“It: Welcome to Derry” set the tone Saturday morning at New York City Comic Con as HBO filled the stage with some of actors and creatives behind the terrifying prequel series to one of Stephen King’s most well-known novels. They included Andy and Barbara Muschietti who developed the series, along with showrunners Jason Funchs and Brad Caleb Kane. On stage there was plenty of talent that included Chris Chalk, Jovan Adepo, Stephen Rider, Taylour Paige, James Ramar, and Kimberly Guerrero.

THE SETTING AND STORY OF “IT: WELCOME TO DERRY”

“It: Welcome to Derry” is set in 1962, about 27 years before the events of the first “It” film from 2017. This is done on purpose as we know that Pennywise descends on Derry every 27 years. This gives the showrunners the opportunity to come closer to the original book’s timeline.

“So 1962 is according to our timeline that, we did in the movies. But obviously in the book, it’s 58. We translated that to 89. So our first step into a journey towards this, you know, fascinating incursion into the past, this 1962,” said Andy Muschietti.

The series is looking to explore the origins of Pennywise, and the dark history of Derry. This story comes from the lesser known lore of the franchise that comes from the interludes from the book.

“Those in there that’s of kind of a blueprint for a different story, a hidden story, a story that is not told forward, but a but a story that is told backwards and has as like a, as a point of inclusion, the events in which it, became Pennywise,” explained Muschietti.

“We all had some of the same questions that had rattled around in our heads as readers and viewers for for many decades. Certainly since before we were able to join the franchise”, added Funchs. “Why does It, a being of pure light, who could journey anywhere, decide to come back to Derry time and again? Surely there are more densely populated, more interesting places it could go. What brings it back? Why is it chosen to return to the form of Pennywise? It can take Any manifestation it wants. What is it about this clown Bob gray that makes it want to continue to take this form?

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Photo Credit: Zach Dilgard/HBO

GETTING TO KNOW SOME OF THE CHARACTERS

During the panel the attending actors introduced us to the characters we would see and what they are doing in Derry. Some are new some have names that have ties to the films.

“Who remembers chapter two when Stephen King shows up? It’s one of my favorite moments in the movies. He shows up in a store called ‘Second Hand Rose”. I am Rose. It’s so perfectly placed because Rose is the keeper of memories. There’s an entire backstory I created for myself,” said Guerrero.

James Ramer talked about his character and his connection with Rose as a child. One that included a confrontation with Pennywise in the woods, which he survives thanks to Rose. But eventually leaves Derry, only to come back decades later.

“I come back 50 years later [to Derry], not as Francis Shaw, but as General Shaw, a guy who’s essentially invulnerable. I’ve got this, this uniform with a chest full of medals and three stars on my shoulders. I’m in charge of the Strategic Air Command of the of the northeastern United States”, said Ramar. “I feel that my character is drawn back to Derry. It’s something that that is out of my control.”

WHEN TO EXPECT PENNYWISE IN “IT: WELCOME TO DERRY”

After watching one chilling scene after another that did not directly feature the clown version of Pennywise, the question was raised, when would we see the infamous horror icon? The Muschietti’s explained by referencing another horror classic.

“He is he is our shark. And we believe wholeheartedly that we can’t allow the audience to get comfortable with them. We have to hide the ball,” said Barbara.

“He is present in other incarnations, for a run for a while. Then when you least expect it, there he is, said Andy.

“It: Welcome to Derry” haunts HBO starting October 20.