IT: Welcome to Derry unveils first look at Black Spot tragedy

An exclusive first look at IT: Welcome to Derry by Entertainment Weekly confirms that the HBO series will explore the terrifying history of Derry, including the infamous Black Spot incident. The nine-episode prequel follows the story inspired by Mike Hanlon’s research in Stephen King’s novel It.

The Black Spot and its horror

In King’s novel, Mike Hanlon’s father, Will, recalls the harrowing night the Black Spot, a club for Black patrons, was burned down by the Maine Legion of White Decency, a white supremacist group. This brutal event ended with many deaths, and Will witnessed “It,” appearing as a giant bird, taking a victim amidst the chaos.

Mike Hanlon’s research as inspiration

In the book, Mike’s investigation into Derry’s dark past is detailed through “interludes” between the main story of Pennywise and the Loser’s Club. These interludes inspired IT: Welcome to Derry, as director Andy Muschietti and producer Barbara Muschietti shared with Entertainment Weekly: “We felt there were more stories to tell and wanted to do justice to the book and its fans.”

The series touches on themes seen in the films, like friendship, loss, and the power of unity. However, it also explores fear as a weapon, which the Muschiettis believe is relevant today.

The 1962 setting and timeline changes

The Muschiettis moved the timeline of their It films forward a few decades compared to King’s book. Following this change, IT: Welcome to Derry is set in 1962, the year the Black Spot burned down. This is 27 years before the events of the 2017 It movie. The story explores Pennywise’s cycle, marked by two catastrophic events at the beginning and end of each 27-year period.

A star-studded cast and hidden roles

The cast includes Jovan Adepo (Babylon), Taylour Paige (Zola), and Bill Skarsgård returning as Pennywise. Newcomers Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, and Rudy Mancuso also join the ensemble. While the filmmakers are keeping many roles under wraps, images show Adepo in an Air Force uniform marked “Hanlon,” hinting he may play a young Will Hanlon. Paige’s character may be Will’s future wife, Jessica.

Origins and cryptic storytelling

The series will premiere on HBO and stream on Max in 2025. Andy Muschietti directs four of the nine episodes, including the first. While the show promises to explore Pennywise’s origins, the creators said, “We’ll do it with a healthy dose of crypticism,” just as King’s novel does.

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