It: Welcome to Derry Halloween surprise episode released: Where to watch the 30-minute special set centuries before Pennywise

The town of Derry has another terrifying story to tell, and this time it takes fans of the show several centuries back before Pennywise became its most feared resident. Just in time for Halloween, HBO has surprised fans of IT: Welcome to Derry with a special episode that explores the dark history of the place where Stephen King's fictional horror unfolds.

Titled A Story of Derry, the 30-minute instalment was released without any of prior announcement on October 31.

What happens in IT: Welcome to Derry's Halloween special?

Unlike the main series, which is set in 1962, A Story of Derry travels hundreds of years into the past. The story follows three young people who venture into the Western Wood, where they encounter a terrifying ancient spirit.


The episode begins with a title card explaining how the truth about the horrors of Derry was hidden behind a gentler story passed down to children. It also introduces the Kollu, described as creatures that preyed upon people generations ago.

One of the episode's important revelations is about an Indigenous warrior, played by Zahn McClarnon, who creates the dagger feared by the creature. There is another interesting addition for longtime Stephen King fans. The special features Maturin, the cosmic being associated with the battle against IT in King's fictional universe.

Where to watch the special episode?

A Story of Derry is available to stream on HBO Max. Directed by Tazbah Chavez, the episode features Zahn McClarnon, Kiawentiio, Kimberly Guerrero, Isabel Deroy-Olson, Morningstar Angeline, Michael Podemski-Bedard and Thosh Collins.

Bill Skarsgård, who plays Pennywise in the main series, does not appear in the special. Given that the story takes place centuries before the events involving the clown, the episode instead focuses on the people and ancient forces connected to Derry's past.

IT: Welcome to Derry Season 2

The surprise Halloween release also arrives as fans wait for the show's next chapter. HBO renewed IT: Welcome to Derry for a second season in August.

The upcoming season will move the timeline backwards to 1935, during the Great Depression. Its story will revolve around the massacre of the Bradley Gang, a group of bank robbers who stop in Derry to buy ammunition before encountering the town's terrifying evil.

Brad Caleb Kane will serve as showrunner for the second season, with Andy and Barbara Muschietti continuing their involvement. HBO has not announced a release date yet.