You Won't Believe What Happens in "It: Welcome to Derry" – Shocking Twists You Must See!

Be warned, this article will feature spoilers.

As the demand for horror content continues to rise, a fresh chapter in the Stephen King universe has emerged with the new series It: Welcome to Derry, streaming on HBO Max. Set 27 years before the 2017 film It, the show transports viewers back to 1962, weaving an origin story that reveals the dark history of the creature known as It as it preys on the fears of the town of Derry, Maine.

This chilling series offers a glimpse into the previous cycle of terror, linking the events to earlier years in 1908 and 1935. At its core, the narrative follows a group of children who find themselves haunted and hunted by the creature, as they band together in a desperate attempt to confront it. The show also introduces Air Force personnel Leroy Hanlon and Richard “Dick” Hallorann, who are on a mission to secure pillars that keep It contained. However, the plot thickens when Hanlon’s superior, Francis Shaw, reveals a nefarious plan: to capture It and use it against the Soviets during the Cold War, ultimately seeking to unleash chaos across the nation to forge unity.

The season concludes with It returning to its slumber, setting the stage for its eventual awakening in 1989, which aligns with the events of the original film.

One of the standout aspects of the pilot episode is its bold narrative choices. A group of kids—Lily, Teddy, Ronnie, and Phil—embarks on a quest to find their missing friend, Matty. The shocking twist that sees two of the four children killed by It establishes the series' willingness to subvert expectations, showcasing a darker tone compared to typical horror fare. This unexpected brutality signals that Welcome to Derry is not afraid to take risks.

As someone who typically shies away from horror, I found myself more unsettled by Welcome to Derry than by its predecessors, It (2017) and It: Chapter Two (2019). The diverse forms the creature takes and the deeply unsettling moments throughout the series heightened my anxiety. A particularly horrifying scene occurs in episode four, where a vision overwhelms Marge, causing her to cut off one of her eyes—a moment reminiscent of the gruesome style of Terrifier, which left me almost unable to watch.

The series enriches the broader King universe by connecting its characters to the lore established in previous adaptations. Notably, Will is revealed to be Mike Hanlon's son, while Marge is Richie Tozier's mother and Teddy is Stanley Uris's uncle. Even Beverly Marsh makes a brief appearance, creating a tapestry of interlinked narratives.

In a nod to King’s other works, Hallorann makes connections between It and The Shining, where he serves as the chef at the infamous Overlook Hotel. The series also references the Shawshank Prison, further intertwining its storyline within King’s broader narrative universe.

The acting performances stand out, particularly Chris Chalk as Dick Hallorann, Arian Cartaya as Richie Santos, and Bill Skarsgård, who reprises his chilling role as Pennywise. Their contributions add depth and authenticity to the characters, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Overall, It: Welcome to Derry serves as a compelling addition to the It franchise. It expands the lore surrounding both the creature and the town of Derry, delving into themes of fear and community. I would rate the first season a solid 7/10 for its engaging storytelling and character development.

While the future of the series remains uncertain, the creators have hinted at the possibility of additional seasons, potentially exploring events in 1935 and 1908. The finale leaves a tantalizing clue about season two, suggesting that It exists beyond time, capable of revisiting the past to manipulate future events.

All episodes of It: Welcome to Derry are available for streaming on HBO Max. After watching, I invite readers to share their thoughts on the series or connect with me on Instagram @zachfornalmedia.