HBO gives horror fans a spooky surprise with an early drop of the next Pennywise-filled episode.
Just in time for Halloween, HBO is giving fans of Stephen King’s chilling universe an early treat. Episode 2 of It: Welcome to Derry is being released ahead of schedule — landing on HBO Max this Friday, October 31, at 12:00 a.m. PT / 3:00 a.m. ET.
The episode will still air on HBO as originally planned on Sunday, November 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
The move is a one-time special release to celebrate Halloween, giving viewers the perfect way to get their fright fix before the weekend. After this early drop, the series will return to its regular schedule, with new episodes arriving every Sunday until the season finale on December 14.
It: Welcome to Derry is set in the same eerie world as Stephen King’s It, expanding the terrifying mythology of Derry, Maine, and exploring the origins of Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The series was developed for television by Andy and Barbara Muschietti—the filmmaking duo behind the hit It movies—and Jason Fuchs.
Andy Muschietti is directing several episodes, bringing back his signature dark and suspenseful style that made the films so successful.
The cast is packed with both fresh faces and familiar ones. Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Blake Cameron James, Arian S. Cartaya, Amanda Christine, Matilda Lawler, Clara Stack, Madeleine Stowe, and Rudy Mancuso star in the ensemble.
Of course, the biggest excitement comes from Bill Skarsgård’s return as Pennywise, reprising the sinister role that terrified audiences in the 2017 and 2019 It movies.
Produced by HBO and Warner Bros. Television, the horror drama comes from executive producers Andy and Barbara Muschietti under their Double Dream banner, along with Jason Fuchs, Brad Caleb Kane, David Coatsworth, Skarsgård, Shelley Meals, Roy Lee, and Dan Lin. Fuchs and Kane also serve as co-showrunners, with Fuchs writing the series premiere.
Fans of the It movies have been buzzing online since the show’s debut, praising its creepy atmosphere and nostalgic ties to the films. The early Halloween release of Episode 2 only adds to the excitement, giving fans a jump start on the scares.
So if you’re looking for the perfect Halloween binge, turn down the lights and log on to HBO Max this Friday — Pennywise is waiting in Derry.
