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Where Does It Take Place?

When we talk about horror movies, few can match the terrifying impact of Stephen King’s It. Released in 2017, It became a worldwide sensation, gripping audiences with its eerie storyline and haunting villain, Pennywise the Clown. But what makes It so compelling isn’t just the fear it creates—it’s the town where it all happens: Derry, Maine. In this article, we’ll answer the big question: Where did the It movie take place? We’ll cover all the important locations, both real and fictional, so you can get a clear picture of where this horror masterpiece unfolds.

Where Does Stephen King’s It Take Place?

The story of It takes place in the fictional town of Derry, Maine. This small town has become an iconic location for horror fans, as it serves as the backdrop for one of the most terrifying creatures ever created: Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The town of Derry might not exist in real life, but it feels real thanks to the rich details Stephen King provides in both the novel and its film adaptations.

In Derry, everything appears to be normal on the surface—kids play in the streets, families go about their lives, and local businesses hum along. But there’s something darker lurking beneath this quaint town, and that something is Pennywise. The clown terrorizes the town’s children, feeding off their fear. Over the course of decades, Derry becomes trapped in a cycle of violence and horror. The town itself almost feels like a character, with its creepy sewers and abandoned buildings hiding secrets that no one wants to talk about.

Where is Pennywise’s Location?

If there’s one place in Derry that embodies evil, it’s the sewers. This is where Pennywise’s true location lies. Throughout the movie, the kids of “The Losers’ Club” discover that Pennywise uses the town’s sewer system to travel around and trap his victims. The opening scene, where young Georgie Denbrough encounters Pennywise near a storm drain, sets the tone for the rest of the movie. The sewers are a central part of the story, symbolizing the underbelly of Derry, both literally and figuratively.

Pennywise’s home in the sewers, particularly beneath the town’s Neibolt Street house, is another key location. It’s here where some of the most terrifying scenes take place, as the children venture into the heart of Pennywise’s domain to confront their worst fears. Neibolt Street might not be a real place, but in the world of It, it’s where nightmares come to life.

Where Does the Story of It Take Place?

In addition to the sewers and Neibolt Street, there are several other locations in Derry that play important roles in the story. The town library, school, and even a creepy old well house are all central to the plot. But no location is more important than the Barrens, a wilderness area just outside of town where the kids often meet. This place becomes a refuge for The Losers’ Club, and it’s where they first bond as a group. It’s also the site of several key confrontations with Pennywise.

When Does It Take Place?

The 2017 version of It takes place primarily in the year 1989, a significant change from the original novel, which was set in the 1950s. This update allowed the filmmakers to tap into a sense of nostalgia for the late 80s, a time when classic horror movies like Nightmare on Elm Street and Halloween were at their peak. By setting the story in 1989, the movie captures the spirit of an era that resonates with modern audiences.

There’s also a sequel, It Chapter Two, released in 2019, which takes place 27 years later when the members of The Losers’ Club return to Derry as adults to face Pennywise one last time.

Where Was It 2 Filmed?

Though the story takes place in Derry, Maine, the actual filming locations for both It and It Chapter Two are spread across various cities in Ontario, Canada. Some of the most iconic scenes, including those set at Neibolt Street and The Barrens, were filmed in Port Hope, Ontario. This town was transformed into Derry for the movie, and fans can still visit many of the filming locations today.

Where Does the Movie IF Take Place?

You may be wondering, “Where does the movie IF take place?” This question arises because It and IF share similarities in terms of childhood fears and facing dangerous situations. However, the movie IF is a completely different film, with a focus on personal rebellion rather than supernatural horror. IF takes place in a strict British boarding school where students challenge authority in a very different type of “horror” setting.

Other Popular Movie Locations

While we’re talking about iconic movie settings, it’s worth mentioning that It isn’t the only beloved film that takes place in a fictional small town. The 1982 classic, E.T., takes place in a suburban neighborhood where a young boy befriends an alien. You might be curious: Where does E.T. take place? Unlike Derry, the town in E.T. is based on real American suburbs, but it shares a similar sense of isolation and wonder that is key to the movie’s success.

Derry, Maine: The Setting That Made It Iconic

The choice to set It in a fictional Maine town was no accident. Stephen King is famous for using his home state as the backdrop for many of his horror stories, including Carrie, Salem’s Lot, and Pet Sematary. There’s something about the small-town feel of Maine that makes it the perfect setting for horror. In Derry, the town’s isolation amplifies the fear because the characters feel like they can’t escape.

This setting works so well in It because it contrasts with the terror of Pennywise. The picturesque streets and friendly neighbors are the perfect cover for the lurking evil beneath. Derry becomes a place where children disappear, and yet no one seems to notice or care, as though the entire town is under a curse. This eerie indifference adds another layer to the horror.

The Importance of Location in Horror Films

When discussing where does It take place, it’s clear that the setting is crucial to the film’s success. Horror movies rely heavily on atmosphere, and Derry provides exactly that. Whether it’s the eerie abandoned houses, the dark and twisted sewers, or the innocent-looking small-town streets, every corner of Derry feels like it’s hiding a dark secret.

This attention to detail is one of the reasons why It grossed over $701.8 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing horror films of all time. Directed by Andy Muschietti and adapted from Stephen King’s 1986 novel, the movie brought the town of Derry to life in a way that audiences hadn’t seen before. The combination of a terrifying villain and an unforgettable setting helped It cement its place as a modern horror classic.

If you want to explore more about other famous story locations and the truth behind the facts, visit Istruestory, where we break down the details behind the most iconic films and novels.

By understanding the importance of setting, especially in horror films, we can see why Derry, Maine became such a vital part of It‘s terrifying success. It isn’t just a movie about a clown—it’s about a town where nothing is ever quite right, and that’s what makes it so scary.