‘Welcome to Derry’ Receives Critical Acclaim on Rotten Tomatoes

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‘Welcome to Derry’ Receives Critical Acclaim on Rotten Tomatoes

The upcoming series, *It: Welcome to Derry*, is set to premiere on HBO on October 26, 2025. This highly anticipated prequel to Andy Muschietti’s previous *It* films is an adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic novel. Fans can expect an exploration of the terrifying origins of Pennywise, the malevolent clown that haunts the fictional town of Derry.

Critical Acclaim on Rotten Tomatoes

Positive Reviews

  • Variety called *It: Welcome to Derry* a “masterfully woven and terrifying tale” that delves into Pennywise’s origins.
  • Nerdist described the show as a “triumph,” praising its expansion of familiar characters and the introduction of new ones.

Mixed and Negative Feedback

  • Some critics argued that the series failed to distinguish itself sufficiently from other King adaptations.
  • The Ringer criticized the show, suggesting that the real issue with Derry isn’t the sinister clown but the reluctance to innovate.
  • FandomWire found the series to be a “decent attempt” but believed it would have been better as a single, well-paced theatrical release.

Expanding the Universe

Co-creator Andy Muschietti revealed that the HBO series will explore storylines set between 1908 and 1962. This unique approach involves telling the story in reverse chronological order, moving from the more recent events to the past.

Stephen King was reportedly open to these creative changes. Muschietti mentioned that King responded positively when presented with the concept of exploring Derry’s lore backward. Despite the novel’s depth, King encouraged new explorations while maintaining the essence of the characters and themes.

Future Seasons

*It: Welcome to Derry* is planned for three seasons, each progressing further back in time. This sequential approach aims to shed light on various uncharted aspects of Derry’s history and its supernatural elements.

With its rich narrative potential and critical acclaim, *It: Welcome to Derry* stands as a promising addition to the horror genre. Fans of Stephen King and newcomers alike eagerly await its release.