Welcome to Derry: First Trailer for the "It" Prequel Series!

Update: The trailer is here!

After the sensational success of the two "It" films, Pennywise the Dancing Clown is now returning once again to cause fear and terror. A first trailer for the prequel series "It: Welcome to Derry" is just around the corner!

To be more precise, it will be released tomorrow, May 20. Of course, you'll be able to watch it here right away. It was announced back in June last year that Bill Skarsgård would once again be playing the bloodthirsty clown. Viewers will no doubt remember his performance from the previous films.

As the title suggests, the series will take us to the fictional small town of Derry, which has already served as a setting for horror in Stephen King's novels and films. The plot is set in the early 1960s and tells a new story about a group of young people who have to confront the ancient, evil being that appears every 27 years and spreads terror. The series thus picks up on the film originals both thematically and stylistically – with the addition of new perspectives and historical depth.

Andy Muschietti, who previously directed "It" and "It: Chapter 2", is once again behind the camera. Together with his sister Barbara Muschietti, he will lead the project as creative head and direct the pilot episode, among other things. "Welcome to Derry" will be produced by HBO Max in collaboration with Warner Bros. Television – a clear sign of high production standards and a dark, atmospheric realization.

"It: Welcome to Derry" is due to be released this year. However, an official release date has yet to be announced. In the United States, the series will be released exclusively on HBO Max. We can hardly wait!

The Most Famous Film Adaptations by Stephen King – From Horror Master to Cinema Legend

Stephen King is one of the most prolific and influential authors of our time. With over 60 novels, countless short stories and an unmistakable signature between horror, mystery, drama and social criticism, he is a fixture in world literature – and in Hollywood. Numerous of his works have been made into films, many of them multiple times. Some have become cult classics, others have shaped entire film genres. Here are the best-known and most important movie adaptations of the works of the "King of Horror".

The Shining (1980): Psychological Horror to Perfection

"The Shining", directed by Stanley Kubrick, is probably the most famous film adaptation of a King novel – and also one of the most controversial. King himself was dissatisfied with Kubrick's interpretation, as it differs greatly from his literary source. Nevertheless, the film starring Jack Nicholson as the insane janitor Jack Torrance became a timeless classic of horror cinema.

It (2017 & 2019): Pennywise Becomes a Pop Icon

The two films "It" and "It: Chapter 2", based on King's huge novel, celebrated enormous success at the box office. The horror clown Pennywise, played by Bill Skarsgård, terrified a new generation. The mixture of coming-of-age, deep psychological fears and supernatural horror went down extremely well with audiences – "It" became the most successful horror movie of all time.

Pet Sematary (1989 & 2019): Death Is Not the End

"Pet Sematary" is one of King's darkest works – a story about loss, guilt and the inevitability of death. The first film adaptation from 1989 became a genre classic. The remake released in 2019 caused mixed reactions with its modern style and changed ending. But the core message remained: some things are better left dead.

Misery (1990): Madness Within Your Own Four Walls

In "Misery", an injured novelist meets his biggest fan – who turns out to be a deranged nurse who wants to hold him captive. Kathy Bates shone as Annie Wilkes and won the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance. The movie shows that horror also works without ghosts and monsters – when the human psyche takes center stage.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994): Hope in Prison

Based on the novella "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption", "The Shawshank Redemption" is a moving prison drama about friendship, hope and justice. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman shine in the leading roles. Although the movie received little attention when it was released, it became a cult film and regularly occupies top positions in best lists, for example on IMDb.

The Green Mile (1999): Supernatural Humanity

Another prison movie – this time with supernatural elements – is "The Green Mile", based on King's novel of the same name. Director Frank Darabont (also "The Shawshank Redemption") tells the story of a man sentenced to death with healing powers. The movie touches with its emotional depth, its ethical questions and the outstanding acting of Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan. One of the most human and at the same time most tragic King adaptations.

Stand by Me: The Secret of a Summer (1986)

Based on the novella "The Body", the film adaptation "Stand by Me" is a sensitive coming-of-age film about friendship and the end of childhood. Four boys go in search of a corpse – and learn more about themselves than about death. Director Rob Reiner directed with a fine sense of atmosphere and characters.

Carrie (1976): Blood, Revenge and Fear of Being Different

"Carrie" was King's first major book success – and was impressively brought to the screen by Brian De Palma in 1976. The story of a shy girl with telekinetic powers who seeks revenge after years of oppression is a classic psychological thriller. Sissy Spacek as Carrie and Piper Laurie as her fanatical mother were both nominated for an Oscar.

The Mist (2007): The Horror Lurks in the Unknown

With "The Mist", Frank Darabont once again directed a gripping adaptation of a King story. The mixture of monster movie and social psychodrama is captivating right up to the bitter – and extremely dark – ending, which differs drastically from the book and has left a lasting impression on many viewers.

Conclusion: Cinema Loves King – And So Do Audiences

Stephen King is far more than just a horror author. His stories – whether supernatural or deeply human – offer strong characters, exciting conflicts and emotional depth. No other contemporary author has had so many books adapted into films. The spectrum of his adaptations ranges from subtle psychodramas to bloody shockers. With new projects such as "Welcome to Derry", it is clear that King's works remain an integral part of the movie and series world – yesterday, today and tomorrow.