Get ready to have your mind blown, because It: Welcome to Derry isn’t just another Stephen King adaptation—it’s the key to unlocking the deepest, darkest secrets of his entire multiverse. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Andy Muschietti’s It films gave us a chilling glimpse into Pennywise’s terror, they barely scratched the surface of the surreal origins and cosmic implications of King’s most iconic villain. Enter It: Welcome to Derry, a prequel series set to debut in November 2025, which promises to dive headfirst into the eerie town of Derry, Maine, and the mind-bending Macroverse that connects it to King’s broader universe. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about Pennywise—it’s about the turtle, the Crimson King, the Dark Tower, and the pillars that hold it all together.
In an interview with SFX Magazine, showrunners Andy and Barbara Muschietti teased that the first season will lay the groundwork for Derry’s haunting reality, while later seasons will tackle the ‘bigger questions’ about It’s true nature. Muschietti hints, ‘What I want the audience to feel is that everything they know about It is just the tip of the iceberg.’ Bold claim? Absolutely. But here’s the kicker: the series will weave in key multiversal figures from King’s other novels, creating a tapestry of lore that’s as intricate as it is terrifying. Think of it as It meets The Dark Tower, with a dash of Wizard and Glass thrown in for good measure.
Now, let’s talk about Maturin—yes, the giant turtle. If you’re scratching your head, you’re not alone. While Maturin barely gets a mention in the It films, he’s a cornerstone of King’s Macroverse. According to legend, Maturin vomited out the entire fictional universe that mirrors our own, making him Pennywise’s arch-nemesis. Controversial interpretation alert: Could Maturin’s benevolent nature be a red herring? After all, in It, he communicates directly with Bill Denbrough, urging him to perform the Ritual of Chud. Is he a savior, or just another player in a cosmic game we don’t fully understand?
But Maturin is just one piece of the puzzle. Muschietti promises to dissect the Macroverse, peeling back layers of Pennywise’s evil to reveal what It truly wants and why Derry is its playground of choice. ‘What does It want? Why is It here?’ Muschietti asks, before jokingly adding, ‘We’re going to ruin and explain all the cryptic elements.’ Thought-provoking question: If Pennywise is just a pawn in a larger game, who’s really pulling the strings?
For die-hard King fans, It: Welcome to Derry is a dream come true—a deep dive into the Macroverse and its primordial horrors. But here’s the surprise: even newcomers can jump in. The series could serve as a gateway to King’s sprawling universe, making complex concepts accessible without sacrificing depth. Final question for you: Do you think It: Welcome to Derry will satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers, or will it alienate one group in favor of the other? Let’s debate in the comments!
