Stephen King’s Enthusiastic Review of HBO’s It: Welcome to Derry Sets the Stage for a New Chapter in the IT Franchise
In a notable development for fans of horror and Stephen King adaptations, the acclaimed author has shared an early review of HBO’s upcoming series, It: Welcome to Derry. This prequel to the blockbuster IT films is set to stream on October 26, 2025, and aims to broaden the lore established by its predecessors, which collectively grossed over $1 billion worldwide.
HBO Expands the IT Universe
The IT films, directed by Andy Muschietti, have achieved both commercial and critical success, with the first installment premiering in 2017 and maintaining an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 85%. Although the sequel received a more divided critical response, both films remain among the most successful adaptations of King’s work. Given this background, the anticipation surrounding Welcome to Derry is high, especially with King endorsing the project.
King has labeled the new series "amazing" and noted that its "first episode is terrifying," signaling a promising start for the upcoming show. Such praise is particularly significant considering King’s mixed feelings about some of his previous adaptations, including the 1990 miniseries of IT, which featured Tim Curry as Pennywise and has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 68%.
A Mixed Legacy
In his reflections on the 1990 series, King acknowledged its ambitious nature but voiced concerns over certain character portrayals, particularly that of Richie Tozier, emphasizing that he felt the character lacked depth. King noted that Richie seemed to vacillate between being a "scumbag" and "sort of a kindhearted Buddy Hackett." This nuanced perspective on character development reveals King’s keen eye for narrative integrity, illustrating his concern that adaptations can fail to capture the essence of his characters.
King has previously remarked on how the original miniseries had a lasting impact on children of the ’90s, stating, "*kids between the ages of 8 and 14 were scared sh*less by Tim Curry." This acknowledgment of the miniseries’ cultural influence juxtaposes his reservations, indicating that while he recognizes its faults, he also understands its significance in horror television history.
Implications of King’s Endorsement
King’s enthusiastic endorsement of It: Welcome to Derry marks a significant milestone for Muschietti’s work within the IT franchise. With King’s approval, the series stands to inherit the weight of positive expectations previously established by the films. King has consistently been supportive of Muschietti’s visions for his work, referring to both films as "fun" and "scary," which suggests a mutual respect that has developed between the filmmaker and author.
The upcoming series has the potential to not only expand the narrative universe of IT but also to redefine how subsequent adaptations are received by both audiences and critics alike. King’s review, while promising, does not guarantee the series’ commercial success but implies that it may capture the core themes and terror of the original work.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Horror Television
As the IT franchise transitions from the big screen to television, fans eagerly await the debut of It: Welcome to Derry. With Stephen King’s endorsement and the established track record of its predecessors, the series is poised to delve deeper into the lore of Derry and its infamous entities.
While past adaptations have met with critical scrutiny and mixed receptions, King’s positive comments hint at a thoughtful approach adopted by the creators. It remains to be seen how Welcome to Derry will weave its narrative and if it can resonate with audiences as powerfully as the films have.
For horror enthusiasts and King fans alike, the launch of It: Welcome to Derry signifies not just the continuation of a beloved franchise, but also a hopeful exploration of King’s legendary stories in a new format. As the release date approaches, excitement mounts for what promises to be another chilling addition to the annals of horror television.
