The creators of the upcoming HBO Max prequel series, IT: Welcome to Derry, have spoken out to clear up a major misconception regarding the horror entity, Pennywise. Director Andy Muschietti and producer Barbara Muschietti confirmed that many fans mistake the iconic clown for the entirety of the monster. The show is designed to remind viewers that IT Welcome to Derry Pennywise is merely a vessel, with the entity being a shapeshifting creature that takes on the form of its victims’ deepest fears.
Barbara Muschietti stressed that the key to the monster’s horror is moderation, comparing the character to cinema’s classic villains. She referred to Pennywise as the series’ “shark,” stating, “You’ve got to bring him out with all his complexity in the right moments, otherwise It loses its power.” Therefore, the show will use a “slow burn” approach, intentionally delaying the appearance of the famous clown to build maximum anxiety and suspense.
The director noted that this method allows the prequel to stay true to the deeper mythology of Stephen King’s novel. The benefit of long-form storytelling is exploring the many other terrifying forms the entity can manifest as, making the scares more personal for the new set of characters. The creative team promises to expand the horrifying history of the town of Derry, Maine, and the evil that resides beneath it.
Fans eager for the full story will get their wish, as Andy Muschietti teased the show will “ruin and explain” the cryptic elements of the villain’s dark secrets. By delaying the famous IT Welcome to Derry Pennywise debut, the series enhances the sense of dread while providing long-awaited answers about the creature’s origin.
