When is Stephen King horror series Welcome to Derry out? Release date, cast and plot
A new prequel series will delve into the origins of horror icon Pennywise
A new eight-part series featuring a sewer-dwelling clown that terrorises children and brings their nightmares to life is set to hit our screens next week.
IT: Welcome to Derry, based on Stephen King's terrifying novel IT, has been adapted for the small screen by sibling duo Andy and Barbara Muschietti (who both worked on the 2017 and 2019 IT films) alongside Jason Fuchs.
The series will be available to UK viewers on Sky and NOW TV, with the release date fast approaching. For those horror enthusiasts eager to delve into the show, here's everything you need to know before you dive in.
Welcome to Derry release date and how to watch
UK viewers can catch the first episode of IT: Welcome to Derry on October 27, available on Sky and NOW TV, reports the Daily Record.
After its premiere, new episodes will air weekly, every Monday, culminating in the grand finale on December 15.
Meanwhile, American audiences will get to see it slightly earlier, with the first episode airing on HBO on October 26 at 9pm ET. It will also be available for streaming on HBO Max.
Cast of Welcome to Derry
Bill Skarsgård is reprising his role as the titular IT/Pennywise after portraying the character in both big-screen adaptations of the story. He also serves as an executive producer for the prequel series.
The ensemble also features Chris Chalk (When They See Us), Jovan Adepo (3 Body Problem), Taylour Paige (The Toxic Avenger), James Remar (Dexter), Madeleine Stowe (Revenge), Stephen Rider (Becoming) and Rudy Mancuso (The Flash).
Welcome to Derry's storyline revealed
The show will delve into the origins of murderous clown Pennywise, exploring how the terrifying entity emerged and what drives the sinister being. Acting as a prequel to the films, it's positioned 27 years prior to the happenings in IT Chapter One.
Due to this timeline shift, audiences will encounter the forebears and family lines of certain recognisable figures.
The forthcoming show draws inspiration from five interlude tales within King's IT book, narrated through Mike Hanlon's viewpoint. These interlude sections provide readers with Derry's backstory whilst offering additional details about Pennywise.
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Director Andy hinted that the narrative inspired by these sections will unfold in reverse chronology. Addressing attendees at New York Comic Con, he disclosed: "a story that is told not forward but a story that is told backward and has a final conclusion - the events in which IT becomes Pennywise."
He added: "There's a reason and a secret why we're telling the story backward. I can't tell you now. I guess you have to see the show."
IT: Welcome to Derry premieres on Sky and NOW TV on October 27 with episodes then released weekly every Monday