HBO is set to change the landscape of Stephen King television adaptations with its upcoming series, It: Welcome to Derry, a multi-season Stephen King multi-season HBO adaptation premiering in 2025. The show marks a notable shift, breaking a six-year trend of single-season or limited series adaptations of King’s works and diving deeper into the unsettling world of Derry, Maine.
For decades, the chilling story of Pennywise and the cursed town of Derry has captivated audiences through Bill Skarsgård‘s portrayal in the film series and earlier TV adaptations. With this latest project, HBO aims to expand the mythology of Pennywise by exploring new periods in Derry’s history, drawing from King’s original novel and introducing viewers to unexplored eras of horrifying events.
Shattering the Pattern: HBO’s Commitment to a Three-Season Run
Unlike recent King adaptations that have leaned toward shorter commitments, It: Welcome to Derry stands out with its ambitious plan for three seasons. Previous projects such as Castle Rock and Mr. Mercedes both concluded their runs in 2019, setting the stage for a run of limited series rather than ongoing shows. Since then, all major adaptations—including The Outsider and The Stand—have offered only single-season experiences or miniseries formats. Even Chapelwaite, which once suggested a potential continuation, had plans for a second season cancelled by MGM+, and the much-anticipated Prime Video version of Carrie is confirmed as an eight-episode series only.
HBO’s decision to revisit King’s world in greater depth comes with the unique choice to set It: Welcome to Derry primarily in the early 1960s, a period unexplored by previous adaptations. By utilizing the infamous 27-year cycle of Pennywise’s resurgence, the series has the flexibility to dive into fresh narratives that trace the origins and reign of terror inflicted upon Derry, Maine. Bill Skarsgård returns to haunt the town as Pennywise, joined by a cast including Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, and Chris Chalk.
Industry observers note HBO’s willingness to break from recent precedent, giving this Stephen King multi-season HBO adaptation room to develop its own story arcs and introduce new terrors, all while exploring the lasting effects of Pennywise’s evil on the community through the decades.
With a multi-season order, HBO offers the opportunity for audiences to immerse themselves in an evolving saga, rather than a brief glimpse of terror. This bold approach suggests that King’s stories can thrive as ongoing, complex dramas in today’s competitive streaming era, rather than being confined to short-form storytelling. For fans and newcomers alike, the move hints at a deeper legacy being built for horror television.
Other Stephen King Adaptations on the Horizon
The push for multi-season series coincides with a broader resurgence of interest in Stephen King’s novels across the entertainment industry. Next year, MGM+ will launch its own adaptation of King’s 2019 novel, The Institute, scheduled to premiere July 13, 2025. Prime Video’s retelling of Carrie, which began filming in June, reflects continued enthusiasm for King’s stories, though it is officially a limited miniseries.
Moreover, acclaimed British director Paul Greengrass, renowned for his work on the Jason Bourne franchise, has confirmed plans to adapt King’s Fairy Tale, having first announced the project in 2022 and reaffirming his involvement in 2024. While the specifics of these projects vary, they all underscore the persistent demand for horror rooted in King’s storytelling prowess. The Institute’s format remains less defined—it begins as an eight-episode season, but the door remains open for future installments depending on its success.
Although the It franchise currently leads King’s works in terms of recent popularity, the trend may shift as other adaptations gather momentum. The enduring legacy of Stephen King, who has influenced five decades of horror fiction, ensures that there is no shortage of source material available for innovative screen adaptations. This fertile ground promises continued excitement and evolution for fans of the genre.
The Cast Bringing Derry’s Dark Secrets to Life
It: Welcome to Derry assembles a compelling ensemble to bring the story’s horror and intrigue to the screen. Bill Skarsgård once again steps into the chilling role of Pennywise, revitalizing one of King’s most iconic villains. Alongside him, Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, and Chris Chalk are slated to play vital characters entwined in Derry’s haunted past and Pennywise’s legacy of terror.
As these cast members interpret new and familiar figures from King’s world, their performances will help anchor the series in both dread and emotional resonance, offering viewers a chance to connect with fresh perspectives on classic and reimagined characters.
Potential Impact for Horror Television
The rollout of a Stephen King multi-season HBO adaptation signals a new era for horror on television. HBO’s confidence in the sustained appeal of It: Welcome to Derry sets a precedent that could inspire more studios to pursue multi-season treatments of King’s work and other genre literature. As projects like The Institute and Fairy Tale gain traction, and with the enduring influence of King’s expansive body of work, audiences can expect a revitalized approach to horror storytelling that privileges depth, development, and ongoing suspense.
For now, anticipation for It: Welcome to Derry is high, not only for returning fans but also for those eager to experience the chilling mysteries of Derry through a nuanced, extended lens. As the premiere draws nearer, industry watchers and genre enthusiasts alike await what could be a landmark moment for Stephen King adaptations and serialized horror on HBO.
