Stephen King’s twisted world of Derry is about to get even darker. HBO Max has confirmed an October 26 release for IT: Welcome to Derry, starring Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise in this chilling prequel.
‘IT: Welcome To Derry’ Gets Release Date At HBO Max

Key Takeaways:
- “IT: Welcome to Derry” is a prequel set in Stephen King’s horror universe
- Bill Skarsgård reprises the role of Pennywise
- HBO Max’s official launch date is October 26
- The series was promoted with the tag, “Everyone’s dying to see it”
- Viewers can expect an expanded look at the terrifying origins of Derry
Introduction
HBO Max has fans on edge with the official release date for IT: Welcome to Derry, the much-anticipated prequel to Stephen King’s iconic horror story, IT. Arriving on October 26, the series teases a deeper exploration of the nightmare-inducing world that first terrorized audiences in King’s classic novel.
Background on ‘IT’
Stephen King’s novel IT introduced readers to Pennywise the clown, a shape-shifting entity that lurks in the town of Derry, Maine. Pennywise quickly became a global pop culture phenomenon, with film adaptations scaring audiences worldwide. Now, this new production promises to reveal the roots of that horrifying legend like never before.
The New Prequel
Bill Skarsgård, who portrayed Pennywise in previous film installments, returns not only to star but also to executive produce. In IT: Welcome to Derry, he once again steps into the oversized clown shoes of one of horror’s most infamous villains, promising fans a deeper dive into the disturbing lore behind Derry’s most bloodcurdling figure.
Official Announcement
The news broke on HBO Max’s X (formerly Twitter) account with a post proclaiming, “Everyone’s dying to see it.” This playful, ominous message captures the energetic marketing push behind the show and reflects the chilling tone of the series itself.
Viewing Details
IT: Welcome to Derry is set to premiere on October 26—just in time to ramp up the Halloween season. For horror enthusiasts, it marks a significant date on the calendar, offering an unsettling but eagerly awaited return to King’s universe.
Conclusion
With Bill Skarsgård reprising his role as Pennywise, and Stephen King’s sinister world serving as a backdrop, IT: Welcome to Derry looks to be a must-watch for fans of the horror genre. As the clock ticks down to its debut, viewers can prepare for a journey back to where the nightmare began—and discover exactly why “everyone’s dying to see it.”