The It prequel series “Welcome to Derry” has cast two accomplished actors in pivotal roles. According to Deadline, Madeleine Stowe of “Revenge” fame and Stephen Rider of “Daredevil” have joined the ensemble series based on Stephen King’s seminal horror novel.
Stowe and Rider are the latest additions to an all-star cast that includes James Remar, Chris Chalk, Jovan Adepo and Taylour Paige. Details on Stowe and Rider’s characters in “Welcome to Derry” remain tightly under wraps, though Stowe will have a recurring role and Rider is set as a series regular. The series is set in 1960s Derry, Maine and will chronicle terrifying events leading up to those depicted in “It” and “It Chapter Two.”
For her part, Stowe is best known for playing the manipulative Victoria Grayson on the ABC drama “Revenge” for over five years and 89 episodes. Her extensive film credits include “The Last of the Mohicans,” “12 Monkeys,” and “We Were Soldiers.” Rider has appeared on the Marvel series “Daredevil” and “Luke Cage” as well as shows like “Instinct” and “The Good Wife.”
The casting of Stowe and Rider signals that “Welcome to Derry” will feature complex and compelling characters beyond the blood-chilling scares. With Stowe’s talent for playing imposing, complex women and Rider’s ability to portray likable yet enigmatic figures, the series seems poised to achieve a rare depth and gravitas for the horror genre.
Showrunners Andy and Barbara Muschietti said in a statement, “As teenagers, we took turns reading chapters of Stephen King’s It until the thick paperback fell to pieces. It is an epic story that contains multitudes, far beyond what we could explore in our It movies. We can’t wait to share the depths of Steve’s novel, in all its heart, humor, humanity, and horror.”
The blockbuster success of the It films demonstrates the enduring power and relevance of King’s work. With prestige talents like Stowe and Rider on board and It director Andy Muschietti helming several episodes, “Welcome to Derry” appears destined to unleash untold scares and push the boundaries of television horror. For Stephen King fans, a gripping but unsettling journey back into the darkness of Derry looms ahead.
