Halloween just got a whole lot scarier, and earlier, thanks to Pennywise! HBO has decided to treat horror fans this spooky season with an early release of It: Welcome To Derry Episode 2.
The second episode of the Stephen King prequel series will arrive almost three days ahead of schedule to celebrate Halloween night.
Here’s what we know so far.
When Does Episode 2 of ‘It: Welcome To Derry’ Release?
In a special Halloween surprise, It: Welcome To Derry Episode 2 will drop on Friday, October 31, at 12:00 a.m. PT / 3:00 a.m. ET on HBO Max.
For those who prefer traditional TV viewing, the episode will still air on Sunday, November 2, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.
This early drop is a one-time Halloween treat, the rest of the eight-episode season will continue to follow its regular Sunday release schedule, leading up to the season finale on December 14.
What Is ‘It: Welcome To Derry’ About?
Welcome To Derry is set in 1962, nearly 30 years before the events of the 2017 film, It. It is an eerie prequel to the previous It films that explores the origins of Pennywise the Dancing Clown and how the horror began in the town of Derry, Maine.
The show is being developed for television by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, and expands upon Stephen King’s terrifying universe in ways fans haven’t seen before. Muschietti, who directed both It films, has returned to direct multiple episodes of the prequel.
You may also be interested in reading 12+ Spooky Halloween Movies On HBO Max
Who’s in the Cast of ‘It: Welcome To Derry’?
IT Season 1 Episode 1 features an impressive cast:
- Jovan Adepo
- Taylour Paige
- Chris Chalk
- James Remar
- Stephen Rider
- Blake Cameron James
- Arian S. Cartaya
- Amanda Christine
- Matilda Lawler
- Clara Stack
- Madeleine Stowe
- Rudy Mancuso
And yes, Bill Skarsgard returns as the terrifying Pennywise, reprising his iconic role that haunted millions in the previous films.
How to Watch the ‘It’ Franchise in Chronological Order
To enjoy the story chronologically, regarding the source of the nightmare and eventual return, here are the proper viewing orders related to the It story:
It: Welcome To Derry (2025)
The prequel set in 1962 will explore how Pennywise came to exist and subsequently began his 27-year cycle of fear.
It (2017)
The second installment, directed by Andy Muschietti, takes place in 1989. The main group, the Losers Club, is a bunch of kids who discover that an ancient evil in the form of a clown is hunting the town they live in.
It: Chapter Two (2019)
The sequel to the previous film (It), set another 27 years later, the now-adult Losers Club returns to Derry to face Pennywise again.
HBO Max has all three installments available, including Welcome To Derry.
Why Fans Are Excited
The It franchise has evolved into a Halloween tradition with psychological horror woven into emotional storytelling. By exploring Pennywise’s origins, Welcome To Derry seeks to deepen the mythology in frightening and heartbreaking ways.
With the Muschiettis and Jason Fuchs back at the helm, the prequel is shaping up to be a chilling return to Stephen King’s most haunting universe, and the early episode drop makes the wait a little easier (or scarier).
You may also be interested in reading All Michael Myers Halloween Movies In Order
Final Thoughts
So, whatever your plans are for Halloween, make sure to add It: Welcome To Derry to your list. Because it’s the right amount of horror you need to spend your Halloween night. Oh, and don’t watch it alone, because as Pennywise once said,
We all float down here!
