IT: Welcome To Derry Seasons 2 & 3’s Most Important Story Change From Season 1 Teased By Andy & Barbara Muschietti

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IT: Welcome to Derry is continuing to evolve its storytelling moving into its upcoming seasons.

Welcome to Derry is a horror series on HBO inspired by Stephen King’s novel, IT. The first season was a hit with both critics and viewers, earning scores of 81% and 82% respectively on Rotten Tomatoes. Currently, the show is planned to span three seasons, with the second season set in 1935.

Andy Muschietti, director and co-creator of IT: Welcome to Derry, and his sister, Barbara Muschietti, also a co-creator, recently spoke with IndieWire about the show’s direction. Andy explained that the first season will focus on how fear can be used as a weapon. However, future seasons will explore how faith and love can also be twisted and used in harmful ways.

The first season is set in 1962 and explores the challenges faced by small towns at the time, such as racism, economic hardship, and violence. Unlike previous adaptations, Stephen King has been closely involved with this TV series. Barbara, a producer, explained that King is very supportive and allows them creative freedom, reading and approving scripts before filming begins.

As a huge fan, I’m really glad they’ve kept him involved! It’s allowed them to do so much more with the story, especially since it’s based on that classic ’86 book. They’re digging deeper into Pennywise, which is awesome, but also, and this is what I really appreciate, they’re using the show to explore some really relevant political stuff happening right now. It adds a whole other layer to the story, making it feel much more impactful.

Andy explained that we currently live in an era filled with scare tactics. He emphasized that people need to recognize these tactics are deliberately created – not everything presented as truth actually is. He believes these strategies are used to create division and fear among us, all for financial gain. Considering the first season focuses on how fear is used as a weapon, future seasons will explore how faith and love can also be manipulated and used as weapons.

This use of faith as a plot device hints at how the creators will develop their main character, a powerful cosmic entity. Like in the original story, Pennywise transforms and instills intense fear in people. The filmmakers can build on Stephen King’s themes and connect them to current events, adding another layer to the narrative.

Barbara explained that we’re facing a world where fear is being used as a weapon, and it’s a constant battle to resist it. She warned that if we aren’t vigilant and don’t actively fight against this, we risk facing a similar fate to the town of Derry. Andy added that it’s crucial for young people to express their opposition to fascism, citing works like ‘The Long Walk’ as examples of powerful protest.

The idea of turning love into a weapon—seen in how characters’ relationships are used—hints at deeper changes in the show. This isn’t just a change in genre; it suggests the show is starting to focus on different themes, perhaps by exploiting vulnerable connections like a parent’s grief, a child’s trust, or conflicts between lovers.

With strong reviews and a lot of buzz, fans are eagerly awaiting the next season of IT: Welcome to Derry. While there’s no confirmed release date yet, many believe it will arrive in late 2027 or early 2028.

It: Welcome to Derry season 1 can be streamed on HBO Max.

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2026-05-20 06:48