The first season of “It: Welcome to Derry” has left fans buzzing with excitement and anticipation for what’s to come. The finale was a rollercoaster of emotions, as the ensemble cast took on Pennywise the Clown in a chilling battle that covered the town in an icy, supernatural fog. While creators Barbara and Andy Muschietti deny any intentional nod to Stephen King’s “The Mist,” they acknowledge the overlap in the universe, full of references to other King works.
The Muschiettis have hinted that Pennywise’s story is far from over. Despite being a prequel to their previous films, it’s clear that the evil spirit has been haunting Derry for generations. The finale alludes to Pennywise’s atemporal existence, setting the stage for a potential Season 2 set in 1935, exploring the previous cycle of Pennywise’s awakening.
The post-credit scene in the finale flashes forward to 1988, showing Beverly Marsh before the events of the first “It” film. It features an elderly version of Madeleine Stowe’s character, Ingrid Kersh, revealing her to be the same old woman that Pennywise manifests as in “It: Chapter 2.” Actress Joan Gregson reprised her role as the elderly Mrs. Kersh for the scene.
In an interview with Variety, the creators and showrunner Jason Fuchs discussed the season’s finale, the series’ future, and the post-credit scene that tied it all together. Fuchs revealed that the mysteries surrounding Pennywise and Derry were intentionally answered in the finale, shedding light on why Pennywise remains in Derry and why he takes the form of Pennywise the clown.
The idea of the fog over Derry was not taken from the novel or the novella “The Mist,” but was a creative invention for the show. The fog was used to visually represent the expansion of the clouds that surround the Dead Lights, a crucial element in Pennywise’s story.
From a physical production standpoint, transitioning to the frozen world in the finale was a challenge due to filming transitioning from Fall to Winter. The setting had to match the season, leading to the creation of a chilling and eerie environment for the climactic battle.
As fans eagerly await news of a potential Season 2, the future of “It: Welcome to Derry” looks promising, with the creators hinting at more mysteries to unravel and battles to be fought in the haunting town of Derry.
Andy Muschietti: It was definitely a challenge to create stakes when the audience already knows the fate of certain characters. We wanted to elevate the stakes beyond just caring about the characters and their fates. The revelation of Richie Tozier’s missing poster from “Chapter 1” and Pennywise’s admission about the jumbling of past, present, and future hints at a new mystery that will raise the stakes of the series. This mystery will be directly linked to the future seasons and add a new layer of complexity to the story.
What can viewers expect from the upcoming seasons in terms of storytelling and character development?
Barbara Muschietti: Without revealing too much, viewers can expect the upcoming seasons to delve deeper into the mythology of Pennywise and explore new characters and their relationships. The storytelling will continue to be intricate and layered, revealing more about the town of Derry and the dark forces that reside within it.
Andy Muschietti: We want to explore different time periods and perspectives to give viewers a more comprehensive understanding of Pennywise and the events that shape the story. Each season will offer new revelations and twists that will keep audiences engaged and constantly guessing.
With the success of “Mama” and “It,” what are your future plans as filmmakers?
Barbara Muschietti: As filmmakers, we are always looking for new and exciting projects that challenge us creatively. We have a few ideas in the works that we are passionate about and hope to bring to life in the near future. We want to continue pushing boundaries and exploring different genres to keep evolving as storytellers.
Andy Muschietti: We are constantly seeking new opportunities to collaborate with talented individuals and bring unique stories to the screen. Our goal is to continue growing as filmmakers and delivering memorable experiences to audiences worldwide. We are excited about the future and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Overall, the Muschietti siblings have proven themselves to be a formidable team in the world of filmmaking, and their upcoming projects are sure to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact. As they continue to push boundaries and explore new storytelling avenues, their creativity and vision will undoubtedly shape the future of cinema. The relationship between perception of time and the character of It in the show creates an intriguing dynamic that challenges the typical restrictions of a prequel. It suggests that the dangers posed by It may be more complex and potent than previously understood. The overlapping timelines and connections between characters add layers of depth to the story, as seen in the post-credits flash-forward in Season 1.
In this scene, Beverly Marsh encounters an elderly Mrs. Kersh, establishing a link between the show and the “It” films. The decision to include this scene was made during reshoots and pick-ups, highlighting the creative process behind the show. The visual connection to the characters from the movies, particularly through Sophia Lillis reprising her role, adds a nostalgic touch for fans.
The interaction between Beverly and Mrs. Kersh in the flash-forward sheds new light on their previous encounters in the films. It becomes clear that It’s manifestations are not just random but are calculated to tap into the characters’ deepest fears and traumas. The inclusion of Joan Gregson as the elderly Ingrid Kersh adds authenticity to the scene and ties the narrative threads together.
The behind-the-scenes story of bringing back Joan Gregson for the role exemplifies the dedication of the creators to honoring the connections between the show and the films. Despite budget constraints, the team made it a priority to include this crucial scene, showcasing their commitment to the project. The emotional impact of filming this scene, especially considering it was Joan Gregson’s final role, adds a poignant layer to the storytelling.
Overall, the inclusion of the post-credits scene in Season 1 enriches the narrative of the show and deepens the audience’s understanding of the characters and their experiences. The interconnectedness of past and present, as well as the intricate relationships between the characters and It, make for a compelling viewing experience that transcends traditional prequel storytelling. The Importance of Mental Health in Today’s Society
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