As IT: Welcome to Derry launches on HBO, co-creator Barbara Muschietti has opened up about how the Hollywood strikes disrupted production for nearly eight months, forcing the team to navigate major creative and logistical challenges.
Muschietti revealed that “90% of three episodes” had already been filmed before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023 brought work to a halt. The delay complicated continuity and tone across the series.
“We suddenly had to work in different seasons,” she explained to SFX Magazine. “This is a summer show, but suddenly it wasn’t a summer show any more. We had to create a different finale with a different climate.”
The creator also noted the ripple effects on the cast and schedule.
“The kids were growing. Voices were changing. Schedules of actors suddenly became hellish. So it was a huge challenge for the studio as well.”
The strikes concluded when the WGA reached an agreement with the AMPTP in September 2023, followed by SAG-AFTRA in November. Despite the turmoil, Muschietti maintained her solidarity:
“Listen, I support the writers and the actors. But for the people that were in the process of shooting, it was complicated.”
Following its debut week, IT: Welcome to Derry drew 5.7 million U.S. viewers within three days. The show’s second episode was released early to mark Halloween, while subsequent episodes air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and HBO Max, leading up to the December 14 season finale.
Source: Deadline
