MOVIE NEWS – HBO Max is gearing up to launch the Stephen King prequel series It: Welcome to Derry, but its marketing campaign has already caused a stir. The newly released 1960s-inspired posters have been accused by fans of being generated with artificial intelligence. HBO has yet to respond to the allegations as the show’s release date draws closer.

Set in 1962, It: Welcome to Derry explores the terrifying origins of Pennywise, expanding Stephen King’s horror universe. According to Dread Central, the show’s promotional posters—mimicking vintage ads for products like cereal, toys, and cinemas—quickly sparked debates across Instagram, Reddit, and X (formerly Twitter). Many users found the images unsettlingly artificial and pointed out inconsistencies in the artwork.

So good, you can’t look away. #ITWelcomeToDerry pic.twitter.com/1di4fFGRMl

— IT: Welcome to Derry 🎈🎈 (@ITMovieOfficial) October 1, 2025

One fan, @alanenserio, praised the design’s eerie subtleties: “I love the little details! At first, you don’t notice the bucket stripes actually look like blood, or how the girl’s expression mirrors Pennywise about to devour someone.” Others were less impressed. @HollHox commented: “Are the posters intentionally weird, or are they just AI?” A Reddit user named mustnttelllies broke down several oddities: “Seat separations are inconsistent, the popcorn is floating, the cup lid bends impossibly, and her shoe buckles don’t line up.”

Meanwhile, user @anarkerry defended HBO’s creative team, claiming that the posters were indeed made by professional designers. Despite the controversy, HBO has neither confirmed nor denied the use of AI in the production of the promotional materials.

When and Where to Watch It: Welcome to Derry

The series premieres on HBO Max on October 26, 2025, with new episodes released weekly until December 14. Most episodes are directed by Andy Muschietti, with scripts by showrunner Jason Fuchs, Austin Guzman, and Brad Caleb Kane. For now, the series is planned as a standalone season, diving deep into the origins of one of horror’s most chilling figures.

Source: MovieWeb