Welcome to Derry is an up-and-coming TV show that will take us back to the small town of Derry, in a long awaited origins story about horror’s favorite clown, Pennywise.
Any horror fan will be well aware that Stephen King’s realm has been rapidly expanding over the last decade. With 9 television adaptations and a dozen movies having been added to his vast catalogue over the last ten years alone, it’s evident that the King of Horror still reigns strong.
Out of King’s many villains that have spanned the years, Pennywise the Clown is undoubtedly the most prolific. Playing on one of the worlds’ greatest fears has gone a long way to ensure Pennywise the Dancing Clown has gone on to become one of horror’s most notorious beings.
With all of the above taken in to account, a TV adaptation has long been on the cards. What wasn’t expected was that we were to be treated to an origins story, exploring how Pennywise came into our mortal realm.
Welcome to Derry will Take us to the Sixties
It’s reported that Welcome to Derry will take us back to the swinging sixties, in a telling of the events preceding the 1990 blockbuster hit movie. We’re strongly hoping that some light will be cast on the details surrounding Pennywise the Clown‘s uprising and the reason for his nefarious ways.
The original movies were set during the mid-eighties, so a visit to the swinging sixties will fall into place with the story, that sees the return of the killer clown every twenty-seven years. With this in mind, it only seems logical that we will learn of the last time battle that sent Pennywise to his long slumber. Judging by the cast, it seems as though it will once again be down to the youth of Derry to save the day.
Welcome to Derry – Cast and Crew
Welcome to Derry will be in good hands with Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs at the helm. Having directed the 2017 and 2019 movies (IT: Chapter One, IT: Chapter Two, respectively), Andy Muschietti will bring a proven experience to the table.
Also confirmed are Taylour Paige, renowned for her role in Zola, Jovan Adepo (Watchmen) and Dexter‘s very own James Remar. With the movie being set over twenty years prior to the movies, we won’t be seeing any of the original cast that made up “The Loser’s Club“.
The question on everybody’s lips at this point surrounds who will be stepping into the oversized shoes of Pennywise. Sadly, Bill Skarsgard won’t be making a return. The actor, who gave a commendable and unforgettable performance last time round, has confirmed this himself. Speaking to popular YouTube channel, Jake’s Takes, the actor wishes all the luck to whoever takes on the coveted role:
“As of now, I’m not currently involved with it,” he said. “If someone else gets to do it, my advice would be: Do it your own. Make it your own. Have fun with it. What I found pleasurable about that character is how abstract he was.”
Bill Skarsgard, speaking to Jake’s Takes
It’s a real shame as Skarsgard felt like the perfect fit. Either way, whoever is lucky enough to grab the role has some big shoes to fill (sorry).
Welcome to Derry – Summary
While the news of Skarsgard’s franchise exit is far from palatable, we have every faith that those responsible will find an ideal fit for Pennywise. We can’t wait to learn more about the origins of the story but, sadly, we will need to wait until the 2024 release to find out more.
Chibu
Only the costume and painting looks very creepy. There was a horror movie I watched some year back the villain dressed in the same costume which I can’t remember the name of the movie.