IT: Welcome to Derry on HBO Max one night screening in Sydney – To celebrate the arrival of HBO’s new drama series IT: Welcome to Derry, HBO Max invites horror fans and the trepidatious types to step inside Stephen King’s startling world, with a one-night-only event that redefines how audiences experience fear.
On Monday 27 October, the iconic Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Sydney’s Cremorne will transform into the Derry Theatre, and play the ‘haunting’ host to an exclusive ‘Split Scream’ experience; an immersive, choose-your-own-adventure screening of episode one which lets fans decide their appetite for fear.
Inspired by the upcoming HBO Original series IT: Welcome to Derry, this real-world descent into darkness will assuage Australia’s relationship with frights, with the customised experience opening up the genre for all.
Whether you’re a fear aficionado or more on the skittish side, as you step into the twisted town of Derry, you’ll be faced with a decision – will you brave Scream Mode or retreat to Safe Mode?
- Scream Mode
The ultimate scream-inducing experience for horror fans. Enter if you dare. Designed to unnerve and unsettle, Scream Mode offers full-throttle horror with jump scares, eerie performances and spine-tingling surprises. - Safe Mode
Safe Mode is designed for the ‘watch-through-your-fingers’ crowd. A soothing space bathed in gentle light, filled with plush cushions and relaxing indulgences — crafted for those who like their horror served with a side of serenity.
The IT: Welcome to Derry ‘Split Scream’ concept finds a perfect match in new research exploring Australia’s complex relationship with horror. Around half of Aussies surveyed say they would be more inclined to embrace “cosy horror” experiences at the cinema — where fear feels far less fearsome with the lights on in a safe environment.
On the flipside, around half are all in for dialling the horror up to eleven – with heart-pounding jump scares and immersive dread so intense it’ll have you sleeping with one eye open.
According to the research, when it comes to what’s giving Australians the chills, clowns rank among the top three screen frights for 2.4 million adults. Psychological horror leads the pack with 38% of viewers naming it one of their biggest fears, followed by supernatural themes at 29%. Meanwhile, 1 in 5 Aussie streamers say spiders, snakes, or other creepy crawlies make their top three most terrifying tropes.
When horror strikes, women are nearly three times more likely than men to dive behind pillows, blankets or trembling hands. But in a twist of primal fear, it’s the monstrous — the vampires and werewolves — that haunt men more deeply than women.
Fear may look different for everyone, but it finds us all in Derry. IT: Welcome to Derry arrives Monday, 27 October, only on HBO Max. The eight-episode HBO Original series from filmmakers Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti (IT, IT Chapter Two) and Jason Fuchs (Argylle, Wonder Woman), will debut weekly leading up to the season finale on Monday, 15 December.
Directed in part by Andy Muschietti and starring Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, Rudy Mancuso, and Bill Skarsgård reprising his role as Pennywise, the series expands the cinematic universe into chilling new territory.
Fans can redeem two complimentary tickets to the IT: Welcome to Derry ‘Split Scream’ experience via this LINK, on a first come, first serve basis.
This isn’t just a screening. It’s a story you step into. A town you can’t leave. And a choice you won’t forget.
EVENT DETAILS
What: IT: Welcome to Derry – ‘Split Scream’ Experience
When: Monday 27 October, 2025
Where: Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, Cremorne
Tickets: Complimentary tickets (x2) available exclusively via LINK
Tickets are FREE but strictly limited.
Media Release – HBO Max
Link to HBO Max HERE
TV Central HBO Max content HERE
IT: Welcome to Derry on HBO Max one night screening in Sydney
