2024, before the official teaser and trailer were released in May and September 2025, respectively.
Welcome to Derry: A Mix of Praise and Criticism
Following its October 26, 2025 premiere, "It: Welcome to Derry" has received mixed to positive reviews from critics.
The series holds an 77% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 56% score on Metacritic, based on 15 published reviews.
Many critics praised the show's surprising and inventive scares, by highlighting the film's grim atmosphere, striking cinematography, and production design.
Bill Skarsgård's performance as Pennywise was also called "inhuman as ever" and remains a true horror.
"It: Welcome to Derry" was also praised for expanding horror themes to address social issues such as racism and psychological trauma.
However, some critics felt the plot was unfocused and the cast was too large, making the narrative feel fragmented.
The reliance on CGI effects for certain scares was considered less effective than more subtle horror.
Furthermore, there were concerns about the lack of genuine suspense and underdeveloped characters, which made it difficult for viewers to care about their fates in "It: Welcome to Derry."