HBO Max Stages Global ‘Red Balloon Takeover’ to Promote ‘It: Welcome to Derry’
October 22, 2025
HBO carried out an ambitious global social media stunt to promote the upcoming debut of the new series “It: Welcome to Derry.”
Beginning Oct. 21, the iconic red balloons from the “It” movies floated into social channels, representing the impending return of Pennywise, the evil clown who feeds upon the fears of children. The next day, Oct. 22, an array of red balloons began appearing across the globe in such places as New York, Los Angeles, Mexico City, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, Paris, Singapore, Manila, Sydney, Cappadocia, Warsaw, Santiago de Chile, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Dubai.
Pennywise appeared in New York in Bryant Park, Washington Square Park, Central Park, McCarren Park and a final evening stop at Jane’s Carousel in Dumbo. In Los Angeles, Pennywise was found at the Santa Monica Pier, Fairfax/Mid-Wilshire, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, West Hollywood, and Downtown LA. Pennywise also made appearances around the globe in Paris, Cappadocia, Warsaw, Madrid, Manila, Mexico City and São Paulo.
Set in the world of Stephen King’s “It” universe, “It: Welcome to Derry” expands upon the world established by filmmaker Andy Muschietti in the films It: Chapter One and It: Chapter Two. It premieres Oct. 26 on HBO and for streaming on HBO Max.
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