HBO’s IT Welcome to Derry Premieres With Brutal Multiple Killings Shocking Fans

The HBO Max series "It: Welcome to Derry," a prequel to the 2017 and 2019 "It" films based on Stephen King's novel, premiered with a notably brutal and shocking first episode set in 1962. The episode opens with Matty, a young boy who encounters a seemingly normal family that turns out to be malevolent, culminating in one of the most gruesome murder scenes in the franchise, which left viewers stunned and sparked intense reactions online. The show follows Matty's friends Lilly, Phil, Teddy, Ronnie, and Susie as they investigate his disappearance, but unexpectedly kills off key characters early on, defying typical horror tropes and creating a tense atmosphere where no one is safe. The director, Andy Muschietti, confirmed this was an intentional move to unsettle the audience and subvert expectations, emphasizing that "nothing is sacred" in the series. The narrative explores themes of childhood trauma, social ostracization, and the dark undercurrents of small-town politics, while introducing new protagonists and dynamics distinct from the original Losers Club. Overall, the series blends homage with fresh twists, promising a psychologically intense and unpredictable horror experience ahead.