It Welcome to Derry Release Date Confirmed for Halloween 25 Season

The prequel to the blockbuster “It” films finally has a premiere date. HBO has officially scheduled “It: Welcome to Derry” for an October 2025 debut. The series will explore the terrifying origins of Pennywise the Clown.

This announcement confirms the long-awaited return to Stephen King’s haunted town. According to HBO, the show will serve as a direct prequel to the recent two-part film adaptation.

Global Release Schedule for Horror Series

The first episode arrives on Monday, October 26, 2025. It will premiere at 9:00 PM Eastern Time on HBO and stream simultaneously on Max. This strategic release places the show directly in the Halloween programming window.

International viewers will get the episode on October 27 due to time zones. Key global release times include 2:00 AM BST in the UK and 6:30 AM IST in India. This global rollout mirrors the strategy used for other major HBO series like “House of the Dragon.”

Expanding the Stephen King Universe

The series aims to delve deeper into the mythology only hinted at in the films. Expect a slower-burn horror experience that builds the atmosphere of Derry, Maine. The show will explore the ancient evil behind Pennywise’s presence.

New characters and gruesome town history will take center stage. This approach allows for a richer narrative than the films could contain. Fans anticipate a darker and more detailed look at the entity’s long reign of terror.

The series promises to be a cornerstone of Halloween 2025, finally revealing the early nightmares of Derry before the Losers’ Club ever arrived.

Dropping this nugget your way-

Is “It: Welcome to Derry” a prequel to the movies?

Yes, the series is a direct prequel to the “It Chapter One” and “It Chapter Two” films. It will explore events that happened in Derry long before the Losers’ Club faced Pennywise. The story is set in the 1960s, predating the first film.

Will Bill Skarsgård return as Pennywise?

Yes, Bill Skarsgård is confirmed to reprise his iconic role as the shape-shifting Pennywise. His involvement was a key factor in greenlighting the television series. He will also serve as an executive producer on the project.

How many episodes will the first season have?

The first season of “It: Welcome to Derry” is planned for nine episodes. This extended format allows for deeper character development and world-building. The episode count was confirmed in a report by Variety.

Is the series based on a specific Stephen King book?

The series is not directly adapted from a single book. It is an original story that expands upon the lore and history presented in King’s novel. The showrunners are working closely with the author to ensure authenticity.

Who are the new characters in the series?

The cast includes Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, and Chris Chalk as new residents of Derry. Their characters will uncover the town’s dark secrets. Their stories will intertwine with the awakening of the ancient evil.

Trusted Sources: HBO, Warner Bros. Television, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter