The terrifying world of Stephen King’s IT is expanding to the small screen with the prequel series Welcome to Derry. This new chapter promises to be as scary as its big-screen counterpart while delving deeper into the characters at the heart of the story.
“Welcome to Derry” serves as a prequel to the chilling two-part film adaptation directed by Andy Muschietti. The series transports viewers back to the town of Derry, Maine, in the 1960s – two decades before the events of IT: Chapter One. While plot details remain tightly under wraps, rumors suggest the series explores the origins of Pennywise, the nightmarish entity that feasts on children every twenty-seven years.
Director Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour, known for his work on the incredible FX series Shōgun, is at the helm of several episodes, including the pilot. Muschietti serves as an executive producer, ensuring the series stays true to the established vision. Osei-Kuffour has hinted that fans can expect a show that prioritizes scares but with a surprising amount of character development. He describes the series as “character-driven,” suggesting a focus on the human stories woven into the fabric of the horror.
Osei-Kuffour teases details, “It’s more about the characters, it’s very, very character-driven.” He added, “I’ve enjoyed preparing for that show, and I think audiences will be as scared as they are in the original movies, and Andy Muschietti’s handprints are all over this series… all about emotion, and character.”
Stars include Jovan Adepo (“Watchmen”) and Chris Chalk (Godzilla vs Kong). Taylour Paige (Zola), Dexter‘s James Remar, Daredevil‘s Stephen Rider, and Madeleine Stowe (“12 Monkeys”).
Filming for “Welcome to Derry” began in May 2023 under the working title “Fairview.” However, it faced a temporary setback due to the strike. Filming resumed in January 2024 and is expected to wrap by the end of June. While a release date hasn’t been announced yet, the future looks bright for fans eager to return to the chilling world of Pennywise.
The world of Stephen King continues to expand, with “Welcome to Derry” and adaptations of Salem’s Lot, The Monkey, and Holly coming out soon.
