HBO Max Drops 30-Minute 'It: Welcome to Derry' Prequel for Halloween
A Story of Derry, set centuries before the series among the fictional Shokopiwah tribe, was directed by Tazbah Chavez and does not feature Pennywise.
HBO Max released a 30-minute prequel episode of It: Welcome to Derry titled A Story of Derry on October 31, 2026, as a Halloween surprise, according to Slashfilm.
The episode is set centuries before the main series and centres on the fictional Shokopiwah tribe. Pennywise does not appear in it. Tazbah Chavez directed, from a script by Cherie Dimaline and Jasmyne Flournoy.
A Story of Derry expands the flashback origin story told in Episode 4 of Season 1, with some details retconned. It follows Necani, played by Kiawentiio, and her friends after they entered the Western Woods, where they encounter a stranger portrayed by Zahn McClarnon.
What comes next for the series
Season 1 of It: Welcome to Derry finished in December 2025, and HBO confirmed a second season in August 2026. Showrunner Brad Caleb Kane told the New York Post that Season 2 will begin filming in summer 2027.
The second season is set in Depression-era America in 1935, 27 years before the events of Season 1.
Quick answers
What is the new It: Welcome to Derry episode called?
It is titled A Story of Derry and runs 30 minutes. HBO Max released it on October 31, 2026 as a Halloween surprise.
Does Pennywise appear in A Story of Derry?
No. The prequel is set centuries before the main series and focuses on the fictional Shokopiwah tribe.
When does It: Welcome to Derry Season 2 start filming?
Showrunner Brad Caleb Kane told the New York Post that filming begins in summer 2027. The season is set in 1935.