HBO Renews It: Welcome to Derry for Season 2
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Post By
DJ Longers
- August 19, 2026
‘The Nightmare Continues’: HBO Renews It: Welcome to Derry for Season 2 as Brad Caleb Kane Takes Sole Showrunner Reins
LOS ANGELES — HBO has officially handed a second-season renewal to its horror hit It: Welcome to Derry, confirming that the Pennywise prequel series will return for another chapter of supernatural terror.
The announcement comes alongside a major leadership shift behind the scenes. Co-creator Brad Caleb Kane is stepping up as sole showrunner for the second instalment, as co-creator Jason Fuchs shifts focus to feature film projects under a new overall deal with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Developed for television by Fuchs, Kane, and It film director Andy Muschietti, the series serves as a chilling origin story set in the haunted Maine town made famous by Stephen King’s classic 1986 novel.
A Monster Hit for HBO
The early renewal follows an exceptional maiden run that captivated horror fans and critics alike, delivering standout viewership across HBO and its streaming platform Max.
Starring Bill Skarsgård, who reprises his nightmare-inducing role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, Season 1 explored the dark history of Derry during the 1960s, unravelling the cyclical tragedy that preceded the events of 2017's It: Chapter One.
Addressing the renewal and leadership evolution, Francesca Orsi, Head of HBO Drama Series & Films, expressed full confidence in Kane’s vision for the next chapter:
"Brad Caleb Kane and Jason Fuchs crafted a deeply atmospheric, terrifying extension of Stephen King’s universe that resonated with audiences globally," Orsi said in an official statement. "As Jason embarks on his next cinematic ventures, we are thrilled to have Brad take the helm as sole showrunner to guide the next haunting chapter of Derry's history."
Expanding the Mythology
While specific narrative details for Season 2 remain under wraps, executive producer Andy Muschietti—who directed several key episodes in Season 1 alongside his sister and producing partner Barbara Muschietti—hinted that the series will delve into an earlier era of Pennywise’s 27-year hibernation cycle.
In a joint statement, Andy and Barbara Muschietti celebrated the series' continuation:
"Derry is a town steeped in blood and secrets, and we've barely scratched the surface of its history. Working with Brad has been an extraordinary creative partnership, and we cannot wait to plunge viewers back into the abyss."
Beyond Skarsgård, the Season 1 ensemble cast featured Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, and Madeleine Stowe. Casting confirmations for the second season are expected in the coming months as writing gets underway.
Production Profile — 'It: Welcome to Derry' Season 2
| Production Attribute | Official Project Details |
| Network / Platform | HBO / Max |
| Sole Showrunner | Brad Caleb Kane (Black Sails, Tokyo Vice) |
| Executive Producers | Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, Brad Caleb Kane, Jason Fuchs |
| Key Returning Lead | Bill Skarsgård (Pennywise / Bob Gray) |
| Based On | Characters and universe created by Stephen King |
| Production Banner | Warner Bros. Television & Double Dream |
A Cornerstone of HBO’s Genre Slate
The renewal reinforces HBO’s aggressive expansion of high-profile intellectual property, positioning Welcome to Derry alongside flagship drama series like House of the Dragon and The Last of Us.
With Brad Caleb Kane now at the sole helm, pre-production on Season 2 is set to commence in late 2026, setting the stage for another dark descent into Stephen King's most infamous town.
