From the very first episode of It: Welcome to Derry, where children fall prey to the terrifying Pennywise the Clown, it became clear that this series would be a no-holds-barred horror experience. With unsettling scenes that forever alter our perception—yes, even a jar of pickles—viewers were thrust headfirst into the chilling world crafted by Stephen King.
Co-created by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, this series serves as a prequel to the cinematic adaptations of King’s It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019). While Welcome to Derry successfully explored the eerie underbelly of Derry, offering fresh characters and motivations alongside its iconic monster, it left us craving more.
As we wait for HBO’s potential announcement regarding a second chapter, let’s ponder seven burning questions that linger after the shocking finale of the first season of Welcome to Derry.
Is there more to Pennywise’s origin story?
We learn early on that Pennywise is more than a mere clown; he’s an alien entity. Indigenous oral history suggests, “Millions of years ago, an evil spirit was cast down from the darkest part of the night sky.” This visual of a cosmic prison crashing to Earth sets the stage for understanding Pennywise. But will Welcome to Derry dig even deeper? We’re curious about the spirit’s backstory: who banished it, and what awaits in its home dimension? Will we see Maturin, the “turtle god” who plays a crucial role in King’s works?
Why would Charlotte want to stay in Derry?
Even after a violent history riddled with injustice and demonic horrors, Charlotte Hanlon chose to remain in Derry. This town, known for its racist events and the lurking presence of Pennywise, seems an odd place for a social justice warrior and devoted mother. Did her character arc truly resonate, or was this a plot necessity since her son Will eventually becomes part of the Losers Club?
What could future seasons explore?
Andy Muschietti teased a three-season plan for Welcome to Derry, with future settings in 1935 and 1908 hinted at through flashbacks. What more stories await? Will we explore the lives of the gangsters from the 1930s or delve into the Kitchener Ironworks disaster? Besides a new cast of kids, can audiences expect connections to the beloved characters from It alongside time-bending narratives?
If Pennywise’s death is also his birth, does that mean he doesn’t die in 2016 but will be reborn?
Following the timeline crafted by Muschietti, future installments might raise even more questions. Since Pennywise knows his 2016 fate, can we expect scenes set in the future? How would Derry adapt in years like 2043 or 2070?
Could Pennywise really take a page from The Terminator?
Margie’s worry about Pennywise traveling back in time to harm her loved ones hints at a fascinating narrative twist. If the writers have considered these possibilities, we may witness time travel intricacies playing into the deeper story in future seasons.
What happened to Derry Air Force Base and the soldiers involved in Operation Precept?
Did the soldiers receive honorable discharges while keeping quiet about their supernatural encounters? Was the base closed down after the Black Spot fire? Questions remain about the long-term fallout from Operation Precept.
Do people outside Derry realize what happened?
Derry’s unique isolation allows its residents to forget certain chilling memories, but this doesn’t stop outsiders from poking around. With the military disinterested now, who else might venture into Derry’s mysterious territory? Could journalists or investigators delve deeper into the town’s dark secrets, seeking the truth behind the horrors?
Are there other characters with ties to It and It Chapter Two?
We already know Will is Mike Hanlon’s dad and Margie is Richie Tozier’s mother, but what about other characters? Could there be future connections to Bill Denbrough or Eddie Kaspbrak as the series expands?
What lingering questions do you have about It: Welcome to Derry? The suspense is only just beginning, and with all nine episodes available on HBO and HBO Max, it’s a great time to rewatch and dive deeper into the chilling lore. What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below!