HBO Renews Horror Series ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ for Season 2, Moving Setting to 1935

HBO has officially greenlit production on Season 2 of the series “IT: Welcome to Derry.” The next installment of the prequel will move back another 27-year Pennywise cycle in time—shifting from 1962 to the Great Depression era of 1935.

Brad Caleb Kane, who co-ran the debut season alongside Jason Fuchs, will serve as sole showrunner for the second season. “IT” film director Andy Muschietti and producer Barbara Muschietti will continue to executive produce the project.

Storyline and the Bradley Gang Massacre

The main historical event of Season 2 will be the Bradley Gang massacre—an incident from Derry’s past featured in Stephen King’s original novel. According to the story, the gang of robbers operated in Maine during the 1930s until town residents ambushed and shot the criminals in the street. The showrunners plan to turn this event into an overarching narrative arc and the season’s climax.

The 1935 setting will depict Derry during a period of deep economic crisis, unemployment, and social tension. According to Andy Muschietti, the new story will center on street children and orphans, making the atmosphere significantly darker than the first season.

Three-Season Structure and Cast

The creators originally designed the project as a three-season concept, with each season exploring a 27-year awakening cycle of the ancient evil: 1962 (Season 1), 1935 (Season 2), and a potential 1908 setting for the final chapter.

The cast and premiere date for the second season have not yet been announced. While the origins of the monster and its human incarnation, Bob Gray, remain a key part of the lore, HBO has not officially confirmed whether Bill Skarsgård will return as Pennywise the Clown.

1935. #ITWelcomeToDerry will return for Season Two. pic.twitter.com/HZeTnMvuVy

— HBO Max (@hbomax) August 17, 2026