Barbara from Derry: Andy Muschietti Discusses Stranger Things Comparisons

Overview of “It: Welcome to Derry”

This new series serves as a prequel to the acclaimed horror film “It,” exploring the origins of Pennywise. Creators Andy and Barbara Muschietti share insights into their vision and the show’s development.

Andy Muschietti, renowned for his two-part adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic novel, returns to the franchise with a new series format. The Muschiettis elaborated on the show’s scope and the returning characters, while also addressing comparisons with other horror series, like “Stranger Things.”

The Shift from Film to Series

“It: Welcome to Derry” is set 27 years prior to the original film, allowing a deeper dive into the lore surrounding the entity known as It. Andy explains that the transition to a series format allows for a more expansive storytelling approach. He notes that film often imposes time constraints, which can limit character development.

Comparisons with “Stranger Things”

The transition to a television format has sparked conversations around similarity to “Stranger Things.” Both series feature groups of children facing supernatural threats in a small town. Interestingly, Andy mentions he hasn’t seen “Stranger Things,” asserting that their creative motivation comes from a love for the original book rather than outside influences.

Barbara, however, is a fan of “Stranger Things” and believes that comparisons aren’t particularly beneficial. She emphasizes that their narrative is firmly rooted in the book and existing films, providing a distinct identity for “Welcome to Derry.”

Bill Skarsgard’s Return

A notable aspect of both “It” films was Bill Skarsgard’s chilling performance as Pennywise. His presence in the series is vital, according to Andy, who frequently discussed the character’s origin with Bill during the previous films. The series aims to unravel many mysteries surrounding Pennywise and promise a fresh perspective for fans.

As an HBO Original, “It: Welcome to Derry” features a talented cast, including Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Clara Stack, Amanda Christine, Mikkal Karim-Fidler, alongside Skarsgard. The series is set to stream on JioHotstar in India starting October 26.

As interest in web series continues to rise, what are you looking forward to seeing in “It: Welcome to Derry”?