Have you ever wondered about the activities of Pennywise the Dancing Clown (Bill Skarsgård) before it encountered the Loser’s Club? “It: Welcome to Derry” is a prequel series set in 1962, 27 years prior to the happenings of the 2017 movie “It: Chapter One,” and its trailers reveal some eerily recognizable scenes. If we’re being truthful, maybe too familiar, and that raises concerns.

The wall adorned with “missing” posters, the children confronting their fears in a bustling movie theater, even the costumed arm appearing from a misty, red-tinted fog — these are elements we’ve already seen in the cinematic versions of “It,” which covered almost everything one might wish to know about Pennywise. We already understand its capabilities, the extents of its powers, and its motivations. What novel aspects can “Welcome to Derry” present, apart from potentially reconstructing a scenario where another group of courageous kids manages to contain the clown for 27 years until it emerges again in the 1980s?

Moreover, we are aware that this group of kids won’t completely eradicate Pennywise irrespective of their efforts. Either they’ll fall victim to Pennywise, or they’ll merely send it back into hibernation. How can “Welcome to Derry” introduce fresh elements? Perhaps by adopting strategies from another series within the Stephen King literary realm.

There was a relatively successful series released a few years prior to “It: Welcome to Derry”: “Castle Rock,” a two-season series that streamed on Hulu in 2018 and 2019. Set in Castle Rock, Maine, the series included various Stephen King characters and their connections interacting. Diane Torrance (Jane Levy), who preferred the name Jackie to irritate her parents, is one example — a nod to her uncle Jack Torrance from King’s “The Shining.”

Additionally, a younger Annie Wilkes (Lizzy Caplan) from “Misery” appeared in Season 2, and characters from King stories like “Needful Things” and “The Body” (adapted as “Stand by Me”) were woven into the storyline. Familiar settings, such as Shawshank State Penitentiary from “The Shawshank Redemption,” also featured in the series.

“Welcome to Derry” is already aligning itself with similar character interconnectedness. Beyond Pennywise, three significant characters are Leroy and Charlotte Hanlon (Jovan Adepo and Taylour Paige), alongside their son Will, ultimately the father of Mike Hanlon, the historian character from the “It” book and movies. Additionally, Dick Hallorann (Chris Chalk) from “The Shining” is set to play a substantial role in the show. Could expanding the “It” narrative scope beyond the Loser’s Club render the series distinct enough to thrive? Discover the answer in October.