Imagine plunging into the spine-tingling horrors of Derry, Maine, where a shape-shifting clown named Pennywise wreaks havoc on unsuspecting residents—only to discover that this nightmarish locale is entirely fictional. But here's the twist: the real filming sites that bring this terrifying tale to life are far from Stephen King's inspired hometown. Ready to uncover where "IT: Welcome to Derry" truly took shape? Let's dive in and explore the behind-the-scenes magic—and a few surprises—that make this HBO series so chillingly captivating.
The sinister figure of Pennywise, masterfully portrayed by Bill Skarsgård, is back to haunt us in the HBO Original series "IT: Welcome to Derry." This supernatural thriller acts as a prequel to the 2017 blockbuster film "It," both drawing from the iconic 1986 novel by Stephen King, the master of modern horror. Set against the backdrop of 1962, the story centers on Major Leroy Hanlon, played by Jovan Adepo, and his wife Charlotte, brought to life by Taylour Paige, as they relocate to Derry, Maine, with their young son, Will (Blake Cameron James). Leroy's military assignment with the U.S. Army brings them there, but their arrival coincides with the mysterious vanishing of local boy Matty Clements (Miles Ekhardt), hinting at Pennywise's ominous return.
The plot thickens as the Hanlon family navigates the town's eerie undercurrents and personal struggles, while a group of brave local kids—Teddy (Mikkal Karim Fidler), Phil (Jack Molloy Legault), Lilly (Clara Stack), Ronnie (Amanda Christine), and Susie (Matilda Legault)—embark on their own perilous quest to track down Matty, convinced he's out there signaling for rescue with bizarre calls. Amidst all this, Pennywise emerges once more, unleashing fear and mayhem across Derry, sowing seeds of discord that threaten to consume everyone. With only the first few episodes released so far, much of the series remains shrouded in mystery, promising more gripping narratives, visceral scares, and terrifying encounters. And this is the part most people miss: while the storyline keeps us on the edge of our seats, the tangible world of Derry is crafted from real places that add an extra layer of authenticity to the horror.
But here's where it gets controversial: "IT: Welcome to Derry" wasn't shot in Maine at all, nor anywhere in New England or even the United States. Instead, the production team headed north to Canada, specifically various spots in Ontario, to bring King's fictional town to life. Why Canada? Well, for filmmakers, it's often a strategic choice due to generous tax incentives, diverse locations that can mimic different eras, and skilled crews, making it easier and more cost-effective to shoot projects like this. Principal photography kicked off in May 2023 across Toronto, Port Hope, and Hamilton, echoing the approach used for the 2017 "It" film and its 2019 sequel "It Chapter Two." Port Hope, a charming Ontario town with historic architecture, stands in for many of Derry's exterior scenes, particularly Walton Street, where you can spot the facades of businesses and homes that feel straight out of a 1960s nightmare.
Hamilton, Ontario, also plays a starring role, with Delta Secondary School transformed into Derry High. This school, which closed its doors in 2019 after nearly a century of operation since 1925, offers a timeless vibe perfect for depicting settings from the last century—think creaky hallways and old-fashioned desks that instantly transport viewers back in time. Interestingly, it's not just "IT" that found value here; the school recently doubled as a filming site for Netflix's "Fear Street: Prom Queen," set in 1988, proving its versatility for horror tales. Meanwhile, Canadian Forces Base Borden in Ontario serves as the on-screen stand-in for Derry Air Force Base, where Major Hanlon is stationed, adding a layer of realism with its military precision. Additional interior shots and studio work rounded out the production in Toronto, blending practical locations with controlled sets to heighten the tension.
So, why does this matter? For beginners diving into the world of horror filmmaking, understanding these locations helps demystify how a story rooted in fiction gains such palpable dread. By using real Canadian sites, the show avoids the pitfalls of generic sets and infuses authenticity—though some fans debate whether Ontario truly captures Maine's rugged, small-town essence, or if it feels like a subtle betrayal of King's vision. Is this choice a smart, pragmatic move, or does it dilute the original's New England charm? That's a debate worth having.
To experience these locales firsthand and watch Derry's horrors unfold, catch new episodes of "IT: Welcome to Derry" every Sunday at 9 PM ET on HBO Max through December 14. Do you agree that filming in Canada adds to the show's eerie appeal, or do you think it misses the mark compared to King's Maine-inspired roots? What controversial takes do you have on Hollywood's location choices in horror? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we'd love to hear your side!
