IT Chapter 3

IT Chapter 3: Welcome to Derry – The Origins of Fear

Although there is no official feature film titled IT Chapter 3, the terrifying universe of Stephen King’s It continues with the upcoming HBO Max series Welcome to Derry. Set to premiere in October 2025, this prequel series dives deep into the chilling past of the cursed town of Derry, Maine. It explores the roots of the evil that has haunted the town for centuries, long before the events seen in the 2017 and 2019 film adaptations.

The series takes place in 1962, nearly three decades before the Losers Club confronts Pennywise the Dancing Clown. It centers around a group of residents navigating an increasingly strange and horrifying sequence of events in their seemingly quiet community. As tensions rise, disappearances become frequent, and a sinister force begins to reveal itself. The story leads up to and explores the Black Spot nightclub fire, a traumatic event briefly mentioned in King’s original novel and known for its racial and social undertones. This tragedy becomes a pivotal moment in Derry’s history and serves as a key element in understanding how deeply evil has rooted itself in the town.

A major highlight for fans is the return of Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise. His portrayal in the first two films was widely praised, and his return adds authenticity and continuity to the new series. With Skarsgård’s haunting performance at the center, Welcome to Derry promises to deliver the same level of psychological and supernatural horror that captivated audiences in the previous chapters.

The cast includes a mix of new characters, played by talented actors such as Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, and Chris Chalk. These fresh faces portray townspeople who slowly come to understand the nightmare lurking beneath the surface of their lives. The show not only brings new characters into the spotlight but also deepens the mythology of the It universe. It explores Pennywise’s awakening cycle, which occurs every 27 years, and hints at events in other time periods, possibly setting the stage for future seasons or even a potential theatrical Chapter 3 continuation.

Production on the series took place in Canada, with the creators recreating the foggy streets and haunted houses of Derry in meticulous detail. Directed and executive produced by Andy Muschietti, who also directed the first two It films, the series maintains the same eerie tone, visual style, and storytelling intensity. The showrunners promise a more mature and psychological approach to horror, emphasizing emotional trauma, community breakdown, and the timeless nature of evil.

Welcome to Derry is not just a prequel; it is a deep dive into the psychological roots of fear and the darkness that resides not only in monsters but in society itself. While it may not carry the name IT Chapter 3 officially, it certainly acts as the next chapter in the saga, giving fans a deeper look into the horror mythology that made the first two films so unforgettable. Whether it leads to a future sequel or expands into multiple seasons, one thing is certain: the horrors of Derry are far from over.