
IT: Welcome to Derry The Official Podcast Ep.1: “The Pilot” with Andy and Barbara Muschietti
Oct 27, 2025
Andy Muschietti, the visionary director behind the It films, and his sister Barbara Muschietti, a seasoned producer, reveal the spine-tingling origins of their series. They discuss the eerie Cold War backdrop and how it amplifies childhood fears. The siblings share insights on character development, including the challenges of introducing new faces in a beloved franchise. They emphasize the delicate balance of humor and horror, and tease the tantalizing mysteries they'll unravel while keeping the spirit of Stephen King's lore alive.
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Episode notes
Podcast Frames Thematic Dive
- The podcast frames Welcome to Derry as a deep dive into Derry's rot, blending Cold War dread with childhood trauma.
- Hosts set expectations for weekly debriefs and creator interviews to unpack the show's layers.
Period Setting Reinforces Vulnerability
- The episode uses period details like hitchhiking to situate a 1960s setting and its risks.
- Early scenes establish that childhood vulnerability and bodily horror are core franchise stakes.
Ambient Cold War Anxiety
- The Cold War background is ambient rather than foregrounded, affecting adults more than kids.
- This lets child protagonists remain focused on kid concerns while the era's fear seeps in.







