HBO Max surprised Stephen King fans with the unannounced release of "A Story of Derry," a new episode of "IT: Welcome to Derry," on Halloween. The half-hour installment delves deeper into the lore of the cosmic entity known as "It" and its long history of terrorizing Derry, Maine.
The episode focuses on teens Necani, Kino, and Maneese as they venture into the Western Woods, breaking the rules to search for food. There, they encounter Mitig, a warrior played by Zahn McClarnon, who is living in the woods and possesses a dagger broken from "It's" cosmic prison. Initially appearing to be a protector, Mitig is revealed to be sacrificing humans to "It" and consuming their flesh, horrifying the children who then steal his dagger.
"A Story of Derry" further explores Necani's mother, Sesqui's, struggle against "It" and offers a detailed explanation for how the entity was trapped in Derry, referencing Maturin, the Turtle god, from Stephen King's wider universe and its connection to "The Dark Tower."
Zahn McClarnon's performance as Mitig is highlighted as a standout, portraying a character whose motivations and morality are ambiguous, making him both unsettling and dangerous. The episode's direction is also praised for its visual style, which blends the perceived golden age of Derry with its darkest moments.
This new episode serves as an addition to "IT: Welcome to Derry" and signals that the series is continuing its exploration of Stephen King's universe, with Season 2 of "IT: Welcome to Derry" confirmed to be in development. The episode has been met with a "Stream It" recommendation for its compelling narrative, strong performances, and rich world-building that appeals to both devoted Stephen King fans and general audiences.