“It: Welcome to Derry” is a Halloween wonder for HBO Max fans. The horror drama released a surprise episode at midnight Saturday to celebrate the spooky holiday.
The 30-minute special, titled “A Story of Derry”, takes place hundreds of years before Pennywise, when “three young men venture into the Western Wood… where they encounter a terrifying ancient spirit.” Online speculation cites a possible origin story for the Shokopiwath tribe, the indigenous people referenced in episode 4.
This comes just weeks after HBO renewed the show for Season 2. This installment will take place in 1935 during the Great Depression and focuses on the bloody massacre of the Bradley Gang, a group of bank robbers who stop in a dairy to buy gunpowder and end up facing unimaginable terror.
The original drama series, which is based on the world of Stephen King’s “It” universe and hails from Warner Bros. Television, is ranked among the top four series premieres globally in HBO Max history.
“We’re excited to return to the chilling world of Derry and further expand on Andy and Barbara Muschietti’s terrifyingly iconic adaptation,” HBO Max original programming head Sarah Aubrey said in a statement. “Brad, together with Caleb Kane, will break new ground in season two, deepening the terror, mystery and unforgettable Pennywise lore that fans love to devour.”
“It is an absolute privilege to explore and expand the wonderful world created by Stephen King,” said Mousquitis. “The support of our partners at HBO and Warner Bros. Television has been invaluable. We love our jobs!”
The show’s executive producers are Andy and Barbara Muschietti, who produced the “It” films through their Double Dream production company. Other EPs include Brad Caleb Kane, Roy Lee, Dan Lynn, Jamie Travis and Dhana Gilbert. Kane will serve as sole showrunner on Season 2.
“It: Welcome to Derry: A Story of Derry” is now streaming on HBO Max.
