Muschietti reviews the visual tone of IT S2

Derry in the Depression: How ‘IT‘ Takes on the Grit of the 1930s

The world of horror and suspense is always evolving, but when a creator decides to delve into deep historical trenches, they don’t just change the scenery—they fundamentally alter the heart of the story. In the upcoming second season of IT: Welcome to Derry, the team is pulling back the curtain on a starkly different era, setting the stage for an exploration of survival and desperation rooted in the harsh reality of the 1930s.

Instead of the familiar settings, the narrative shifts entirely to 1935, plunging the characters into a time defined by economic hardship, social upheaval, and raw struggle. The focus moves away from comfortable suburban life, replacing it with the bleak landscape of Derry, which Muschietti describes as more of a graveyard—a place depleted by poverty, joblessness, and homelessness.

This new setting is not merely cosmetic; it is foundational to the tone of the series. The children in this reality are not living carefree lives; they are survivors navigating a world where every moment demands brutal endurance.

The core conflict of the season revolves around the echoes of history, specifically referencing the notorious Bradley Gang Massacre mentioned in Stephen King’s original novel. This historical event provides a potent backdrop for the chaos unfolding as outlaws hide and prey on the inhabitants while fleeing law enforcement. Twenty-seven years prior to the events of the first season, Derry is simmering with unseen tensions, making the current unrest all the more volatile.

Director Andy Muschietti assures audiences that this shift in tone will be uncompromising. The series promises to fully embrace the social and cultural elements of the Depression era. Instead of glossing over the grit, the story promises to explore the “hustling” and sheer survival instincts that defined life during that period.

Muschietti explains that the characters’ actions are driven by necessity, forcing them to engage in some truly crazy things just to get by. The social landscape of 1935, with all its harsh realities, will be at the very center and heart of the story, reflecting how difficult it was for people to survive outside of comfort.

Yet, amidst this bleakness, the narrative is not entirely defined by despair. Muschietti insists that even in a graveyard of hardship, there remains an essential force: hope. This burning sense of resilience is what drives the new group of characters forward, offering a vital counterpoint to the surrounding darkness.

As the series continues its journey, the promise of depth expands further. Muschietti has previously indicated plans for three seasons, with the final installment set to tackle another pivotal historical event: the devastating Ironworks explosion of 1908.

Beyond the narrative arc, Muschietti is also eyeing other creative avenues, looking toward adapting Stephen King’s short story “The Jaunt.” This tale, which deals with a mysterious form of teleportation technology that warps consciousness into insanity, suggests an appetite for exploring themes of altered reality and psychological terror within the franchise.

By grounding the mystery in gritty history and emphasizing the desperate hope of its characters, IT: Welcome to Derry is set to offer viewers a dark, emotionally rich experience that uses the stark backdrop of the past to illuminate enduring human resilience.