Picture this: the best series of 2025 nearly didn’t have its chilling heartbeat, Bill Skarsgård, at the center. But fear not, for Pennywise is back — and the fans (and their nightmares) are all the better for it.
The Big Splash: Welcome to Derry’s Debut
On October 26, 2025, HBO unleashed what has quickly become one of the year’s most acclaimed series: Welcome to Derry. With an impressive average score of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, the show is garnering praise from all corners, especially from devotees of Stephen King’s dark universe. French fans have been enjoying the horrors on HBO Max — but the excitement knows no borders.
This isn’t just any horror tale. Created by Andrés Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, Welcome to Derry serves as a prequel to the recent film adaptations of It (2017) and It: Chapter Two (2019), both directed by Andrés Muschietti. Set in the 1960s, this original spin-off invites viewers to delve into the roots of the notorious creature known as Pennywise (or Grippe-Sou if you’re reading from France).
The Near-Miss: Bill Skarsgård’s Hesitation
You might imagine Bill Skarsgård was born to become Pennywise — his hauntingly memorable performance sure supports the theory. Yet, shockingly, Welcome to Derry almost went ahead without him. In a revelation to Screen Rant, Skarsgård confessed he seriously hesitated when the idea of returning to the red balloon was first floated his way.
But why the pause? Not, as you might guess, out of fear that he’d be unable to separate himself from the role. No, his apprehension ran deeper: he was concerned about diving back in and potentially tarnishing what had already been brilliantly achieved in the two films. To borrow his words, “We had already done two films and they turned out really well. So I didn’t want to push my luck with a series that might not live up to the success of the movies.” It’s the kind of self-doubt that keeps a haunting performance sharp, not stale.
New Depths: What Convinced Pennywise to Return?
This worry swiftly dissolved when the creative team shared their vision — a fresh story and a deeper development of Pennywise’s character. Skarsgård felt that together, they “explored aspects of Pennywise that we had never seen or touched on before.” Working with Andy (Andrés Muschietti) continues to be a delight, and Skarsgård is confident that these unfamiliar elements brought something new to the portrayal.
He shared, “Even for the performance of Pennywise, we’d say, ‘Okay, here’s a great scene, and we discover something new about Pennywise, or we learn more about him.’ I had a really good time filming those scenes.” The thrill was back, and so was his appetite for terror – lucky us!
How Is the Series Being Received?
- “I’m really surprised by the quality of this series, especially given what seemed like the unnecessary nature of extending this universe. But what amazed me most is that it not only enriches the mythology of It, but also that of Stephen King,” reads a review.
- High praise from viewers isn’t hard to find: “Welcome to Derry is an incredible prequel that offers a deeper look into Pennywise’s origins. The series is gripping, full of suspense, and brilliantly crafted.”
- One fan’s relief leaps out: “It’s absolutely incredible! The writing, the horror, and the acting are exceptional — everything’s perfect. After the disappointment of Stranger Things, I was pleasantly surprised.”
The consensus is clear: Welcome to Derry doesn’t just ride on the red balloon nostalgia, it carves out fresh fear, curiosity, and admiration. Even the skeptics have put their doubts away — probably under the bed, where Pennywise can keep an eye on them.
Final Thoughts: A Monster Success (with a Bit of Relief)
If you were worried this prequel might just be cashing in on a beloved monster, consider yourself happily proven wrong — and not alone in your surprise. Bill Skarsgård’s return, guided by a team determined to dig deeper than ever before, has made Welcome to Derry the show fans didn’t know they needed. The series deepens both the mythology of Pennywise and the world of Stephen King. Let’s face it: some returns are worth the risk — and this one paid off in pure, bone-chilling style.
