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When HBO announced the IT prequel series Welcome to Derry, the fans of Stephen King’s horror universe weren’t just ecstatic but also abuzz with questions. One of them is the question of King’s own involvement in shaping the show and just how much creative input he will provide. After all, few authors have such a distinct voice in modern storytelling as the Master of Horror, considering how his narratives have fueled nightmares for decades now. However, things are a bit different when it comes to adaptations.
King’s role and involvement in his adaptation varied, ranging from hands-on involvement in the creative process to providing his blessing from a distance — with cameo appearances somewhere in between those two. So, where does Welcome to Derry fall on this particular spectrum? Derry is a fictional town in Maine and arguably one of the richest settings in King’s body of work. It was first introduced in 1986’s IT novel, but King has expanded its lore with secrets, tragedies, and supernatural horrors in works like Insomnia and 11/22/63.
Given Derry’s lore and its connection to the malevolent entity lurking beneath the surface, we can debate whether or not the town of Derry is a living and breathing character in its own right. But that debate is worthy of a separate discussion, and one Welcome to Derry might just explore on its own. One thing is certain: we’re definitely not dealing with King’s iconic Dollar Babies here, but an adaptation of one of his most recognizable works. Considering just how much effort he invested in establishing Derry’s lore, it’s not unreasonable for fans to question his potential involvement in the series.
Sadly, Stephen King’s precise level of involvement with the series remains unclear for the time being. Admittedly, King’s relationship with adaptations of his literary work has been, at times, tumultuous, and while he had expressed his satisfaction with some, he famously criticized the others. A good example of this would be The Shawshank Redemption and Andy Muschietti’s adaptation of IT, both of which were praised by the author. On the other hand, there’s The Shining, which he criticized heavily in live appearances for its adaptation of Jack Torrance.
Furthermore, King took a more measured approach to adaptations of his work over the years, and he either consulted the creatives or simply offered his blessings rather than becoming deeply involved with the creative process. Earlier reports regarding Welcome to Derry confirm this, as they suggest that the author isn’t writing the show directly. Instead, Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane are the acting showrunners, with Andy and Barbara Muschietti (the creative minds behind the 2017 IT and its sequel) acting as executive producers.
With that said, while King’s fingerprints may not grace every page of the script, he previously praised Andy Muschietti’s IT remake and its sequel, and the team behind the series not only sought King’s blessing but also expressed a commitment to honoring his work — something that they have previously done with great success. Both films earned critical acclaim and King’s approval for their modernized but still faithful take on his 1986 novel, and Welcome to Derry could be as, if not even more, successful than the films.
But even with King’s blessings, there are risks in adapting his expanded lore. Welcome to Derry is set in the 1960s and explores the origins of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, including the dark history of the town and the horrific events that transpired at the Black Spot. This is somewhat of an uncharted territory since King never explicitly explored IT’s origins and Derry’s dark history. Instead, some pieces of Pennywise’s origins and Derry’s histories are explored in interludes woven throughout the IT novel, presented as Mike Hanlon’s journal entries.
Expanding on King’s work without his direct involvement could potentially lead to deviations that would alienate purists and die-hard fans of his work, as well as the author himself. Thus, the creative minds behind the show must balance creative freedoms with respect to the source materials — which, as we previously said, they did successfully in the past. So, while Welcome to Derry moves closer to its debut date — which still remains as equally mysterious as King’s involvement — fans are left to speculate just how much of King’s magic will shine through.
Will the Muschiettis manage to capture the cosmic dread and psychological depth that defines King’s work? Or will they introduce some of their own, looser interpretations of Derry and the universe King spent decades weaving? Whatever the case may be, Welcome to Derry remains one of the highest-anticipated releases of 2025, with or without King’s direct involvement. Judging by what we know about the series thus far, it has the potential to become a worthy addition to King’s multiverse and hopefully dodge the pitfalls associated with some of his other adaptations.
The post Stephen King’s Role in ‘Welcome to Derry’: How Much Creative Input Does the Horror Master Have? appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
When HBO announced the IT prequel series Welcome to Derry, the fans of Stephen King’s horror universe weren’t just ecstatic but also abuzz with questions. One of them is the question of King’s own involvement in shaping the show and just how much creative input he will provide. After all, few authors have such a distinct voice in modern storytelling as the Master of Horror, considering how his narratives have fueled nightmares for decades now. However, things are a bit different when it comes to adaptations.
King’s role and involvement in his adaptation varied, ranging from hands-on involvement in the creative process to providing his blessing from a distance — with cameo appearances somewhere in between those two. So, where does Welcome to Derry fall on this particular spectrum? Derry is a fictional town in Maine and arguably one of the richest settings in King’s body of work. It was first introduced in 1986’s IT novel, but King has expanded its lore with secrets, tragedies, and supernatural horrors in works like Insomnia and 11/22/63.
Given Derry’s lore and its connection to the malevolent entity lurking beneath the surface, we can debate whether or not the town of Derry is a living and breathing character in its own right. But that debate is worthy of a separate discussion, and one Welcome to Derry might just explore on its own. One thing is certain: we’re definitely not dealing with King’s iconic Dollar Babies here, but an adaptation of one of his most recognizable works. Considering just how much effort he invested in establishing Derry’s lore, it’s not unreasonable for fans to question his potential involvement in the series.
Sadly, Stephen King’s precise level of involvement with the series remains unclear for the time being. Admittedly, King’s relationship with adaptations of his literary work has been, at times, tumultuous, and while he had expressed his satisfaction with some, he famously criticized the others. A good example of this would be The Shawshank Redemption and Andy Muschietti’s adaptation of IT, both of which were praised by the author. On the other hand, there’s The Shining, which he criticized heavily in live appearances for its adaptation of Jack Torrance.
Furthermore, King took a more measured approach to adaptations of his work over the years, and he either consulted the creatives or simply offered his blessings rather than becoming deeply involved with the creative process. Earlier reports regarding Welcome to Derry confirm this, as they suggest that the author isn’t writing the show directly. Instead, Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane are the acting showrunners, with Andy and Barbara Muschietti (the creative minds behind the 2017 IT and its sequel) acting as executive producers.
With that said, while King’s fingerprints may not grace every page of the script, he previously praised Andy Muschietti’s IT remake and its sequel, and the team behind the series not only sought King’s blessing but also expressed a commitment to honoring his work — something that they have previously done with great success. Both films earned critical acclaim and King’s approval for their modernized but still faithful take on his 1986 novel, and Welcome to Derry could be as, if not even more, successful than the films.
But even with King’s blessings, there are risks in adapting his expanded lore. Welcome to Derry is set in the 1960s and explores the origins of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, including the dark history of the town and the horrific events that transpired at the Black Spot. This is somewhat of an uncharted territory since King never explicitly explored IT’s origins and Derry’s dark history. Instead, some pieces of Pennywise’s origins and Derry’s histories are explored in interludes woven throughout the IT novel, presented as Mike Hanlon’s journal entries.
Expanding on King’s work without his direct involvement could potentially lead to deviations that would alienate purists and die-hard fans of his work, as well as the author himself. Thus, the creative minds behind the show must balance creative freedoms with respect to the source materials — which, as we previously said, they did successfully in the past. So, while Welcome to Derry moves closer to its debut date — which still remains as equally mysterious as King’s involvement — fans are left to speculate just how much of King’s magic will shine through.
Will the Muschiettis manage to capture the cosmic dread and psychological depth that defines King’s work? Or will they introduce some of their own, looser interpretations of Derry and the universe King spent decades weaving? Whatever the case may be, Welcome to Derry remains one of the highest-anticipated releases of 2025, with or without King’s direct involvement. Judging by what we know about the series thus far, it has the potential to become a worthy addition to King’s multiverse and hopefully dodge the pitfalls associated with some of his other adaptations.
The post Stephen King’s Role in ‘Welcome to Derry’: How Much Creative Input Does the Horror Master Have? appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
Well, That Wasn’t Shocking, But It Still Stings
After last night’s Game Awards ceremony, where The Veilguard snagged just one nomination for Innovation in Accessibility, it’s painfully clear: Bioware didn’t just miss the mark – they missed the entire shooting range. For a franchise that once defined the RPG genre, this was less a comeback and more a Flemeth-level disappearance. I, at least, was hoping for a Best Performance nomination for Gareth David-Lloyd, who once again delivered a masterclass in voice acting as Solas. His portrayal captured every layer of the Dread Wolf – the charm, the melancholy, and the quiet menace – with a perfection that deserved more recognition.
Don’t get me wrong – the Innovation in Accessibility nomination was well-deserved. Making games more inclusive and ensuring more people can experience Thedas is a victory worth celebrating. But considering despite The Veilguard’s stellar music, voice acting, and potential for a complex narrative, it’s frustrating that this was its only recognition. Thedas has always been a world of depth and nuance, and this game deserved more than a single nod.
That said, the effort behind The Veilguard is undeniable. The graphics are stunning – if your rig can handle them without melting. The environments, character designs, and intricate details show that the team poured their hearts into this world. There are flashes of brilliance that remind us of Bioware’s undeniable talent for world-building.
A Divided Reception
Here’s the thing: while some hardcore critics were unsatisfied, many long-time fans genuinely enjoyed the game. It may not have been everything we hoped for, but it wasn’t the disaster some made it out to be. The disconnect is real, though. As a Soulsborne fan, even I was surprised to see Shadow of the Erdtree get nominated for Game of the Year – it’s a DLC, not a full game. Meanwhile, Star Wars Outlaws received multiple nominations despite being critically panned. So why was The Veilguard left in the Fade while other titles skated by?
The criticism came hard and fast, and some of it was impossible to ignore. The game promised a new, epic chapter in the Dragon Age saga but stumbled over its own lore. Long-time fans were baffled by inconsistencies and retcons, as if Bioware looked at the Codex and said, “Continuity? Never heard of her.”
And, of course, there were the usual cries of “It’s too woke!” from a small but vocal corner of the internet. Because heaven forbid a fantasy game reflect a diverse world. Bioware gave us options, but somehow the mere existence of non-binary Qunari had people acting like they were being forced into a Pride parade.
This release left many wondering if The Veilguard would have fared better as a standalone fantasy game rather than a Dragon Age entry. The storytelling, once a masterclass in faction conflict and moral ambiguity, felt… thin. Instead of brooding dilemmas and knife’s-edge decisions, we got conflicts that wrapped up faster than a fetch quest in The Hinterlands. The world used to feel like it was on the brink of collapse; now it just feels like everyone’s in group therapy.
Hope for the Future
Do I think Bioware can bounce back? I believe they can. They’ve pulled off redemption arcs before (Mass Effect 3, anyone?). If they can dust off the lore books, listen to the feedback, and remember what made Origins and Inquisition great, there’s still hope. Bioware fans are nothing if not patiently stubborn.
Maybe The Veilguard was just a misstep on the way to something greater. Maybe the next DLC or update will patch the gaps, retcon the retcons, and remind us why we fell in love with Thedas. I’m not ready to give up on this world just yet.
And if all else fails? At least we’ll always have the haunting echoes of Solas’s voice and the bittersweet memories of a Dragon Age that used to be.
Cover image via EA Games
Naliaah Castro is a NY-born blerd, gamer, and grad student juggling parenthood, work, and co-paneling on New Blerd Order. With a love for horror, RPGs, sci-fi, and fantasy, she’s probably either deep into a video game or rewatching Lord of the Rings for the hundredth time.
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The post Between Lore and Outrage: The Divided Fate of ‘The Veilguard’ appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Have you started watching your Christmas movies? For many, those cheesy, predictable, and loveable movies are the only way to get through the holidays.
So, if you need a bit of comfort, check out these funny, adorable, and relatable films.
Christmas with a Kiss
A romance movie starring Jaime M. Callica, Mishael Morgan, and Ronnie Rowe Jr. Christmas with a Kiss is a classic holiday love story.
When Morgan’s character Mona goes back home to help her family with a Christmas Carnival, she sparks a connection with a photojournalist, played by Rowe Jr. This movie is all about second chances and the magic of the holiday season.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Holiday Calendar
If you’re familiar with Advent calendars, you know that it is a decorative piece of card with a small compartment or window for each of the days of the month before Christmas. Each day, you open the window to reveal a picture or a small gift.
While most Advent calendars contain small trinkets, Abby Sutton was gifted a magical one. Each day she opens the calendar, it predicts her future.
Better than a crystal ball, this calendar can help Sutton change her life for the better, and it may even bring her one step closer to love.
Fans of The Holiday Calendar wrote on Google review that it’s a hopeful movie that makes you believe anything is possible, especially during the holidays. It’s a movie about allowing what’s meant to be will be.
The movie stars Kat Graham, Quincy Brown, Ethan Peck, and Ron Cephas Jones and is a must-watch for any holiday movie lover.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Day Before Christmas
While many Christmas movies capture the magic and the romance of the holiday season, some movies accurately showcase the chaos that can happen at the end of the year.
The Day Before Christmas follows two families whose holidays have been turned upside down. Following single parents Rashad and Nia, the movie shows how everything goes wrong on Christmas Eve. From cars breaking down, ruined events, ex-girlfriends, and switching cell phones, nothing seems right for these two.
Yet somehow, this unlikely duo manages to work together and try to salvage their Christmas. Starring Candace Maxwell, Tristan Mack Wilds, and Ace Tucker, this is a great movie if you need a break from the chaos in your life. Take a break from reality and watch something relatable and heartwarming.
Where to watch: BET+
Merry Liddle Christmas
I personally enjoy it when singers switch lanes and try out acting. If you’re a fan of these career moves, you’ll enjoy Kelly Rowland in Merry Liddle Christmas. Rowland plays Jacquie, a successful tech entrepreneur who has worked hard to keep her career and family separate. Despite trying to keep everything together, Jacquie’s holiday becomes filled with family drama and an unexpected romance.
A funny and wholesome family comedy, this movie will give you a good laugh and make you appreciate your family. Plus, the soundtrack includes a few songs by Rowland, so at the very least, you’ll have some new holiday songs to sing along to.
Where to watch: Prime
Our Christmas Journey
Being a single mom of two children, Lena, played by Holly Robinson Peete, struggles with balancing motherhood and her other passions, such as music. Also, Lena’s son Marcus is autistic, and she struggles with giving him the space he needs to grow while being protective of him.
When Lena and her children meet up with her ex-husband for the holidays, the Christmas festivities spark romance not only with Lena but also with her daughter Mia, who also finds a romantic interest.
Our Christmas Journey is an authentic family story mixed with holiday romance starring Lyriq Bent and Nik Sanchez.
Where to watch: Prime
Christmas Belles
Christmas Belles is about two single and successful best friends who are feeling the social pressure of finding a man. So when a handsome and single pastor moves into town at the beginning of the holiday season, the two girls compete for his affection.
Will one man ruin a friendship, or will friendship conquer all? Starring Raven Goodwin, Dominque Perry, and Omar Gooding.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, BET+
Meet Me Next Christmas
A romance movie that leaves you on the edge of your seat and pulls on your heartstrings is Meet Me Next Christmas. Staring the holiday superstar herself, Christina Milian, this rom-com is about finding love, losing love, and trusting that fate will bring you back together.
While most Christmas love stories are predictable, this movie will have you enjoying the ride even though you know the destination. Alongside Milian, you’ll enjoy watching Devale Ellis and Kofi Siriboe.
Where to watch: Netflix
Christmas movies with Black leads remind us that all types of characters, regardless of ethnicity, deserve a cheesy, heartfelt holiday happy ending. Which movie will you curl up on the couch and watch?
The post 7 Festive Christmas Movies with Black Leads to Brighten Your Holidays appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.