🎬 IT: Welcome to Derry (HBO MAX)
Release Year: 2025 –
Streaming Platform: MAX
⭐ IMDb: 8.0/10 | 🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
IT: Welcome to Derry brings Stephen King’s nightmarish world of Derry, Maine, toHBO Maxin a gripping prequel series set in 1962. As a new family arrives amid child disappearances, ancient evil stirs, expanding the lore from the iconic IT films. ThisOTThorror masterpiece blends psychological dread with body horror, making it essential viewing for fans.
The series masterfully builds tension through everyday fears amplified into monstrosities.Andy Muschietti‘s vision captures the essence of King’s novel while forging new paths. Expect a slow-burn journey that explodes into terror.
Overview
Released on October 26, 2025, IT: Welcome to Derry spans 8 episodes onMAX, each around 60 minutes. It explores Pennywise’s origins through intertwined stories of Air Force personnel, teens, and townsfolk facing otherworldly horrors. Critics praise its atmospheric dread, though some note pacing dips early on.
The show weaves historical racism, Indigenous lore, and supernatural curses into Derry’s fabric.Bill SkarsgårdreprisesPennywise, stealing scenes with his eerie presence. Viewers onHBO Maxget Dolby Atmos sound for immersive scares.
A short note on watching: Stream all episodes ad-free onMAXfor the full chilling experience, ideal for late-night binges.
Story and Pacing
The narrative kicks off with young Matty Clements fleeing a theater, only to encounter a monstrous family re-entering cursed Derry. It followsLeroy Hanlon(Jovan Adepo), a Black airman uncovering base secrets tied to ancient evils. Teens like Lilly Bainbridge investigate disappearances, mirroring the Losers’ Club dynamic.
Pacing starts slow, building character arcs over the first three episodes, which some find scattered. It accelerates post-episode 5 withPennywise‘s reveals, delivering emotional growth and horror payoffs. The finale ties threads masterfully, though CGI-heavy moments occasionally falter.
King’s lore shines through Black Spot references and cyclical fear cycles. Spoiler-light: Fears manifest literally, punishing the town repeatedly.
Performances
Bill SkarsgårdasPennywisedominates, his subtle menace and iconic dance lingering in nightmares—far beyond the films. Jovan Adepo’sLeroy Hanlonanchors the adult story with raw vulnerability amid racism and horror. Taylour Paige shines asCharlotte Hanlon, blending maternal strength with terror.
Young cast members like Clara Stack (Lilly) and Matilda Lawler (Marge) evoke authentic teen angst and bravery. Chris Chalk’sDick Hallorannadds poignant depth, linking to King’s universe. Standouts include Stephen Rider’s hauntedHank Grogan.
Mixed acting in supporting roles, but leads elevate the material consistently.
Direction and Visuals
Andy Muschiettidirects four episodes, infusing his signature flair—foggy streets, practical effects blending with CGI for Derry’s facade of normalcy. Cinematography by Daniel Vilar captures 1960s grit beautifully. Visuals evoke Hollywood backlots hiding abyss.
Benjamin Wallfisch’s score heightens dread, echoing IT films. Title sequence evolves from idyllic paintings to nightmares, a clever motif. Practical prosthetics impress, though some creature CGI underwhelms.
Muschietti’s cameo adds meta fun for fans.
Pros and Cons
Strengths include deep lore expansion,Skarsgård‘s return, and thematic resonance on fear and racism. Atmospheric builds create genuine suspense. Flaws: Early pacing lags, overreliance on jumpscares, uneven CGI.
Pros:
Cons:
Cast
Key performances drive the horror. Below is a table of mainactorsand episodes.
Full cast exceeds 169, including Madeleine Stowe (Ingrid Kersh) and James Remar (General Shaw).
Crew
Talented team behind the scares. Table highlights directors and key roles.
| Role | Name | Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Andy Muschietti | 4 |
| Writer | Jason Fuchs | 4 |
| Composer | Benjamin Wallfisch | 8 |
| Cinematographer | Daniel Vilar | 4 |
| Production Designer | Paul D. Austerberry | 8 |
Producers includeMuschiettisiblings, Jason Fuchs (showrunner). Visual effects by Crafty Apes impress overall.
Who Should Watch?
Stephen Kingdiehards and IT film fans will revel in expanded lore. Horror lovers seeking slow-burn psychological chills over gore. Teens/adults handling mature themes like racism, loss. Skip if preferring fast-paced slashers.
Ideal forOTTbinges on quiet nights. Pairs well with 2017/2019 IT.
Verdict
IT: Welcome to Derry succeeds as a worthy prequel, blending scares with heart—8.2/10.HBO Maxexclusive elevatesPennywise‘s mythos. Flawed but addictive; binge now.
Reviews & Rankings
Critics and fans mixed but lean positive.IMDb8.0/10 from 56K votes;Rotten Tomatoes80% Certified Fresh.
Episode rankings from fans (averages):
| Episode | Avg. Fan Score |
|---|---|
| 7 | 9.0/10 |
| 8 | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | 8.5/10 |
| 1 | 8.0/10 |
| 2 | 7.5/10 |
User reviews praise intensity post-episode 5, critique early drag. Overall, a solid addition to horror TV.