IT: Derry Creators Discuss Premiere Episode Ending

The first episode of HBO Max’s “IT: Welcome to Derry” surprised viewers by introducing a new group of kid heroes only to have most of them meet a shocking and brutal end. This unexpected twist, as executive producer Barbara Muschietti noted, captures the unpredictable nature of IT.

Based on the core of Stephen King’s novel, the bond among the young protagonists, known as the Loser’s Club, is central to the story. “Welcome to Derry” serves as a prequel to the 2017 and 2019 IT movies, revealing how these children encounter the supernatural entity they call IT. The showrunners were intentional about creating an atmosphere that kept viewers on their toes and conveyed the message that anything can happen.

While adult characters play essential roles, the premiere episode focused on schoolkids Lilly, Phil, and Teddy in 1962 Derry, Maine. Their investigation into a classmate’s disappearance leads to a terrifying encounter with IT, resulting in a heart-wrenching tragedy that leaves only Lilly barely escaping.

The decision to end the episode with the death of these seemingly central characters was a bold move. The show’s creative team wanted to subvert expectations and keep audiences engaged with unexpected storytelling. This choice, though initially met with horror by the writers, was seen as necessary to drive the narrative forward and immerse viewers in the characters’ journey.

The brutal and unexpected ending, suggested by co-showrunner Brad Caleb Kane, set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable series. As more episodes unfold, viewers will be drawn into the characters’ world, experiencing the story through their eyes and feeling the same disorientation and fear as the group at the heart of the show.

Despite the shocking turn of events, the creators of “IT: Welcome to Derry” believed that this bold move would set the series apart and entice viewers to keep watching. New episodes air Sundays at 9/8c on HBO and HBO Max, inviting audiences to delve deeper into the dark and mysterious world of Derry.