Summary
TheITfilms are two of the most iconic horror movies of the past decade, thanks to Stephen King’s terrifying Killer Clown. WhileIT: Chapter OneandIT: Chapter Twoclosed the book on the original story, a new HBO series,IT: Welcome to Derry,is a prequel set to provide more details on the chilling history of Derry, and one of the main stars of the series has teased thatit will not be an easy viewing experience.
IT: Welcome to Derrycomes from the same developers of the movies, Andy and Barbara Muschietti. Thehorrorstory takes place in Derry, Maine, in the 1960s, 27 years before Pennywise’s rise inIT: Chapter One. The series features an all-new cast (although some characters may harborconnections to those in otherITstories), including Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, James Remar, and Stephen Rider. Bill Skarsgard is also set to reprise his role as the titular IT, aka Pennywise.
Bill Skarsgard Teases IT Prequel Series
Skarsgard recently spoke to Josh Horowitz on theHappy, Sad, Confused podcastwhere he revealed he thought hewas done with his role as Pennywiseuntil he learned the Muschiettis were involved inIT: Welcome to Derry.After agreeing to return he also boarded the series as an executive producer. “We got to explore parts of Pennywise that we haven’t seen,” Skarsgard revealed, adding he was eager for audiences to see what the series has cooked up. The actor was also quick to deny any idea thatIt: Welcome to Derrywould be toned down for TV, saying “It’s pretty hardcore.”
BothITfilms were rated R in the USA for their strong violence and disturbing imagery. WithIT: Welcome to Derryairing on HBO, it seems that the series will be pushing into darker and more gruesome territory as the premium cable channel allows. As for the unseen parts of Pennywise that Skarsgard hinted at, it’s been speculated thatIt: Welcome to Derrywill explore theorigin story of the evil entity. The origins ofITin Stephen King’s novels are murky, but it is believed to have formed in a far-off universe known as the Macroverse. The prequel series may clear up some of the history around IT’s creation, perhaps even alluding to its enemy, the Turtle. Whatever the case, one thing that seems clear is thatIT: Welcome to Derrywill continue to push the boundaries of horror featuring the dancing clown.
The exact plot details for theITprequel series are still fairly thin on the ground. However, it has been confirmed the series willexplore the Black Spot incident, which is a tragic event Mike Hanlon’s father experienced involving a white supremacy group known as the Maine Legion of White Decency. “Every 27 years when IT appears, It’s cycle is marked by two catastrophic events, one at the beginning and one in the end. We are using the Black Spot as an event in which many stories are built around,” the Muschiettis toldEntertainment Weeklyearlier in the year.IT: Welcome to Derryis targeting a 2025 release date so more plot details and footage can be expected soon.
It Chapter Two
Join the Losers' Club as they return to Derry in It Chapter Two to confront the terrifying Pennywise once and for all. Packed with spine-chilling scares, compelling characters, and immersive visuals, this Blu-ray edition brings the chilling conclusion to Stephen King’s epic tale right into your living room. This set is packed with extra features, including multiple documentaries, director commentary, and featurettes.
