“This ain’t America… This is Derry.”
Welcome to Derry, HBO’s prequel series to the hugely successful It movies, has officially wrapped filming.
To celebrate this milestone, streaming service Max gifted us with some “first-look” footage in a 2025 sizzle reel, premiering at the conclusion of House of the Dragon’s second season.
Featuring a sneak peek at most of the streaming service’s upcoming slate, it was the few frames from Welcome to Derry that got everyone talking.
Beginning with the ominous piece of dialogue listed above, we then see a few quick shots from the series. This includes the titular “Welcome to Derry” sign, proudly proclaiming the Maine town as “the birthplace of Paul Bunyan.” Fans of It will recall a large statue of Bunyan played a significant role in a stand-out sequence during It: Chapter 2.
Next, we see a few characters looking horrified, which doesn’t serve to give much away. However, the final shot has intrigued fans, as it shows a character staring ominously out a window. We do not see what they’re looking at, however, the character appears to be aping Pennywise’s iconic smile.
On that subject, the filmmakers are keeping the killer clown hidden for now, but we have no doubt Bill Skarsgard will take centre stage when marketing ramps up.
In addition to Skarsgard, Welcome to Derry will star Rudy Mancuso, James Remar, Madeleine Stow, Taylour Page, and Chad Rock.
It director Andy Muschietti has returned to helm 4 of the series’ 8 episodes, as well as producing alongside his wife Barbara.
No official premiere date for the series has been issued yet, with HBO and Max only promising a 2025 release. Undoubtedly, more promotional material will surface very soon, so stay tuned.
You can check out the brief teaser below:
