5 Things We Learned About 'It: Welcome to Derry' at NYCC
Brooke Palmer/HBO
When HBO announced its plans for a prequel series to the recent 'It' movies, fans were initially excited but also slightly confused. How much more could be revealed about the ancient evil clown, Pennywise, who terrorizes kids with his red balloons? As it turns out, a lot. The series, produced by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, and showrunners Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane, received a star-studded panel at New York Comic Con, leaving attendees eager for its release later this year.
The panel showcased exclusive clips and a trailer, but the real intrigue came from the creative team's discussions. Here are some fascinating insights into the upcoming series, set decades before the original 'It' in 1962:
A Sneaky Good Reason to Exist: The series has a compelling purpose. Andy Muschietti, director of the 'It' films, explains that the idea came together quickly after the second film's completion. He wanted to reveal Pennywise's origin story and his 27-year reign of terror in the fictional town of Derry, Maine. The showrunners also emphasize connections to the original characters, with Mike Hanlon's decision to stay in Derry being a significant plot point. However, the series will also introduce characters like Chris Chalk's Dick Hallorann, straight from Stephen King's novel, adding depth to the story.
Unusual Structure: The writing team has a unique vision for the series. While it's not confirmed for more than one season, each episode will span one of Pennywise's 27-year cycles on Earth. Subsequent seasons will shift time periods, creating a multi-season narrative. This structure allows for a deeper exploration of the story, with the first season focusing on the 1962 timeframe and potential flashbacks to earlier events.
Predicting Movie Connections: The series will surprise fans with its connections to the 'It' movies. While it's a prequel, the showrunners ensure that fans won't know how these connections will play out. The series will touch on the book-based, space-bound backstory of Pennywise, and ancestral characters will be introduced, such as Jovan Adepo's Leroy Hanlon and Taylour Paige's Charlotte Hanlon, grandparents of Mike from the 'It' films. Diehard fans will spot Easter eggs, while casual viewers might miss some references.
Expanding Stephen King's Cameo: The series delves into the cameo of Stephen King in 'It: Chapter Two.' Kimberly Guerrero, who plays Rose, an Indigenous character in the 1960s timeline, adds a new layer to the story. Rose's ancestry and connection to the original Losers Club are explored, and her character has ties to King's cameo in 'Chapter Two.' Guerrero reveals that Rose is the keeper of memories, and her presence in the store 'Secondhand Rose' is a clever reference.
The Pennywise Tease: The panel's footage never showed Pennywise in his full clown form, and there's a reason for that. The series plays with anticipation, similar to 'Jaws.' The ancient horror appears as figures from nightmares or memories, keeping the audience on edge. Barbara Muschietti and Andy Muschietti emphasize the importance of creating suspense and not revealing Pennywise's full power too early. The series aims to build excitement and curiosity, leaving fans wondering when the clown will finally show up.
