How Bangor, Maine Inspired HBO’s ‘IT: Welcome To Derry’ Series

The new trailer for HBO's new original series, IT: Welcome to Derry, starts with a young hitchhiker walking alone in the rain. When picked up by a nice couple and asked where he'd like to go, he replies, "Anywhere but Derry."

Like that young boy, Stephen King fans know all too well the danger that dwells in Derry -- the Maine town based on King's home city of Bangor.

The newest installment of the IT chronicles was not shot in Bangor. It was primarily filmed in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada. Judging by the glance you get of the town in the trailer, it's easy to imagine it looks a lot like Bangor might have looked in 1962 -- when this prequel takes place.

Originally, King's 1986 novel is set in the 1950s, but subsequent film adaptations have altered the timeline -- mainly to include more relevant cultural references. For instance, the 2017 two-part movie starring Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise is updated to take place in the 1980s.

Fans of Skarsgard's portrayal will be happy he reprises his role as Pennywise in this 2025 HBO effort. IT: Welcome to Derry, will be released in the fall of 2025. Until then, below is the first trailer for the series.

Will Bangor's Paul Bunyan Return?

Since IT: Welcome to Derry takes place in 1962, it makes us wonder whether Bangor's famous Paul Bunyan statue will make another appearance. It's possible since the statue was unveiled in 1959 to coincide with Bunyan's 125th birthday.  (For those who didn't know, Bunyan's birth certificate is housed behind glass in Bangor City Hall.)

Being so closely associated with King, Bangor has seen its share of (fictional) horrors. With the release of IT: Welcome to Derry, the bad news for Bangor is that Pennywise is up to his old murderous tricks. The good news is  -- if legend holds -- Pennywise won't be back in 2043. Let's enjoy the quiet while we can.

Derry (Bangor) is featured in several of King's works, and we'll be watching for more Bangor references in this newest series.

Check out the gallery below to see how Bangor influenced King -- and vice versa.