The creative team behind HBO's IT: Welcome to Derry is eager to clarify some misconceptions about the iconic killer clown, Pennywise, while also addressing key questions regarding this highly-anticipated spinoff series from the IT movie franchise. As the show gears up for its season premiere this Sunday, here’s everything you need to know about the series.
Welcome to Derry serves as a prequel to the acclaimed IT horror films, taking viewers back to the cursed small town of Derry, Maine, in 1962. This era is significant as it falls in the midst of one of the previous “cycles” of violence attributed to the shape-shifting killer clown, Pennywise. While the cast features an entirely new lineup, fans will be thrilled to see Bill Skarsgård reprise his role as Pennywise.
The talented filmmakers Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti are back in the director's chair, alongside writer Jason Fuchs, who serves as co-showrunner alongside Brad Caleb Kane. As Barbara Muschietti noted, the opening credits sequence for the show is already being hailed as one of the best new series openings of the year. “It took us months to perfect them because Andy is such a stickler for detail,” she shared, emphasizing their commitment to quality.
Adapting a successful movie franchise into a television series, especially within the horror genre, can be fraught with challenges. When asked about potential pitfalls, Andy Muschietti stated, “There was nothing to avoid. We were focused on replicating the emotional impact and tone that resonated with audiences in the films.” Barbara echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that their approach remained consistent with that of the movies, without trying to differentiate it for television.
One intriguing aspect of Welcome to Derry is the strategic decision to minimize Pennywise's presence in the early episodes. “We did ‘less is more’ for half the show but then transitioned to ‘more is more’,” Andy explained. This deliberate pacing builds anticipation and heightens the audience's expectations regarding Pennywise’s eventual appearances. The show aims to keep viewers on edge, making them wonder when and where the clown will strike next.
Barbara highlighted that, as a shape-shifter, Pennywise's presence is felt even when he’s not physically on screen. “We don’t want the audience to become accustomed to Pennywise. His unpredictability is crucial,” she explained. Andy added that a common misconception is that “It” can only manifest as one creature at a time. “It’s part of the lore that he creates illusions and collective creatures, making his character even more complex,” he noted.
Regarding their collaboration with Stephen King, the Muschietti siblings revealed that King provided them with creative freedom. “He didn’t impose any guidelines. Instead, he encouraged us to explore and expand upon his universe,” Andy said. The duo expressed their intention to delve into the hidden narratives within King's work, crafting a story that fills in the gaps and adds depth to the existing lore.
Without giving away any spoilers, it's worth mentioning that the military plays a significant role in Welcome to Derry. The narrative is not solely centered on the terror experienced by children; it also explores the larger context of America during the Cold War. As Andy explained, “Setting the story in 1962, amid the Cuban Missile Crisis, adds a layer of tension and complexity to the plot.”
As the premiere night approaches, the Muschietti siblings are excited to share their vision for Welcome to Derry with audiences. Expect to see a unique blend of horror, nostalgia, and storytelling that honors the legacy of the IT franchise while paving the way for new narratives. More insights from the Muschiettis are anticipated following the show's debut on Sunday night.
