Pennywise fans, brace yourselves—IT: Welcome to Derry just dropped a bombshell update on Season 2… but it’s not the full green light you wanted 😱🤡
After the mind-blowing Season 1 finale (that shocking Pennywise showdown, the time-twisting reveals, surprise cameos tying straight into the movies, and a “Chapter 1” card screaming MORE), everyone’s begging for renewal. HBO’s prequel smashed ratings—right up there with The Last of Us and House of the Dragon—proving Derry’s curse still terrifies.
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The first season of HBO’s IT: Welcome to Derry concluded in late 2025 with a finale that left viewers stunned. Titled “Chapter 1,” the episode delivered a brutal confrontation with Pennywise the Dancing Clown (Bill SkarsgÃ¥rd), unexpected cameos linking directly to Andy Muschietti’s 2017 and 2019 IT films, and revelations about the entity’s time-shifting nature and deep ties to Derry’s cursed history. The series, a prequel set primarily in 1962, explored a new group of residents facing the ancient evil during one of its 27-year cycles, blending horror, period drama, and Stephen King lore.
The show proved a major hit for HBO, ranking among the platform’s top launches alongside The Last of Us and House of the Dragon. Viewership remained strong throughout its run, with the finale drawing series-high numbers. Critical reception praised the atmospheric storytelling, strong performances (including Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, and SkarsgÃ¥rd’s chilling return), and faithful yet expansive take on King’s interludes from the novel.
With the season wrapped, attention turned to the future. Co-creators Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs had long outlined a three-season vision, each installment moving backward in time to explore Derry’s catastrophic events feeding Pennywise’s power. Season 1 covered 1962 and the Black Spot fire; Season 2 would shift to 1935 and the Bradley Gang massacre amid the Great Depression; Season 3 would reach 1908 and the Easter egg hunt explosion, delving deeper into origins—including Bob Gray (SkarsgÃ¥rd) and daughter Ingrid’s tragic backstory.
In a December 2025 ScreenRant interview following the finale, Barbara Muschietti provided a measured update. Attending CCXP to promote the series alongside her brother, she noted they weren’t prepared to announce anything major due to personal commitments, including celebrating a close family member’s birthday. When pressed on Season 2, she emphasized HBO’s interest but highlighted practical hurdles: “There’s a very high bar” for renewal, she said, citing the show’s high production costs—extensive visual effects for Pennywise’s transformations, elaborate period sets, and large-scale action sequences likely pushing budgets into the $80 million range or higher, comparable to the films.
Despite the caution, optimism persists. Barbara affirmed the creative team and network want to continue, with the three-season arc locked in from development. Andy Muschietti has repeatedly described the series as a complete story across three chapters, not open-ended extensions. In earlier interviews, he explained the backward timeline allows exploration of why Pennywise fixates on Derry and preys on children—adults remain blind to the horrors, while youth confront them directly.
By January 2026, reports indicated progress behind the scenes. The Hollywood Reporter described Andy Muschietti as a “hot commodity” due to the show’s success, noting “a second season is now in the works, even if it has not been officially renewed.” Writers’ room activity reportedly began earlier (with involvement from Dark creators Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, celebrated via social media posts), though some production listings showed temporary holds before resuming. No formal HBO renewal has been announced, potentially delayed by corporate shifts at Warner Bros. Discovery amid merger speculation.
Casting for Season 2 remains unconfirmed, but SkarsgÃ¥rd’s return as Pennywise/It seems probable, given his executive producer role and the entity’s central presence. The 1935 setting would introduce new characters—likely focusing on the Bradley Gang’s ill-fated arrival in Derry, turning a robbery into supernatural entanglement—while possibly featuring younger versions of Season 1 figures or descendants. Additional lore on the Neibolt House (atop Pennywise’s lair) and the town’s “collective amnesia” is expected.
Fans have reacted positively to the cautious tone, viewing it as realistic for a premium, VFX-heavy series rather than cancellation fears. The finale’s setup—labeling itself “Chapter 1” and teasing ongoing cycles—fuels anticipation for more. If renewed soon, production could begin mid-2026, with a premiere targeted for late 2027 (likely Halloween window) after lengthy post-production.
For now, the update remains guarded but hopeful. Barbara Muschietti’s comments underscore confidence in the story’s vision while acknowledging real-world challenges. As Derry’s horrors linger in viewers’ minds, the question isn’t if Pennywise will return—it’s when HBO will officially unleash the next chapter.
