Muschietti Siblings Reflect on Tim Curry's Enduring Legacy as They Unveil 'Welcome to Derry'

In a heartfelt tribute, the creators of the upcoming prequel series 'Welcome to Derry' shared their thoughts on the late Tim Curry, whose portrayal of Pennywise left an indelible mark on the horror genre. Andy and Barbara Muschietti expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to be associated with Curry's legacy, particularly as they continue to develop their own adaptations of Stephen King’s work.

Tim Curry passed away on August 25 at the age of 80 due to coronary artery disease, but his influence reaches far and wide, according to the Muschietti siblings. 'His legacy is incredible,' Barbara stated, emphasizing the lasting impact Curry has had on both fans and the franchise. Andy added, 'It’s a shame. It’s bitter, but we’ll remember him. We’ll cherish it.' The siblings acknowledged that while Curry is best known for his role in 'It,' his contributions to cinema include memorable performances in classics like 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' and 'Annie.'

The Muschiettis, who revitalized the 'It' franchise with their adaptations in 2017 and 2019, are now diving deeper into the lore with 'Welcome to Derry,' which premiered its first season on HBO Max on October 26, 2025. The series is set in the year 1962 and explores the town's last encounter with Pennywise before the events of the film. With Season 2 already renewed, fans can look forward to a return to 1935, where the storyline will delve into the notorious Bradley Gang Massacre, an event referenced in King’s novels.

The siblings are currently in the early stages of production for the new season, focusing on casting and script development. 'It’s a completely different world with a lot of surprises,' Andy remarked, assuring viewers that if they enjoyed the first season, they would love what’s to come. The Muschiettis aim to tell the story over three seasons, each corresponding to different cycles of Pennywise.

In addition to the new series, the Muschiettis were present at the immersive experience 'It' at the Cosm in Los Angeles, which allows audiences to engage with the film in a unique way. 'It feels great,' Andy shared about the opportunity, expressing his hope that such experiences will encourage more moviegoers to return to theaters. 'Anything to bring people to the theaters,' Barbara added, highlighting the essence of their filmmaking.

Source: variety.com