The It universe is returning in a spine-chilling way with HBO Max’s upcoming It: Welcome to Derry—a prequel series that dives deep into the dark origins of Pennywise and the cursed town that made him infamous. As fans eagerly await the IT Prequel series release date, early buzz and behind-the-scenes details have already hinted at several unforgettable moments that promise to make this show one of the most haunting entries in Stephen King’s universe.
Here’s a closer look at the top 5 scenes in It: Welcome to Derry that horror fans won’t want to miss once the series hits screens.
1. The First Appearance of Pennywise in Derry
Every fan of It remembers the terrifying first moments when Pennywise revealed himself to Georgie in the storm drain. The prequel promises a new, equally disturbing introduction to the creature—long before the events of the films.
According to leaked set reports and insider interviews, the series will explore Pennywise’s first recorded appearance in Derry’s early history. Imagine the unease of 1960s America meeting an ageless, cosmic predator cloaked in a clown’s grin. This scene will likely set the tone for the entire show, introducing not just Pennywise’s physical form but also the psychological terror he inflicts on the townsfolk.
As anticipation builds around the IT Prequel series release date, fans are already speculating about how this moment will redefine everything we know about Derry’s curse.
2. The Birth of Derry’s Cycle of Fear
One of the most intriguing mysteries in King’s mythology is why Derry is uniquely cursed. It: Welcome to Derry aims to answer that question—and it all begins with a chilling, large-scale event that establishes the town’s endless loop of terror.
Rumor has it that one key episode centers around a tragedy—perhaps a mining disaster or a mysterious flood—that awakens the evil lying dormant beneath the town. This catastrophic moment will likely introduce the concept that Derry itself is complicit in Pennywise’s reign, feeding off the collective fear and silence of its citizens.
This scene, layered with symbolism and suspense, could become one of the most memorable in the It franchise, grounding supernatural horror in real human dread.
3. The Secret Society of Derry
A major new addition to the prequel is rumored to be a group of townspeople who have uncovered Derry’s dark secret—and attempt to fight back. One of the standout scenes is said to depict this secret society gathering in an underground tunnel, sharing disturbing evidence about disappearances and strange phenomena dating back centuries.
Visually, this could echo It: Chapter Two’s “Clubhouse” scenes, but with a much darker twist. The tension, paranoia, and moral conflict within this group will offer viewers a deeper look at how fear and denial shape the town’s fate.
Fans waiting for the IT Prequel series release date are particularly excited about this storyline, as it promises a blend of psychological horror, mystery, and slow-burning suspense reminiscent of True Detective—but set in the world of Stephen King.
4. The Carnival of Nightmares
Every great horror story has a centerpiece moment—a scene that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. For It: Welcome to Derry, that might just be the “Carnival of Nightmares.”
Set during a small-town festival, this sequence reportedly juxtaposes laughter and terror as Pennywise makes his presence known amid flashing lights, children’s laughter, and distorted carnival music. Expect a masterclass in tension-building and visual horror—something that pays homage to the 2017 film’s tone while pushing the boundaries of TV horror cinematography.
The carnival sequence could easily become the show’s signature moment, a mix of nostalgia, dread, and pure chaos that captures the essence of what makes Derry—and Pennywise—so horrifying.
5. The Closing Vision of Derry’s Curse
No It story is complete without a haunting ending, and Welcome to Derry is expected to deliver one that leaves fans shaken. Insiders hint at a final montage revealing how the town’s darkness never truly dies—it only hides.
This finale may feature chilling glimpses of future victims, cryptic writings on Derry’s walls, and possibly even a young version of a familiar face from the later films. It will serve as both a conclusion to the prequel’s story and a direct connection to the 2017 It timeline.
As audiences count down the IT Prequel series release date, the promise of an ending that ties the universe together—and teases future horrors—makes this final scene one to watch closely.
The Anticipation Builds
The It prequel isn’t just another horror series—it’s a full-circle moment for fans of King’s terrifying world. With Andy Muschietti returning as executive producer and a team of experienced horror creators behind the camera, It: Welcome to Derry is poised to deliver a mix of psychological depth and supernatural fear.
While HBO Max has not yet confirmed the exact IT Prequel series release date, industry insiders predict a mid-to-late 2025 premiere. Until then, every image, teaser, and rumor adds to the growing excitement.