With HBO’s Welcome to Derry, the creators behind the It films are expanding Stephen King’s beloved and terrifying universe. Set in the 1960s, this much-anticipated prequel promises to explore the eerie town of Derry, Maine, before the events of It: Chapter One and delve into the backstory of Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Directed by Andy Muschietti and produced by Barbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs, the series has already stirred up a frenzy among fans and horror aficionados alike. But does it live up to the hype?
This review will dissect the good, the bad, and the downright terrifying elements of Welcome to Derry—with a light dash of satire for your enjoyment, of course. After all, no journey into Derry should be taken too seriously, lest we start seeing red balloons floating ominously nearby.
The Premise: The 1960s Never Looked So Grim
If you thought the 1960s were all peace and love, Welcome to Derry is here to remind you that even the grooviest decades had their dark corners. Set just before the events of It: Chapter One, the show shifts the focus away from the beloved (or traumatized) Losers’ Club to explore the origins of Derry’s most infamous resident—Pennywise.
The show’s creators have taken a big swing with the premise, crafting a narrative that centers around the malevolent force haunting the town. While the exact plot is still tightly under wraps, rumors suggest we’ll learn how Pennywise first arrived in Derry, giving fans the unsettling origin story they never knew they wanted (or, perhaps, dreaded). The backdrop of 1960s small-town America gives the show a vintage vibe, but don’t expect bell-bottoms and flower power. Instead, think more along the lines of Stranger Things meets Mad Men—but with more sewer clowns.
From a plot standpoint, this prequel faces the challenge of creating suspense in a story where viewers already know the outcome. But, in the hands of Muschietti, the tension is in how we get there, not just the destination. After all, the devil—or should we say, the clown—is in the details.
The Return of Pennywise: A Clown for All Seasons
Ah, Pennywise. The clown that launched a thousand nightmares is back, and Bill Skarsgård has returned to slip into those oversized shoes once more. If there’s one thing Welcome to Derry can guarantee, it’s that Pennywise will remain as terrifying as ever. Skarsgård’s portrayal of the killer clown in It: Chapter One and It: Chapter Two earned him critical acclaim and cemented Pennywise as one of the most iconic horror villains in recent memory.
But in Welcome to Derry, we may see a different side of Pennywise—figuratively speaking, of course. There’s only so much emotional depth one can wring out of a demonic entity that preys on children, but early whispers suggest the show will explore the mythology behind Pennywise and his cyclical reign of terror. This could mean delving into Pennywise’s interactions with Derry’s residents, his influence over the town, and—potentially—how he became the dancing clown we all love to fear.
In this case, Pennywise’s origin may take on a new form. Rather than sticking to the well-worn “ancient evil” trope, the showrunners have hinted at the idea that Pennywise’s presence may be more entwined with the town’s dark history than previously thought. Whether or not this will work remains to be seen, but fans are bracing themselves for a deeper dive into the clown’s backstory. You’ve got to wonder, though—do we really need to know what makes Pennywise tick? Maybe some things are better left unsaid.
Derry: The Town With a Thousand Secrets
At the heart of Welcome to Derry is the town itself. Like the haunted Overlook Hotel in The Shining or the gloomy streets of Hawkins in Stranger Things, Derry is more than just a setting—it’s a character in its own right. The show promises to explore the sinister underbelly of this seemingly quaint town, peeling back the layers of civility to reveal the rot beneath.
The series is set to dive into Derry’s 1960s past, shedding light on its peculiar history and the events that led to Pennywise’s reign of terror. What’s intriguing here is the opportunity for the show to expand on the stories that were only hinted at in the films and the novel. Remember those tragic disappearances and violent outbursts that were glossed over in the It movies? Welcome to Derry has the chance to bring them into full, horrific focus.
Expect to see a host of new characters whose fates are tragically intertwined with the town’s cursed legacy. While the original Losers’ Club may not make an appearance (sorry, fans of Finn Wolfhard), the show’s ensemble cast features talented actors like Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, and James Remar. The performances will undoubtedly carry the show as it navigates the fine line between supernatural horror and the more grounded, human tragedies that have long plagued Derry.
However, there’s a risk that Welcome to Derry could fall into the trap of being too self-referential. The It films struck a balance between nostalgia and fresh storytelling, but will a prequel that’s so heavily tied to the original lore feel too much like a retread? Only time will tell.
Aesthetic and Atmosphere: Small-Town Horror, Big-Time Frights
The look and feel of Welcome to Derry will be crucial in setting the tone for the series. Filming in small, isolated towns like Port Hope, Ontario, the production has captured that classic small-town eeriness that It fans have come to expect. If the first teaser is anything to go by, the show will double down on the unsettling atmosphere that made the films so effective.
The aesthetic is a mix of vintage Americana and grim horror—a combination that’s sure to invoke feelings of both nostalgia and dread. Think of it as Leave it to Beaver with a side of existential terror. The production design team has clearly leaned into the town’s idyllic yet creepy charm, and the cinematography will likely play a huge role in making Derry feel as suffocating and claustrophobic as it did in the films.
Visually, Welcome to Derry has all the makings of a horror hit. But atmosphere alone won’t save the show if the narrative doesn’t hold up. Fans will be looking for a story that’s as compelling as it is terrifying, and with so much riding on Pennywise’s backstory, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Verdict: Should You Pack Your Bags for Derry?
At the end of the day, the success of Welcome to Derry will hinge on its ability to offer something new while staying true to the spirit of Stephen King’s original work. If it manages to balance the horror of Pennywise with the human drama of Derry’s residents, it could become a standout prequel that adds depth to the It universe. However, there’s always the risk that it will lean too heavily on familiar tropes or drown in its own mythology.
For fans of the It films, the show will likely be a must-watch, if only to see how the story of Pennywise unfolds. And for newcomers, Welcome to Derry offers a chilling introduction to one of the most frightening fictional towns in horror history.
So, should you book a one-way ticket to Derry? Only if you’re brave enough to face the clown lurking in the sewers. But don’t worry—if Pennywise doesn’t get you, the nostalgia might.
