Based on the iconic 1986 novel by Stephen King, HBO’s “It: Welcome to Derry” serves as a prequel to the critically acclaimed 2017 and 2019 films. Created by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, this intricate psychological horror series masterfully blends history, the supernatural, and race relations, all while evoking intense fear. The show delves into the origins of the monstrous Pennywise the Clown, portrayed by Bill Skarsgård, mirroring his terrifying presence in the films. Although set in the past, the themes resonate profoundly in today’s society.
“It: Welcome to Derry” opens on a chilling January day in 1962 in Derry, Maine. The story begins with a 12-year-old boy named Miles Ekhardt, who finds himself ejected from a movie theater for entering without payment. Struggling with the harshness of his abusive home life, he clutches his emotional support pacifier while trying to hitchhike out of town. His journey takes a dark turn when an unassuming couple stops to pick him up, and he quickly senses that something is profoundly wrong, leaving him trapped in a terrifying situation.
Four months later, U.S. Air Force Major Leroy Hanlon, played by Jovan Adepo, arrives in Derry for his latest assignment. Eagerly awaiting the arrival of his wife, Charlotte (played by Taylour Paige), and their 12-year-old son, Will (portrayed by Blake James), Leroy settles into the barracks. However, he soon encounters a less-than-warm welcome from some of his comrades. Although Leroy is no stranger to racism, he feels the unique oddities of this Air Force base, including restricted areas that intrude upon sacred Indigenous grounds. Furthermore, he notices the unusual privileges granted to fellow airman Dick Hallorann (played by Chris Chalk) regarding access to the highly ranked General Shaw (brought to life by James Remar).
Meanwhile, at Derry High School, Lilly (portrayed by Clara Stack) has returned from a stay at Juniper Hill asylum, only to find herself ostracized. She shares this isolation with her classmate Ronnie (played by Amanda Christine), whose father, Hank (brought to life by Stephen Rider), is wrongfully blamed for the mysterious disappearance of the boy from four months earlier. In a bid for normalcy and to clear her father's name, Lilly teams up with Ronnie and their classmates, Phil (played by Jack Molloy) and Teddy (portrayed by Mikkal Karim-Fidler), embarking on a harrowing journey to uncover the truth behind that fateful snowy evening.
The younger cast of “It: Welcome to Derry” delivers outstanding performances, effectively exploring how evil seeps into and transforms the lives of children. Stack’s portrayal of Lilly stands out as she grapples with the traumatic loss of her father while striving to protect her friends from similar fates. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the eight-episode season is rich with eerie elements and unsettling parallels to contemporary issues, including racism and societal neglect.
The series poignantly illustrates the narrow-mindedness of adults who often fail to understand the struggles of children until forced to confront them. While the theme of childhood innocence remains central, “It: Welcome to Derry” expands to address the haunting realities of the American experience, including abuse, racism, psychological trauma, and the infringement on Indigenous lands. This prequel not only explores the emergence of Pennywise but also highlights the horrifying aspects of human nature.
“It: Welcome to Derry” is set to premiere on October 26 on HBO and HBO Max at 9 p.m. ET, with new episodes airing weekly on Sundays. This series promises to deliver a gripping narrative that resonates deeply with audiences, making it a must-watch for fans of psychological horror and those intrigued by the complexities of human nature.
