HBO has renewed the television series IT: Welcome to Derry for a second season set in 1935 during the Great Depression. The show expands the horror universe created by author Stephen King and developed for television from the feature films directed by Andy Muschietti.
The new installment will center on the massacre of the Bradley Gang, a group of bank robbers who arrive in Derry to purchase ammunition only to encounter a terror far greater than expected.
The series will continue exploring the dark history of the fictional Maine town and the mythology of Pennywise, the shapeshifting entity that serves as a central element of the saga. While taking inspiration from King's 1986 novel It, the television production will continue developing events and historical episodes that were only briefly outlined in the original book.
The Bradley Gang massacre in 1935
The story choice takes the narrative back to 1935, focusing on a brutal historical event within the town's lore. The Bradley Gang, known for bank robberies, travels to Derry to secure ammunition before meeting a violent end at the hands of a sinister force.
Stephen King's original fiction established Derry as a recurring setting plagued by a cyclical evil that resurfaces roughly every 27 years. The upcoming season aims to flesh out the historical violence that marked previous cycles of the creature's presence in the town.
Brad Caleb Kane will serve as showrunner for the new episodes. Filmmaking duo Andy and Barbara Muschietti will remain attached to the project as executive producers through their production banner Double Dream.
Production team and streaming success
The renewal follows strong viewership metrics for the premiere season. According to HBO, the first season placed among the top four series launches worldwide in the history of the HBO Max streaming platform. The debut season comprised eight episodes and is available to stream in its entirety.
Sarah Aubrey of HBO Max highlighted that the primary goal for the second season will be to delve deeper into the terror, mystery, and mythology surrounding Pennywise. Warner Bros. Television stated that the upcoming episodes will transport viewers into a distinct new chapter set during the 1930s.
Andy and Barbara Muschietti expressed enthusiasm for continuing their work within King's universe. The producers noted that expanding the story of Derry allows for the introduction of new characters, fresh conflicts, and further exploration of violent incidents tied to the city's past.
Executive producers and studio backing
The second season will be produced jointly by HBO and Warner Bros. Television. In addition to Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and showrunner Brad Caleb Kane, executive producers on the project include Roy Lee, Dan Lin, Jamie Travis, and Dhana Gilbert.
Andy Muschietti previously directed both It in 2017 and It Chapter Two in 2019, which adapted the main timeline of King's novel. The sister-brother production team of Barbara and Andy Muschietti has led the cinematic expansion of the franchise.
With this renewal, HBO consolidates its commitment to expanding the IT franchise, establishing 1935 and the fatal confrontation of the Bradley Gang as the core narrative driver for the next installment.
