The highly anticipated prequel series to Stephen King's iconic "It," titled "Welcome to Derry," has unveiled its first trailer, offering a chilling glimpse into the origins of Pennywise and the dark secrets of Derry, Maine. The series promises to weave in connections to other beloved tales within the Stephen King multiverse. Directed by Andy Muschietti, who helmed the "It" films, the series is set to premiere on HBO Max on October 26, 2025.
The trailer is replete with "Easter eggs" that firmly anchor the series within King's expansive literary world. A notable inclusion is a bus marked "Shawshank State Prison," a direct nod to "The Shawshank Redemption," a prison that was also referenced in King's "It" novel. Fans will also recognize a young Dick Hallorann, portrayed by Chris Chalk. Hallorann, a key figure from "The Shining," is depicted as the head chef at the Overlook Hotel, possessing psychic abilities. His presence in "Welcome to Derry" suggests a more profound exploration of his past and his potential connections to the events in Derry.
Further enriching the narrative, the series delves into the arrival of Pennywise itself. The trailer features a meteor crashing to Earth, aligning with the depiction of Pennywise's arrival in King's novel. Additionally, a black-and-white photograph reveals Bob Gray, one of Pennywise's human aliases, hinting at the multifaceted nature of the entity. The series centers on the Hanlon family as they settle in Derry during the 1960s, only to uncover the town's sinister underbelly and a disturbing pattern of missing children. This narrative framework promises to explore the cyclical nature of terror that defines Derry.
Beyond the immediate "It" lore, "Welcome to Derry" is poised to expand the Stephen King universe by hinting at connections to "The Dark Tower" series. Director Andy Muschietti has indicated that the show will open a window to the "macroverse," suggesting that the events in Derry are intrinsically linked to the larger cosmic framework of King's work. The eight-episode season is expected to delve deeply into the origins of Pennywise and the unsettling, enduring history of Derry, offering a comprehensive look at the malevolent force that has plagued the town for centuries.