Our latest digital cover for November 2025 features actor Arian S. Cartaya who plays Ricardo “Rich” Santos in the prequel horror series, IT: Welcome to Derry, set in the world of Stephen King’s IT. The new series premiered on HBO and HBO Max on October 26 and is set in 1962. Expanding the stories established by Andy Muschietti in the feature films It and It Chapter Two, Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as the terrifying Pennywise seen in those films.
In our exclusive cover chat, Arian discusses his experience working with the cast, being afraid of clowns, and more.
Exclusive Photos for Popternative Magazine by Kathlyn Almeida
Hair and Makeup: Rachel Andersen
Stylist: Ellie Witt
PR: imPRint PR
Cover outfit: The Sunday Collective
What were some of the first conversations with Andy Muschietti like when you arrived on set?
Arian: We actually had a first meeting just based on Rich. We were just chatting about Rich, discussing what he likes in life, what he has been through, and that’s really it.
Were you afraid of clowns before filming IT: Welcome to Derry, or are you now afraid of clowns after filming?
Arian: Both. Just being a nine year-old then seeing a dancing clown; it’s scary. He’s in your nightmares. He’s everywhere. Now, after filming Welcome to Derry, it has definitely helped me getting to know him [Bill Skarsgård], knowing he’s a regular person, knowing he’s very kind, but it was still terrifying.
What was it like to work with the rest of the cast?
Arian: We had funny, emotional conversations anywhere, at any point. We could have been in the middle of a scene, and they would yell, “cut, we have to redo that take” and we would be walking back to our starting point, and it was just talking and getting the scenes. I feel like we had great chemistry. We bonded a lot, and we bonded very well.
Did Rich’s character read as a kid with confidence but who also provides a bit of the comedy relief?
Arian: Yes, for sure. Reading those scenes, I definitely felt like Rich’s personality interlinked with my personality, so it was a pleasure to play that role.
What can you say about the fan theories you have seen so far?
Arian: Some of them are interesting, but some, they have no idea. So, just keep up to date with all the episodes and see if your theories are true.
Do you feel you’ve gained new experiences as a young actor?
Arian: Yes. Mr. Ben [Perkins, the acting coach] helped us a lot with tips and tricks for the camera. We grew so much as actors in the series. We filmed the series for almost two years and it was just a great experience.
_
A new episode of IT: Welcome to Derry airs on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max through December 14.
Follow Arian S. Cartaya: Instagram
Follow Popternative Magazine: Instagram