The Cast and Creators of “IT: Welcome to Derry” Bring Stephen King’s Nightmare Universe Back to Life.
Red Carpet Premiere
Last Monday, we had the pleasure of attending the “IT: Welcome to Derry” Red Carpet premiere in Burbank — an eerie yet electric night celebrating the return of one of Stephen King’s most chilling creations.
Among the attendees were major cast members Rudy Mancuso, Jovan Adepo, James Remar, Kimberly Norris-Guerrero, and Joshua Odjick, joined by the creative forces that brought the project to life — Andy and Barbara Muschietti, Jason Fuchs, and co-showrunner Brad Caleb Kane. We also spoke with Alixandra Fuchs and Stephen Rider, who shared insights about their roles and what excites them most about expanding the IT universe for a new generation.
What stood out most from the night’s conversations was the team’s commitment to honoring King’s mythology. The overall takeaway was the show strives to maintain the same level of respect for its predecessors while attempting to make a standalone name for itself.
Continuing a Legacy
The HBO Original series dives deep into Derry’s cursed history, tracing events back to the 1960s — decades before the Losers’ Club faced off against Pennywise in IT (2017). Inspired by Mike Hanlon’s interludes in King’s novel, “IT: Welcome to Derry” explores how the town’s evil first took root, following a new cycle of terror as the entity reemerges to feed. The show promises frights, emotional depth, and a fresh look at the mythology that made IT one of horror’s most iconic sagas.
Developed by Andy and Barbara Muschietti (IT, IT Chapter Two, The Flash) and Jason Fuchs (Wonder Woman, Argylle), the series expands the vision established in the blockbuster films while remaining true to King’s source material. The first episode, written by Fuchs and directed by Andy Muschietti himself, sets the tone for what’s being called a “cinematic horror series” — one that honors the legacy while deepening the lore.
The cast brings a mix of familiar and fresh faces to Derry. Jovan Adepo stars as Leroy Hanlon, Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon, and Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann — a character King fans will recognize from The Shining. James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, and Rudy Mancuso round out the ensemble, each contributing to a town that feels both hauntingly real and spiritually cursed.
With “IT: Welcome to Derry” premiering Sunday, October 26 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and streaming on Max, audiences can expect a series that’s equal parts horrifying and heartbreaking. For longtime fans, it’s a long-awaited return to Derry. For newcomers — a first step into the dark.