It's no secret that the world of horror is a fascinating and ever-evolving landscape, and the upcoming season of 'It: Welcome to Derry' promises to be a thrilling addition to the genre. As fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Pennywise's terrifying reign, co-creator Andy Muschietti has revealed some intriguing details about Season 2, which will take a deep dive into the dark underbelly of 1930s America.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this new season is its focus on the '30s, a time period that Muschietti describes as 'horrible' and 'depression-era hustling.' The story will center around the Bradley Gang Massacre, a pivotal event in Stephen King's novel, where a group of outlaws terrorize the town of Derry while evading the FBI. This era, marked by economic hardship and social unrest, provides a stark contrast to the suburban comfort and innocence of the previous season.
Muschietti's vision for Season 2 is to capture the essence of this turbulent time, where characters are forced to survive against all odds. He explains, 'There’s gonna be a lot of that depression-era hustling in the air in our characters. Everybody’s trying to get by and survive the circumstances. They are gonna do crazy things.' This period, he emphasizes, is not just a backdrop but the very heart of the story, reflecting the social and cultural horrors of the era.
The aesthetic of Season 2 will also be significantly different from its predecessor. Muschietti describes Derry in the '30s as 'a graveyard almost. It’s a carcass of something because people are depleted, poor, tired, jobless, homeless.' The characters, he notes, will be orphans or runaways, creating a bleak and desperate atmosphere. However, amidst this darkness, there's always a glimmer of hope, a burning desire to survive, which drives the narrative forward.
The decision to explore the '30s is not just a stylistic choice but also a strategic one. With more time to develop the story, Muschietti and his team can delve deeper into the intricate web of events and characters. The '30s interlude in King's novel, while significant, doesn't take up a large portion of the overall narrative, allowing for a more expansive exploration.
Furthermore, the family bloodline that connects the different timelines will be a crucial element in Season 2. Muschietti mentions, 'There will always be the connection, there’s a family tree that appears.' This intergenerational storytelling will provide a rich tapestry for fans to follow, connecting the dots between the various time periods.
Looking ahead, Muschietti has a three-season plan for 'Welcome to Derry,' with each season exploring a different time period: 1962, 1935, and 1908. This ambitious project, he reveals, is inspired by King's interludes, where he found a hidden story waiting to be uncovered. 'It’s a story told backwards,' he says, hinting at a non-linear narrative approach.
While Season 1 is currently streaming on HBO Max, Muschietti's eyes are already set on future projects. He mentions 'The Juant,' a short story from King's 'Skeleton Crew' collection, as a potential future adaptation. The story, he admits, had a profound impact on him as a teenager, and he believes it could be a powerful addition to the horror canon.
In conclusion, 'It: Welcome to Derry' Season 2 promises to be a dark, thought-provoking, and visually stunning addition to the horror genre. With its focus on the '30s, intricate storytelling, and exploration of social and cultural horrors, it will undoubtedly captivate audiences and solidify the franchise's place in horror history.
