Development on a second season of It: Welcome to Derry is now underway. This news comes from a recent industry report, even though HBO has not yet made an official announcement about renewing the hit horror series. The show’s creative team is moving forward with plans to continue the prequel story, which explores the earlier horrors in the town of Derry, Maine.
It: Welcome to Derry Season 2 Development and Renewal Status
A new report confirms that work on It: Welcome to Derry Season 2 has started. The information came from an article in The Hollywood Reporter . The article focused on director Andy Muschietti joining a DC Universe Batman film project. It noted that his schedule is busy partly because of the “muscular success” of Welcome to Derry . The report stated clearly: “A second season is now in the works, even if it has not been officially renewed” .
This means the writers and producers are actively creating the next chapter. An official greenlight from HBO, which would trigger a formal press announcement, is still pending . The first season performed very well for HBO Max. It had the platform’s third most-watched debut ever when it premiered in October 2025 . This strong viewership is a key reason the network is investing in further development.
Plot and Timeline Details for the New Season
The creators have had a clear multi-season plan from the start. The story is designed to move backward in time through Pennywise’s history. The first season was set in 1962. According to the creators, the second season will jump back 27 years to 1935 . A potential third season would then be set in 1908 . This structure follows the 27-year cycle of violence described in Stephen King’s original novel.
Andy Muschietti shared specific story details for the planned second season in a December interview.
“We can only say the stuff that’s already known, like it’s in 1935, 27 years before season 1 and it involves the massacre of the Bradley Gang from the books,” Muschietti told Variety .
The season will be set during the Great Depression in Derry. It will feature some new characters and younger versions of characters audiences met in the first season . Showrunner Jason Fuchs has also hinted that the new season will explore fresh mysteries introduced in season one . The creators originally pitched the series to Stephen King as a story told backward in time .
Cast and Characters: Who Is Expected to Return
Bill Skarsgård will return to play the terrifying entity Pennywise the Dancing Clown. He is the constant force of evil throughout Derry’s history . Because the story shifts to 1935, most human characters from the 1962 setting will not return as their older selves.
However, the season may feature much younger versions of some familiar Derry residents. Characters like Ingrid Kersh (played by Madeleine Stowe in season one), Francis Shaw (James Remar), and Rose (Kimberley Guerrero) could appear, likely portrayed by different, younger actors . The season one ensemble included Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, and Chris Chalk, but their characters’ stories were centered in 1962 .
Season 1 Success and Context for the Series
It: Welcome to Derry premiered on October 26, 2025, and its first season concluded on December 14, 2025 . The finale ended with a title card calling the season “Chapter One,” signaling plans for more story . The series serves as a direct prequel to Andy Muschietti’s two It films from 2017 and 2019 .
The show received generally positive reviews from critics. It was also ranked as one of the best horror TV series of 2025 by some publications . The first season is currently streaming on HBO Max. It is scheduled for release on physical media, including 4K Ultra HD, on May 5, 2026 .
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What’s Next for the Pennywise Saga
The development of Season 2 is the next step in the creators’ vision for a three-season arc exploring Pennywise’s reign of terror . The series aims to answer deeper questions about the creature’s non-linear experience of time and its omnipresent nature .
Beyond the series, there have been hints at other projects within the It universe. Finn Wolfhard, who played Richie Tozier in the films, has hinted he is connected to a future project. He mentioned that the Muschiettis told him, “You’re involved,” suggesting his character’s story may continue .
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