HBO's Welcome To Derry Teaser Gives Me Faith The Prequel Will Do Stephen King's Work Justice

Stephen King’s It remains one of the most widely celebrated horror novels of all time, but the upcoming spin-off TV series, Welcome to Derry, has a lot to live up to. King is one of the most adapted authors of all time, with dozens of novels and short stories in his bibliography, and many of those titles being adapted for TV and movies. However, not all King stories are equal, and there have been numerous adaptations that have failed to hit the mark.

In particular, when King’s stories are taken and completely reimagined in new ways, going off book, like with The Lawnmower Man, or the recent Pet Sematary prequel, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines. For this reason, I’ve been sceptical and cautious about what to expect in the upcoming Welcome to Derry prequel series. However, movies like The Shining, which take the source material and create something new in the same spirit as the original, have been successful. And having seen the sizzle reel for Max’s upcoming releases, Welcome to Derry does appear to have a similar energy to It.

HBO’s Welcome To Derry Looks Like A Worthy Prequel To It

Welcome To Derry Expands The It Story

It is a classic horror story, with a terrifying villain and an ominous atmosphere that is felt throughout the entire story. This is true of both the films and the King novel from which the story is adapted. There is a balance of gore and disturbing visuals that stem from uncanny expressions. And, beyond the frightening foe that is Pennywise the clown, the entire city of Derry has embraced a spirit of violence, anger, and hatred that leads to the locals being constantly guarded and ill at ease.

The movie captured this well with opening scenes that showcased how Derry is not a pleasant place for people to live, and can see people become the worst versions of themselves. Fortunately, from the brief snippet seen in the Max sizzle reel for upcoming releases, it looks like the show will strike the balance, and include these all important details. Welcome to Derry has the potential to be creepy and terrifying in a way that lives up to the original, and I’m starting to get excited about what’s in store.

Welcome To Derry’s Teaser Gives Me Confidence In The Show (Despite Key Concerns)

It Still Feels Like The Derry From The Original Stories

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While there are obvious elements of Welcome to Derry that would cast doubt about how successful or faithful the series will be, the teaser does promise something that feels promising. Despite taking a new direction with the story, and working without any foundation of King’s own works, the show appears to understand the context of the original novel and do something unique inspired by It. And it’s for this reason that, despite Stephen King not having any direct involvement in the show, I still think it could work.

The sizzle reel reveals a quiet town, a group of young friends, and contrasts this rapidly with blood-soaked locals, and a woman with a terrifying crooked smile. It may not be It, but it’s clear what world this series takes place in. Putting all these details together and putting some writers who have clear admiration and respect for the source material, Andy and Barbara Muschietti, who worked on the movies, it’s clear that Welcome to Derry has a good chance of breaking new ground on an old story.