As the autumn leaves turn blood-red and Halloween looms just days away, horror enthusiasts worldwide were glued to their screens last night for the spine-tingling debut of Welcome to Derry, the highly anticipated prequel to Stephen King’s iconic IT franchise. Imagine this: a quiet Maine town harboring ancient evils, where children’s laughter turns to screams, and a shape-shifting clown lurks in the shadows. That’s the hook that had millions tuning in on October 26, 2025, as HBO unleashed the first episode of this chilling series, blending celebrity star power with King’s masterful terror. If you’re a fan of Hollywood’s darkest tales, this is the show that’s already buzzing across social media and celebrity circles—proving once again why Welcome to Derry is the horror event of the year.
In a landscape flooded with reboots and spin-offs, Welcome to Derry stands out by diving deep into the origins of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, portrayed once more by the enigmatic Bill Skarsgård. Set in the 1960s, decades before the Losers’ Club faced their fears in the 2017 and 2019 IT films, the series explores the cursed history of Derry, Maine. It’s not just a prequel; it’s a celebrity-driven deep dive into fear, prejudice, and the supernatural forces that feed on them. Directed by Andy Muschietti, the visionary behind the blockbuster IT movies, the show promises to unravel Pennywise’s enigmatic past while introducing a fresh ensemble of stars navigating the town’s horrors.
The Premiere Night Buzz: A Terrifying Launch That Lived Up to the Hype
The first episode, titled “We All Float,” premiered simultaneously on HBO and its streaming platform Max at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, drawing immediate reactions from fans and critics alike. Viewers were thrust into 1962 Derry, where racial tensions simmer amid mysterious child disappearances. The Hanlon family, led by Mike Hanlon’s parents (played by Jovan Adepo and Taylour Paige), moves to the town, only to uncover its sinister underbelly. Adepo, known for his powerful roles in Watchmen and The Leftovers, brings gravitas to the character of Albert Hanlon, a WWII veteran grappling with both human bigotry and otherworldly threats. Paige, fresh off her acclaimed performance in Zola, infuses Ruth Hanlon with a mix of resilience and vulnerability, making their storyline a poignant anchor amid the scares.
Bill Skarsgård‘s return as Pennywise is nothing short of mesmerizing—and terrifying. The Swedish actor, who first embodied the clown in 2017, has spoken in interviews about delving deeper into the entity’s psyche. “Pennywise isn’t just a monster; he’s a reflection of our deepest fears,” Skarsgård told Collider in a recent sit-down. His performance in the premiere episode features subtle shape-shifting moments that had audiences jumping out of their seats. Joining him is a star-studded cast including Chris Chalk (Perry Mason) as a skeptical detective, Madeleine Stowe (Revenge) in a mysterious role tied to Derry’s history, and James Van Der Beek (Dawson’s Creek) as a charismatic but shady town figure. Even Stephen King himself couldn’t contain his excitement, posting on social media that the episode was “amazing” and “terrifying,” a stamp of approval that sent fans into a frenzy.
Cast Spotlights: Hollywood Stars Bring Derry’s Nightmares to Life
What makes Welcome to Derry a must-read for celebrity news junkies? The ensemble is packed with A-listers and rising talents, each bringing their unique flair to King’s universe. Bill Skarsgård, 35, has evolved from his breakthrough in Hemlock Grove to becoming horror royalty. His Pennywise isn’t just makeup and teeth; it’s a psychological tour de force, drawing from real-life inspirations like serial killers and folklore. In an exclusive interview with Variety, Skarsgård revealed how he prepared: “I studied ancient myths and even visited abandoned sewers to capture that eerie essence.”
Taylour Paige, 35, is no stranger to intense roles. After stealing scenes in Boogie and earning buzz for her upcoming projects, she portrays Ruth Hanlon with a fierce maternal instinct. “This role allowed me to explore the intersection of horror and social issues,” Paige shared in a Hollywood Reporter profile. Her chemistry with Jovan Adepo, 37, whose credits include Fences and Babylon, elevates the series beyond jump scares. Adepo, a Tony Award nominee, discussed the challenges of filming in a recent podcast: “Derry feels alive—like the town itself is a character.” Other notables include Aliyah Royale (The Walking Dead: World Beyond) as a young resident caught in the web, and Rudy Mancuso adding comic relief amid the dread.
The supporting cast rounds out with veterans like Stephen Rider (Daredevil) and Thomas Mitchell in pivotal roles. Production delays from the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike pushed filming to wrap in August 2024, but the wait was worth it. Muschietti, reuniting with his IT team, including cinematographer Chung-hoon Chung, crafts visuals that blend 1960s nostalgia with grotesque horror—think sepia-toned streets morphing into blood-soaked nightmares.
Behind the Scenes: Stephen King’s Involvement and Creative Twists
Stephen King, the 78-year-old master of horror whose novel IT has sold over 10 million copies, has been vocal about his approval. In a glowing review, King admitted even he was “mystified” by some of the show’s expansions on Pennywise’s origins, which draw from his book’s lore but add new layers. Co-creator Jason Fuchs responded enthusiastically: “Getting King’s blessing was the highlight of my career.” (Source: Screen Rant). The series, originally planned as a single season, now eyes a potential trilogy, exploring Derry’s cycles of terror every 27 years.
Filming in Toronto doubled for Derry, with practical effects emphasizing Penny Wise’s transformations. Special effects supervisor Shane Zander noted in a behind-the-scenes featurette on HBO’s YouTube channel that they used over 1,000 gallons of fake blood—surpassing the IT films. King’s influence extends to cameos; rumors swirl of Easter eggs referencing his other works like The Shining and Pet Sematary.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Storm
The internet exploded post-premiere. On X (formerly Twitter), fans shared live reactions: “I CAN’T BELIEVE THE FIRST EPISODE… I’M GONNA EXPLODE! I miss Pennywise,” tweeted one user. Another posted, “Welcome to Derry tonight who cheered????” with a celebratory GIF. International viewers lamented regional availability, with one German fan noting, “Just found out that Germany doesn’t even have HBO yet… Instead I gotta subscribe to Sky or WOW.” Hashtags like #WelcomeToDerry trended globally, with celebrities chiming in—Ryan Reynolds retweeted a promo, joking, “Deadpool vs. Pennywise? Sign me up!”
Critics are divided but intrigued. DiscussingFilm called it a “supremely confident step back into King’s cursed town,” praising its relevance to modern fears. CinemaBlend noted strong opinions, with some hailing it as King’s best adaptation since The Shawshank Redemption. (Full review on CinemaBlend.) However, a few early reviews critiqued pacing, though King’s endorsement overshadows the naysayers.
Episode Schedule and Where to Watch
Welcome to Derry Season 1 features eight episodes, releasing weekly on Sundays. Here’s the lineup:
- Episode 1: “We All Float” – October 26, 2025
- Episode 2: TBA – November 2, 2025
- Episode 3: TBA – November 9, 2025
- Episode 4: TBA – November 16, 2025
- Episode 5: TBA – November 23, 2025
- Episode 6: TBA – November 30, 2025
- Episode 7: TBA – December 7, 2025
- Episode 8 (Finale): TBA – December 14, 2025
Stream on Max or watch on HBO cable. Internationally, it’s available on Sky Atlantic in the UK (Mondays at 9 p.m. BST) and other platforms. Catch up on the original IT films on Max for context.
Why Welcome to Derry Is a Game-Changer for Horror and Celebrity News
In an era where Hollywood grapples with diversity and depth, Welcome to Derry tackles themes of racism, homophobia, and isolation—mirroring 1960s America while echoing today’s divides. It’s more than scares; it’s a commentary wrapped in celebrity performances. With potential for Seasons 2 and 3, the series could expand King’s multiverse, perhaps crossing over with other adaptations.
For fans of music and TV crossovers, keep an eye on the soundtrack, featuring eerie 1960s tunes remixed with modern horror scores. Rumors of guest stars like Finn Wolfhard (reprising a young Richie Tozier in flashbacks) add to the excitement.
As Welcome to Derry floats into our nightmares, it’s clear this HBO gem is set to dominate awards season. Whether you’re here for Bill Skarsgård‘s chilling grin or King’s timeless terror, tune in— but don’t forget your red balloon.
