Welcome to Derry release updates, strike delay, cast, synopsis, and more

Ask any horror fan what their top 5 movies are and we’re willing to bet that Stephen King’s It is on the list (even though it was originally released as a miniseries). It (2017) and its sequel, It Chapter Two (2019), also provide a lot of horror and thrills. And the popular horror franchise isn’t stopping there. Pennywise will soon return in Welcome to Derry. But just how soon? Here’s everything to know.

On Feb. 23, 2023, The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Max has officially given Welcome to Derry a straight-to-series order, meaning a full season is on the way! From the release date, cast, and what the upcoming feature will be about, here’s everything we know so far about Max’s Welcome to Derry. 

Welcome to Derry release date

Originally believed to arrive by end of 2023, Welcome to Derry will now be coming sometime in 2024. This time window was announced as part of HBO’s rebranding of Max.

Welcome to Derry strike delay

The horror series went into production in early May 2023 in Toronto, Canada. After doing some research, we couldn’t find anything on production pausing the project due to the ongoing strikes. In fact, many have taken to social media to express how disappointed they are about Welcome to Derry filming amid the strikes. As soon as we learn of any updates, we’ll let you know!

Welcome to Derry cast

At the time of this writing, we know Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, James Remar, and Chris Chalk have all been cast, via Max. We don’t have any details, however, on the characters they are set to play. Unfortunately, Bill Skarsgård is not going to return as our favorite dancing clown.

What is Welcome to Derry going to be about?

There are not many known details, but we have enough to form a good idea about what to expect. For starters, Welcome to Derry will serve a a prequel to the original movie. The story will focus on the town of Derry right before Pennywise takes over. Who was this frightening clown before he began to terrorize the children of Derry? Welcome to Derry is going to give us the full story, which is part of the reason we are so excited to watch!

In an interview with Variety, Sarah Aubrey, Max head of originals, teased what to expect from the upcoming series:

"“We have been working with Jason Fuchs, Brad Caleb Kane, Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti very closely…They’re so deep into this mythology and they have such a firm handle on the storytelling around these characters and also the demented scares that they’re putting into things. Sometimes I’m, like, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ Just all the wild ways they think up to terrify us. You’ll be hearing more concretely about that development very soon… Andy is very involved in every bit of this, so that is the real recipe for success and for delighting fans.”"

Once again, as soon as we have more details, we will update this post.