HBO Max released a surprise Halloween episode of It: Welcome to Derry at midnight Saturday giving viewers a new story from the world of Stephen King’s horror mythology.
The 30-minute special, titled A Story of Derry, moves far beyond the period explored in the main series. Set hundreds of years before the era associated with Pennywise, the episode follows three children who enter the Western Wood and encounter an ancient spirit.
“We are excited to return to the chilling world of Derry and to further expand on Andy and Barbara Muschietti’s horrifically iconic adaptation.” — Sarah Aubrey, HBO Max head of original programming
A story from Derry’s distant past
The special expands the show’s exploration of the communities and legends surrounding Derry. The series has previously referenced the Shokopiwath tribe, an Indigenous group featured in the fourth episode. Online discussion before the release focused on whether the new installment might connect to that history.
It: Welcome to Derry is set in the universe of King’s It and comes from Warner Bros. Television. Andy and Barbara Muschietti, who directed the It films, executive produce the series through their Double Dream production company. Other executive producers include Brad Caleb Kane, Roy Lee, Dan Lin, Jamie Travis and Dhana Gilbert.
- Title: It: Welcome to Derry: A Story of Derry
- Runtime: 30 minutes
- Setting: Hundreds of years before Pennywise
- Streaming service: HBO Max
Season 2 will jump to 1935
The Halloween release arrives weeks after HBO renewed the drama for a second season. That season will be set in 1935 during the Great Depression and will center on the Bradley Gang, a group of bank robbers who stop in Derry to buy ammunition before encountering supernatural horror.
Kane will serve as the sole showrunner for Season 2. The Muschiettis said continuing to develop the world created by King was a privilege and credited HBO and Warner Bros. Television for supporting the series.
“Together with Brad Caleb Kane, they will break new ground in season two, deepening the terror, the mystery, and the unforgettable Pennywise lore that fans love to devour.” — Sarah Aubrey
The series has ranked among the four biggest global series premieres in HBO Max history. The newly released special is available to stream on HBO Max, alongside the main season of It: Welcome to Derry.
