Pennywise’s True Horror Goes Far Beyond a Killer Clown – Here’s Why ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ Will Redefine Stephen King’s Multiverse
Brooke Palmer/HBO
Warning: Major spoilers ahead for Stephen King’s "It."
Andy Muschietti’s 2017 film It and its 2019 sequel, It Chapter Two, brilliantly brought Stephen King’s nightmarish vision of Derry, Maine, to life—yet they only hinted at the deeper, more terrifying mythology lurking beneath the surface. The films introduced us to Pennywise, the shape-shifting entity that feeds on fear, but they barely touched on its cosmic origins or its chilling connections to King’s sprawling multiverse. That’s why It: Welcome to Derry, the upcoming HBO prequel series, isn’t just another horror show—it’s a deep dive into the dark heart of King’s interconnected universe. And trust us, the revelations here will change how you see everything.
But here’s where it gets controversial…
While the movies streamlined Pennywise’s backstory for mainstream audiences, Welcome to Derry promises to expose the full, unfiltered truth. According to an interview in SFX Magazine (November 2025 issue), showrunners Andy and Barbara Muschietti plan to use the first season to establish Derry’s eerie history before plunging into the real mystery: What is Pennywise, and where does it come from? Subsequent seasons will reportedly explore the Macroverse—a term King fans will recognize as the otherworldly dimension that binds his stories together. Muschietti teases, "Everything you know about It is just the tip of the iceberg."
And this is the part most people miss…
The series won’t just focus on Pennywise’s reign of terror in Derry. It’s also set to explore the cosmic forces that oppose it—including Maturin, the giant, universe-creating turtle (yes, really). If you didn’t catch the Easter eggs in the films, Maturin is a pivotal figure in King’s mythology, often described as a benevolent counterpart to Pennywise’s evil. He’s mentioned in The Dark Tower series and even communicates directly with young Bill Denbrough in the novel It, urging him to confront the clown. But here’s the kicker: Maturin allegedly vomited out the entire Stephen King universe. If that sounds insane, just wait—Welcome to Derry is poised to unpack all of it.
The Dark Tower Connection: Why Pennywise Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle
Muschietti has confirmed that the show will delve into the Macroverse—a dimension that ties together key elements from King’s works, including The Dark Tower, Gan (the god-like force of creation), and The Crimson King (a prime antagonist in King’s lore). This means Welcome to Derry isn’t just a prequel—it’s a gateway into understanding how all of King’s stories intersect. "It’s not just about Derry’s past," Muschietti explains. "It’s about the other side—the Macroverse, the turtle, Gan, the Dark Tower… all of it."
Controversial Take: Will Casual Fans Be Lost?
Here’s the big question: Can Welcome to Derry appeal to both hardcore King devotees and newcomers? The show’s deep-cut references to The Dark Tower and obscure lore might alienate casual viewers—but Muschietti insists the series will be accessible. Still, some fans argue that without prior knowledge of King’s multiverse, the show’s grander themes could feel confusing. What do you think? Should prequels like this cater to die-hards, or should they simplify the mythology for wider appeal?
Final Thought: This Isn’t Just a Horror Story—It’s a Cosmic Revelation
At its core, It: Welcome to Derry isn’t just about a killer clown. It’s about peeling back the layers of King’s multiverse to reveal the ancient, unfathomable forces at play. Why does Pennywise target Derry? What does it truly want? These are the questions the series aims to answer—and the answers might just redefine how we see horror itself. Whether you’re a lifelong King fan or just curious about the hype, Welcome to Derry could be the most ambitious horror series ever attempted. But is the world ready for the truth? Sound off in the comments—agree or disagree, we want to hear your take!
