The IT universe is expanding, and horror fans are buzzing with anticipation for HBO’s upcoming prequel series, Welcome to Derry. With a chilling new cast and the return of some familiar faces, the show promises to dive deeper into the cursed town’s sinister history—and the origins of Pennywise himself.
Meet the New Faces of Derry
HBO has assembled a
diverse and dynamic cast to bring Stephen King’s haunted town to life. Here’s who’s set to terrify (and maybe charm) audiences:
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Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon
Paige, known for her standout roles in
Zola and
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, takes on a central character whose family ties may hold secrets to Derry’s dark past.
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Jovan Adepo as Leroy Hanlon
Adepo, acclaimed for
Watchmen and
Fences, joins as another key member of the Hanlon family, hinting at a deeper exploration of Derry’s generational trauma.
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James RemarThe veteran actor (
Dexter,
The Warriors) brings gravitas to the ensemble, though his character remains under wraps.
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Stephen RiderRider (
Daredevil,
The Butler) adds further depth, with speculation swirling about his role in the town’s unfolding horrors.
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Matilda LawlerThe young star of
Station Eleven is set to play a pivotal role, likely offering a child’s perspective on Derry’s creeping evil.
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Amanda Christine, Clara Stack, Blake Cameron James, Arian S. Cartaya, and Miles EkhardtThese rising talents round out the cast, suggesting a multi-generational narrative that echoes the original
IT’s focus on both children and adults.
The Return of Pennywise
In a move that’s sure to thrill fans,
Bill Skarsgård is reprising his iconic role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Skarsgård’s chilling performance in the
IT films redefined the character for a new generation, and his return signals that
Welcome to Derry will not shy away from the supernatural terror at the heart of King’s mythology.
Surprising Connections and New Characters
The series is set in
1962, decades before the events of the
IT films, and will reportedly feature a
younger version of Dick Hallorann, played by Chris Chalk. Hallorann, a fan-favorite from
The Shining, connects the
IT universe to other corners of King’s world, hinting at possible crossovers and deeper lore.
Another intriguing addition is the character of
Clint Bowers, the police chief and father of notorious bully Henry Bowers, promising to shed light on the roots of Derry’s generational violence.
Behind the Scenes: Creative Powerhouse
Welcome to Derry is helmed by
Andy Muschietti (director of the
IT films), Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, ensuring continuity in tone and vision. The creative team’s commitment to honoring King’s legacy while expanding the mythology has fans and critics alike eager for the series’ debut.
Delays and Anticipation
Production faced significant delays due to the
SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, pushing the premiere date beyond the originally hoped-for Halloween 2024 window. HBO now targets a
2025 release, with some insiders suggesting it could slip further depending on post-production needs.
What This Means for Stephen King Fans
With a
stellar cast, the return of Skarsgård’s Pennywise, and a creative team steeped in King’s lore,
Welcome to Derry is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious horror series in recent memory. The show promises to explore the origins of evil in Derry, connect to broader King mythology, and deliver the kind of scares that made
IT a cultural phenomenon.
Stay tuned—the town of Derry is about to reveal its darkest secrets, and you won’t want to miss what crawls out of the sewers next.
Sources
1. It: Welcome to Derry (TV Series 2025– ) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
2. Sorry, Stephen King Fans: IT's Prequel Welcome To Derry Just Got ...
3. It: Welcome To Derry Cast Guide - Who Stars In HBO's Stephen King Prequel Show
4. Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour - News - IMDb
5. IT: Welcome to Derry Cast on Coming Face to Face with Pennywise and Taking the Story to 1962
6. IMDb: Ratings, Reviews, and Where to Watch the Best Movies & TV ...
7. It: Welcome to Derry (TV Series 2025– ) - IMDb
8. 10 Great Movies About Humans Hunting Humans | Fandom
9. It – Welcome to Derry - Wikipedia
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