In a pivotal episode of Stephen King IT Welcome to Derry, fans witnessed the shocking return of Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise, but behind the scenes, a script decision from the show’s development almost changed the fate of a beloved original character. The creative team revealed that a plot twist nearly saw the death of classic Losers’ Club member Mike Hanlon, underlining just how much the series is willing to evolve Stephen King’s nightmarish world.
Sunday’s episode, the fifth in the series, marked a turning point as Pennywise made his long-awaited return. The entity’s disguise as Matty Clements, the missing child presumed dead from the show’s harrowing opening scene, deceived the new group of kids—nicknamed the Losers’ Club—and led them into Derry’s infamous sewers. This dramatic revelation was not just for shock value; the team behind the series, including co-creator Jason Fuchs, indicated that a similar twist was once considered for It: Chapter Two, which would have involved Mike Hanlon’s demise.
Behind the Almost-Fatal Plot Twist
In the latest episode, the power of It intensifies in Derry as a surge of violence sweeps through the town. The entity orchestrates the deaths of army soldiers, torments Dick Halloran with gruesome visions, and targets the current generation of Derry children. The narrative intensifies when the kids, believing Matty has survived an earlier attack, venture into the sewers on a mission to rescue Phil, another child feared dead. It is only deep underground that Pennywise’s true identity is revealed, shattering any sense of safety among the group.
Jason Fuchs, co-showrunner and co-creator, explained to Decider how this concept was first explored during the scripting of It: Chapter Two. He stated,
“So when I was working on IT Chapter Two, there was a version of that script where Mike Hanlon — who has obviously been guiding our adult Losers the entire time — eventually takes them down into the sewers, takes them down into It’s sanctuary, where they find Mike Hanlon’s body. And you realize that the Mike Hanlon we were with the whole journey of IT Chapter Two was a manifestation of It.
We thought, “Oh, it’s just too much of a departure from the book. We want to be closer to where the story beats.” And so that went away. Then when we started talking about the journey of the show, and specifically Episode 5, I remember us talking and going, “Wait, this is an idea that might actually have found its time and its moment.” Matty as the guide, Matty in that context, makes a lot more sense.”
Fuchs’ comments illuminate the delicate balance the creative team faced, weighing bold new story developments against fan expectations and fidelity to King’s original plot. Although the idea of Mike Hanlon being a manifestation of It was ultimately set aside for being too radical a shift from the source material, elements of the abandoned twist resurfaced in the series, specifically through Pennywise’s manipulation of Matty.
The Payoff of Pennywise’s Return
Pennywise’s on-screen absence for much of the series created tension and anticipation among viewers, a deliberate decision by Andy and Barbara Muschietti. Those behind It: Welcome to Derry aimed to underscore the terrifying uncertainty the clown creates by being mostly unseen, heightening the horror by showcasing the full range of the entity’s monstrous abilities. By drawing out Pennywise’s reveal, the show paid homage to suspense classics like Jaws, with terror lurking unseen until just the right moment.
During the initial episodes, the threat of It manifested in disturbing, non-clown forms, terrorizing both children and adults and deepening the sense of fear in Derry. Now, with Pennywise fully revealed in Episode 5, the story appears set to accelerate toward a frightening climax, with only three episodes left in the season. The show’s approach has resonated with audiences, earning strong reviews and securing a regular spot atop the HBO Max streaming charts.
The Cast and Their Roles in Derry
Among the notable cast members bringing Derry’s chilling events to life is Taylour Paige as Charlotte Hanlon, contributing a powerful presence to the Hanlon storyline. Jovan Adepo brings complexity to Leroy Hanlon, another key player orbiting the town’s mounting evil. Alongside them, characters such as Dick Halloran and Phil become entwined in the cycle of trauma and threat that defines Stephen King’s harrowing vision of Derry.
Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Pennywise remains a central draw for fans, and the fresh faces among the latest Losers’ Club ensure that Derry’s legacy of fear persists through generations.
What Awaits in Derry’s Future?
With the creative liberties taken in Stephen King IT Welcome to Derry, the show not only delivers shocking twists but also respects and expands upon the source material’s themes of fear, deception, and community trauma. As Pennywise becomes more prominent in the closing episodes, viewers can expect further confrontations with Derry’s darkest secrets. The strong fan reaction and success on HBO Max suggest that another season may delve even deeper into the mythos, further exploring the past and future of Stephen King’s most cursed town.
