"Darker Than the Films": Viewers Thrilled by New Trailer for "It: Welcome to Derry" Series

Contents:
HBO Max has dropped the full trailer for the prequel series "IT: Welcome to Derry" — and viewers are already convinced it's going to be far scarier than the original films.

The main return is Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise. Fans are writing in the comments on YouTube that the clown now looks "darker and more vicious" than in the movies, and IT Chapter Two seems "almost sweet" compared to this trailer.
IT: Welcome to Derry series trailer

What the trailer revealed

The story takes place in the 1960s, when a new family moves to Derry. Kids start investigating the disappearances of their peers, find old photos of the clown in human form, and encounter him directly for the first time.

The trailer also includes references to other works by Stephen King, whose book "IT" was adapted for film: "The Mist," "The Shining," and "The Shawshank Redemption."

What viewers are saying

Within 24 hours of posting, the video racked up over 1.5 million views. The comments are packed with enthusiastic reactions:
  • "The trailer didn't spoil the plot but still kept that mysterious element. This is going to be so cool"
  • "Tim Curry's performance (from the first adaptation) made me hate clowns as a kid, but Skarsgård is absolutely brilliant as Pennywise"
  • "This looks way darker than the movies"
  • "The fact that Bill Skarsgård still knows how to play Pennywise years after wrapping IT Chapter Two is amazing. He's so good"
  • "Compared to this, IT Chapter Two looks sweet"
  • "Pennywise looks absolutely beautiful. I love how this series looks, you can feel that 60s atmosphere"
  • "I'll say it again: 2025 could be the best year for horror in a long time"
  • "This is going to be the scariest TV show of the year, maybe even for years to come"
Actor Bill Skarsgård in old-fashioned clothing with a girl, on the right he's in clown costume with a red balloon
Frames from IT: Welcome to Derry series trailer
Source:
About the series The original duology's creators Barbara and Andy Muschietti are executive producers, with Andy directing several episodes. The season has nine episodes total, and the project is planned as a trilogy. The first chapter will cover events 27 years before King's classic story.

It looks like "Welcome to Derry" will truly be its own horror beast, not just a prequel. Darker, longer, and way more terrifying. Fall 2025 will be memorable for anyone brave enough to hit play on episode one. The premiere is October 26. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com covered six reasons to anticipate the Pennywise series.