Welcome (Back) to Derry
If you think you know what you’re walking into, you have no idea. IT: Welcome to Derry is far more brutal, emotional, and immersive than expected. Developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, the HBO series expands Stephen King’s horrifying universe in ways that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly new. It’s not just a prequel; it’s an unnerving and deeply human experience.
Set in 1962, the story exposes how evil first took root in Derry long before the Losers’ Club era. The exceptional ensemble includes Jovan Adepo as Mike Hanlon, Taylour Paige as June, Chris Chalk as Harold Shaw, Madeleine Stowe as Rose Shaw, Rudy Mancuso, Joshua Odjick, Kimberly Guerrero, and the unforgettable Bill Skarsgård returning as Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
Visuals, Effects, and Unrelenting Fear
The technical artistry is striking from the first frame. Every corner of Derry feels alive — and rotting from the inside out. From practical effects that ground the terror to digital touches that amplify it, the show’s design work is some of HBO’s best.
The imagery is bold and grotesque, and the use of sound, lighting, and texture turns dread into an atmosphere you can almost touch. There are moments so intense you’ll instinctively cover your eyes, but you’ll still find yourself peeking through your fingers. Welcome to Derry doesn’t pull punches; every scare feels earned. Even the extras, with their eerie smiles and offbeat movements, keep the tension simmering in every frame.
The attention to location design and period aesthetics is superb. Derry feels tangible — from its vintage storefronts to its flickering streetlights — giving the show both nostalgic warmth and claustrophobic terror. It’s easy to believe this is a place where evil has always lived.
Humor, Humanity, and Heart
Amid the blood and horror, there’s humanity. The writers know when to let humor break through, using it much the way people do in real life — as a shield against fear and pain. The banter between characters feels natural, offering moments of relief without ever deflating the tension. That balance keeps the story grounded and makes the emotional beats hit even harder.
Characters With Depth and Dimension
The performances are exceptional across the board. Chris Chalk delivers one of his most layered portrayals yet as Harold Shaw, a man whose calm exterior hides years of conflict and grief. Jovan Adepo and Taylour Paige share beautiful chemistry as Mike and June, anchoring the series in warmth and vulnerability. Their connection gives heart to the chaos and reminds us why we care who survives Derry’s horrors.
Clara Stack and Amanda Christine shine as two young characters navigating loss and terror, carrying the show’s emotional core with stunning maturity. They channel the adventurous innocence of The Goonies or Super 8, only here the danger feels real and relentless.
Fear, Trauma, and Cultural Legacy
While Welcome to Derry excels as supernatural horror, it’s also a powerful examination of the horror that exists within society itself. Sometimes fear comes from the shadows; other times it’s built into the world around you — in prejudice, silence, and generational wounds.
The show explores both kinds of fear with equal intensity. It tackles racism, social injustice, and systemic cruelty while tying them directly into Derry’s curse. The addition of Joshua Odjick and Kimberly Guerrero as Rose brings an essential layer of representation to the story. Through their characters, the series connects the town’s haunting evil to its Indigenous roots, acknowledging that this entity existed long before settlers gave it a name.
These scenes expand the mythology in compelling ways, showing how Indigenous communities have long understood, resisted, and tried to contain the darkness festering in Derry. It’s a respectful and resonant exploration that deepens both the narrative and the emotional impact.
By weaving in these cultural connections, Welcome to Derry doesn’t just extend Stephen King’s universe — it broadens its meaning. The horror feels older, richer, and more relevant than ever.
The World of Derry and the Legacy of Pennywise
By placing the story decades before IT, the series builds mythology rather than simply reusing it. It lets Derry’s history breathe and burn slowly.
When Bill Skarsgård finally returns as Pennywise, the impact is extraordinary. His performance remains mesmerizing — theatrical, predatory, and disturbingly playful. The slow reveal of his presence is perfectly timed, and by the time he fully emerges, it’s impossible to look away.
Final Verdict: Horror That Hits the Heart
IT: Welcome to Derry is a haunting, emotional, and beautifully constructed expansion of the IT universe. The performances are powerful, the visuals jaw-dropping, and the writing unexpectedly moving.
Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, and Chris Chalk bring warmth and humanity, while Bill Skarsgård once again proves why his Pennywise remains a modern horror icon. Combined with exquisite production design, a haunting score, and themes that confront both supernatural and societal evil, this series is as thoughtful as it is terrifying.
Whether you’re a lifelong Stephen King fan or stepping into Derry for the first time, this show is a must-watch — creepy, emotional, and deeply human.
WATCH: Dive into Derry’s Dark Secrets with Andy and Barbara Muschietti at NYCC 2025
WATCH: Unveiling the Thrills: Taylour Paige and Cast Dive into ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ at NYCC
WATCH: Inside the Mind of ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ Creators at NYCC
WATCH: Inside the Haunting World of ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ with James Remar and Chris Chalk at NYCC 2025
Editor-in-Chief | Owner
I’m a dedicated aficionado of all things movies, pop culture, and entertainment. With a passion for storytelling and a love for the silver screen, I’m constantly immersed in the world of cinema, exploring new releases, classics, and hidden gems alike. As a fervent advocate for the power of film to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought, I enjoy sharing my insights, reviews, and recommendations with fellow enthusiasts.