Welcome to Derry covers events from 1962 backwards, making it a prequel to It Chapter 1 set in 1988 and It Chapter 2 set in 2016. According to the series creator Andy Muschietti, the first season is set in 1962, the second season explores 1935, and the third season goes back to 1908. Notably, Muschietti intentionally crafted the story to be told backwards, which better reflects the perspective of Stephen King's novel, It.
In an interview with Radio Tu, Muschietti explained that the series is based on the interludes of the book. These chapters reflect Mike Hanlon’s research, attempting to uncover the mysteries surrounding Pennywise, a monstrous entity that awakens every 27 years. This cycle is mirrored in the gaps between the seasons of Welcome to Derry and the timeline of the It films.
The novel’s interludes briefly touch on events such as the Black Spot fire, the Bradley Gang massacre in the 1930s, and the Kitchener Iron Works explosion. These incidents mark new feeding cycles for Pennywise, and Muschietti aims to fully explore them in the show, starting with Pennywise's reawakening in 1962.
The success of this three-season narrative is contingent on the reception of the first season, which HBO has greenlit with nine episodes. Andy Muschietti, alongside showrunner Brad Caleb Kane, is at the helm. Kane, known for co-creating the Friday the 13th prequel series Crystal Lake, further boosts the project's credentials.
Stephen King, while not directly involved in writing, has approved the script and the series' concept of expanding the novel's interludes. King’s trust is rooted in Muschietti's successful handling of the It films. Despite the mixed reviews of It Chapter 2, King's endorsement signals confidence in this new adaptation.
Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as Pennywise, being the only returning cast member due to the show's prequel nature. Muschietti's creative team faces high expectations, aiming for Welcome to Derry to secure its place as a significant expansion of King's universe.
Can Welcome to Derry stand out as a defining horror series? The anticipation builds as viewers await seeing King's world unfold chronologically backward.