The highly anticipated HBO prequel series 'IT: Welcome to Derry' delves deep into the terrifying universe created by Stephen King, setting its narrative in the unsettling atmosphere of 1962. Amidst the pervasive Cold War fears of nuclear attack and radiation, the series meticulously explores the enigmatic origins of Pennywise, the malevolent entity that permeates the quaint town of Derry. The show is packed with intense scares, unexpected deaths, surprising twists, and various Easter eggs, ensuring that no character, or viewer, feels entirely safe. As General Shaw's men, including Dick Hallorann (Chris Chalk) and Leroy Hanlon (Jovan Adepo), venture into the sewers, they confront an evil far beyond their comprehension, leaving them irrevocably changed. Concurrently, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider) battles for his freedom, falsely implicated in a movie theater massacre, adding another layer of tension and personal struggle to the overarching horror.

Actors Chris Chalk and Stephen Rider shared insights into tackling the formidable world of Stephen King, emphasizing that their primary focus was on embodying humanity rather than being intimidated by the literary legacy. Rider highlighted the importance of not "playing big," but rather delving into the objective and wants of their characters to bring them to life with authentic "flesh and blood." Both actors expressed gratitude for being part of the project, acknowledging Stephen King's immense contribution while prioritizing their craft. Chalk, for his part, dismissed intimidation as unhelpful, focusing instead on the excitement of collaboration within the supportive HBO environment, trusting the production team to handle the larger pressures.

A significant aspect of the production was the strong, supportive relationships forged among the cast. Chalk, Rider, and Adepo built incredible bonds, often giving each other notes – a rare practice that speaks to their mutual trust and desire for collective excellence. This camaraderie was partly fostered by filming in Toronto, away from home, which led them to become a surrogate family. Rider and Chalk both highlighted how naturally they got along and enjoyed working together, creating a unique on-set dynamic that significantly contributed to their performances.

The influence of director Andrew Bernstein was also lauded. Chalk recounted how Bernstein, a skilled TV director, would provide insightful, picture-driven notes that enhanced his performances, pushing him to explore deeper dimensions of his character, even when he believed he had done all the work. Rider echoed this sentiment, noting Bernstein's ability to communicate effectively with actors, ensuring their interpretations aligned with the vision while respecting their process.

Chris Chalk's portrayal of Dick Hallorann is a nuanced exploration of a character grappling with a profound legacy. Chalk revealed he dedicated specific time to honor previous performers of Hallorann, but meticulously avoided rewatching performances to prevent unintentional imitation, choosing instead to rely on the powerful script and reverse-engineer the character's journey. Hallorann's dynamic with Leroy Hanlon evolves significantly throughout the series; initially viewing Hanlon as a mere means to escape Derry, Hallorann later recognizes Leroy's unique ability to perceive his powers without fear, leading to a crucial, if complex, alliance built on mutual understanding and a longing for connection.

One of Hallorann's most intense character moments unfolds in episode five, directed by Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour Jr., involving a harrowing bathroom scene. This sequence forces Hallorann, a confident adult, to relive his childhood trauma and the abuse inflicted by his grandfather. Chalk described the scene as a "delicious treat to eat" despite its intensity, as it put his character in a corner, infantilizing him and forcing him to confront his greatest fear – not just the physical torment, but the emotional "box" of that room. The actor recounted the physical challenges of filming the water work, confessing to accidentally choking due to over-commitment, highlighting the deep immersion and support he felt during its execution.

Stephen Rider's character, Hank Grogan, navigates a journey of reluctant trust. Accused unjustly, Hank finds himself in a situation where he desperately needs help, forcing him to embrace faith in others, particularly Charlotte, despite his inherent distrust of strangers. Rider explained that Hank, like himself, doesn't typically rely heavily on others outside his immediate circle. However, the dire circumstances compelled him to cultivate faith, leading to deeply emotional moments where he struggles to contain his raw feelings, always striving to deliver an authentic performance and put his "heart on the line" for the story.

The emotional culmination for the cast came with the season finale. Chris Chalk shared that watching a temporary cut of the final scene, which had taken months to film, brought him and others to tears. He described the experience as cathartic, acknowledging the incredible journey each surviving character had undergone and the collective effort of the long production. Rider added that the finale represented not just the story's conclusion but also the culmination of their personal journey, having spent over a year and a half together. He expressed sadness at the end of filming, lamenting the shift in the close relationships they had built, which transcended professional collaboration into a family-like bond.