Andy Muschietti, the creator of the HBO series IT: Welcome to Derry, announced a bold new direction for the upcoming second season. He told the audience at Deadline’s Contenders TV panel that the story will jump to the year 1935. This move lets him explore a hidden subplot from Stephen King’s original novel that many fans have never seen.
During the interview Muschietti explained that the new arc centers on the Bradley Gang, a group of bank robbers who briefly stop in Derry before a terrible event unfolds. He said, “For readers of the book, the Bradley Gang may sound familiar.” By placing the gang in the Depression era, the show can capture the grim reality of the time.
The Real Life Inspiration Behind the Bradley Gang
King based the fictional gang on a true‑crime story from his home state of Maine. The real gang, known as the Brady Gang, was executed in Bangor after a series of violent robberies. Muschietti highlighted this connection, noting that the series will dramatize the gang’s fate in Derry. He added, “We are not creating the event, the big paroxysm of violence will be the massacre of a Bradley gang.”
This historical anchor gives the series a fresh sense of authenticity. It also lets the writers explore how poverty and fear shaped the town’s residents during the Great Depression.
Why the 1930s Setting Matters
The shift to 1935 changes the visual and emotional tone of the series. Muschietti said that the typical suburban setting of the original story will disappear. Instead, viewers will see a town without modern comforts, where families struggle to survive. He explained, “People are very poor. They are struggling to survive, so the setup will be very different.” This new backdrop promises a darker, more desperate atmosphere that fits the horror elements of the show.
He also hinted at future storylines. Season 3 may feature the Kitchener Iron Works explosion, a tragic event that killed many children during an Easter egg hunt. Muschietti believes these larger historical moments will deepen the series’ mythos.
Connecting the Dots to the Original Films
While directing the two IT movies, Muschietti often discussed the possibility of an origin story for Pennywise. He wondered how Bob Gray became the clown and why the character remains a mystery. The new season gives him a chance to open another window into that enigma, adding layers to the beloved horror franchise.
Fans can expect a blend of true‑crime drama, Depression‑era hardship, and supernatural terror. The creative team plans to weave these elements together while staying true to Stephen King’s source material. Muschietti’s enthusiasm suggests that the second season will deliver fresh scares and deeper lore.
Stay tuned for the panel video, which will be released on Monday. It will offer more insight into how the writers plan to bring the 1930s storyline to life.
Source: Deadline
