Pennywise Gets Even Scarier: First Look at His New Form in ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’
Horror fans, get ready: Pennywise is coming back, and he’s scarier than ever. HBO is set to release It: Welcome to Derry, a new supernatural horror series based on Stephen King’s classic novel It. The show will serve as a prequel to the 2017 and 2019 It films and is scheduled to premiere in October 2025 with nine episodes, according to HBO.
The series is being developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, the same team behind the It movies.
Bill Skarsgård is reprising his role as Pennywise the Clown, and he will be joined by actors Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, James Remar, and Stephen Rider. Fans of the films can also expect to see Madeleine Stowe and Rudy Mancuso in supporting roles.
It: Welcome to Derry takes place in 1962. A family moves to Derry, Maine, just as a young boy disappears, and soon strange and terrifying events start to unfold in the town. The series will explore the history of Derry, giving viewers a deeper look at the setting behind the horror of Stephen King’s novel. According to reports, the show is planned as a three-season project, with future seasons set in 1935 and 1908.
You’ll love Derry so much, you’ll never leave.#ITWelcomeToDerry premieres October 2025 on HBO Max. pic.twitter.com/ptRIpC2Emg
— HBO Max (@hbomax) July 27, 2025
One big question leading up to the series was whether Bill Skarsgård would return as Pennywise. Skarsgård had stayed quiet about his involvement, but it was later confirmed that he would be reprising the role. Fans of the films can also look forward to a fresh look for the iconic clown.
Funko POP News! recently revealed new merchandise tied to It: Welcome to Derry. Among the new figures, two feature Pennywise in his classic clown form, complete with his old wagon. Another figure shows the Bob Gray human form from It Chapter Two. But the most striking design is called Skeleton Man. This terrifying new look has sharp claws, a missing nose, and a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth.
OOB Glams ~ pic.twitter.com/TLFLtC364o
— Funko POP News ! (@FunkoPOPsNews) August 12, 2025
It: Welcome to Derry promises to deliver all the suspense and horror fans loved in the films while diving deeper into Derry’s dark past. With its mix of familiar faces, new characters, and Pennywise’s frightening new design, the series is shaping up to be a must-watch for horror fans this fall.
HBO has confirmed that the series will stream on their platform, giving fans worldwide the chance to experience the terror of Pennywise and the mysteries of Derry when the show debuts in October 2025.
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