We chat with Kimberly Guerrero's Rose ahead of the thrilling season finale of "IT: Welcome to Derry"

Reel Perspectives

December 14, 2025

"IT: Welcome to Derry," is the highly entertaining and supernatural horror series based on Stephen King's iconic 1986 novel, also serving as a prequel to the films "It" (2017) and "It Chapter Two" (2019), developed by Andy Muschietti. Since its premiere on HBO Max on October 26, 2025, the series has become an instant hit, adapting all the bone-chilling elements from the "It" lore and continuing its massive legacy in vivid detail.

 If you're not already a fan or have limited knowledge of the It franchise, the first episode of the new series will definitely grab your attention with a mutated demon pregnancy that leads to a very bloody and dramatic massacre, culminating in an intense series finale that will surely make you a believer.

The series follows a young couple who move to Derry, Maine, just as a young boy goes missing. His disappearance is linked to the demonic entity known as "IT", the infamous Pennywise, dancing clown, who has been terrorizing the residents of the small town.

The series stars Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Clara Stack, Amanda Christine, Mikkal Karim-Fidler, and Kimberly Guerrero, with Bill Skarsgård reprising his role as Pennywise from the films.

At the heart of the series is Rose, a Native American woman played by Kimberly Guerrero, who is deeply connected to the land's colonial history and serves as the gatekeeper of IT's powers and secrets. A beacon of wisdom, Rose provides valuable insights on how to defeat IT.

Kimberly Guerrero delivers a captivating performance as Rose. From her first appearance, she brings a remarkable presence and depth to the role, grounding the show's expanding mythology in both emotional truth and cultural authenticity.

We sat down with the fabulous Guerrero to discuss her character's arc ahead of tonight's finale, "Winter Fire." Guerrero was not shy about expressing her enthusiasm for being part of Stephen King's massive legacy and the fervor surrounding the new series. Known for her advocacy for indigenous representation, Guerrero collaborated closely with Muschietti and writers on how Rose should be portrayed.

Kimberly Guerrero's work as Rose is both powerful and poignant — a standout performance that beautifully amplifies the diversity and emotional and cultural heartbeat of "IT: Welcome to Derry".

Don't miss the season finale of "IT: Welcome to Derry"  tonight at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

The series is developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs; executive producers, Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti (Double Dream), Jason Fuchs, Brad Caleb Kane, David Coatsworth, Bill Skarsgård, Shelley Meals, Roy Lee, and Dan Lin; co-showrunners, Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane.