The terrifying saga of Pennywise the Dancing Clown continues with IT Chapter 3: Welcome to Derry (2025), a prequel to the blockbuster IT series. Directed by Andy Muschietti and written by Gary Dauberman, this highly anticipated installment dives into the chilling origins of Pennywise and the dark history of Derry, Maine. The official trailer has dropped, giving fans a first look at the horror and lore that awaits in this sinister chapter.
Trailer Breakdown
The trailer begins with haunting imagery of a quaint 1900s Derry, Maine, shrouded in mist. The sound of children laughing is abruptly cut off by a sinister growl, and the screen cuts to black as a voice whispers, “It always begins here.”
Key moments in the trailer include:
- Pennywise’s Origins: A glimpse of Bill Skarsgård returning as Pennywise, shown in his human form as a carnival performer in the early 1900s. A chilling transformation sequence hints at how he became the eldritch entity we know.
- Derry’s Cursed History: Scenes depict the infamous Black Spot fire, a tragic massacre from the town’s history, and an eerie carnival where strange disappearances occur.
- New Characters: A young orphan named Edith Crandall (played by Sophia Lillis) serves as the central figure trying to uncover the truth behind Derry’s mysterious deaths.
- Creepy Visuals: A child’s balloon floating through a darkened alley, shadows morphing into monstrous forms, and Pennywise’s menacing smile peering from a sewer grate.
- Tension-Building Score: The iconic “Oranges and Lemons” rhyme is sung by children, its playful tone turning ominous as the trailer builds to a crescendo of horror.
The trailer ends with Pennywise’s iconic line, “Do you want a balloon?” as he stares directly into the camera, followed by a montage of terrifying sequences that leave fans on edge.
Plot Details
IT Chapter 3: Welcome to Derry is set in the early 1900s and explores the origins of Pennywise, the cosmic entity who preys on the town’s children every 27 years. The story follows young Edith Crandall and her brother, who uncover the chilling secrets of their hometown after a series of mysterious disappearances.
As they delve deeper into Derry’s cursed history, they encounter dark forces that seem tied to a traveling carnival, where Pennywise first appears as a seemingly harmless clown. The film uncovers how Pennywise establishes his hold over Derry, the pact of silence formed by the town’s adults, and the tragedies that feed his power.
The prequel expands on the mythology of Stephen King’s IT, blending horror with psychological tension while exploring the cyclical nature of fear and trauma.
Cast and Crew
- Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise: Reprising his terrifying role, Skarsgård brings new layers to the character, exploring his human guise and ultimate descent into evil.
- Sophia Lillis as Edith Crandall: A courageous orphan determined to uncover the truth about Derry.
- Finn Wolfhard (cameo): Appearing in a brief flash-forward as Richie Tozier, tying the events of the prequel to the original films.
- Andy Muschietti returns as director, ensuring continuity in tone and style with the previous chapters.
- Gary Dauberman, the writer of IT Chapters 1 and 2, pens the screenplay, delving deeper into Stephen King’s original lore while adding new dimensions.
Budget and Production
The estimated budget for IT Chapter 3 is $120 million, reflecting the ambitious scope of its storytelling and special effects. The film features stunning period costumes, elaborate set designs recreating early 20th-century Derry, and cutting-edge CGI for Pennywise’s transformations and cosmic horror elements. Principal photography took place in Canada, with key scenes filmed in real historical towns to capture an authentic vintage feel.
Release Date
IT Chapter 3: Welcome to Derry is slated for release on September 19, 2025, perfectly timed for the Halloween season. The film is expected to draw horror fans and Stephen King enthusiasts eager to delve deeper into the dark lore of Derry and Pennywise.
Summary
IT Chapter 3: Welcome to Derry (2025) promises to be a chilling and immersive addition to the IT franchise. With its focus on Pennywise’s origins and the cursed history of Derry, the film expands the mythology while delivering the scares fans have come to expect. The teaser trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse of the horrors to come, blending period drama with spine-tingling terror.
Under Andy Muschietti’s expert direction and with Bill Skarsgård’s iconic performance, the film is poised to terrify and captivate audiences once again. Mark your calendars for September 19, 2025, and prepare to return to Derry—where the nightmare began.
