How do the creators of Welcome to Derry want to use Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise? Read on to find out!
The fifth episode of IT: Welcome to Derry was released on November 23, 2025, and we finally get a glimpse of the much-awaited appearance of Pennywise. Bill Skarsgård takes on the iconic role and finally makes his debut on the prequel series inspired by Stephen King. However, co-showrunner Jason Fuchs reveals that he intends to use the scary clown differently than the movies. He told Entertainment Weekly,
We always knew this was not gonna be front and center in the first scene of the pilot in the way that It 1 opens with the introduction to Georgie and Pennywise.
The cast of the show also includes Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, and more. The story is set in the 1960s and explores the origins of Pennywise and the dark history of Derry.
Will Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise Be Different in IT: Welcome to Derry Compared to the Movies?
Titled 29 Neibolt Street, the fifth episode of the show brings back Matty Clements to the Losers Club. One thing leads to another, and the kids are exploring the sewers under Neibolt Street, following Matty, who seems like he is just another friend in trouble.
But quickly, things get weird. Matty starts acting strange, and then his head splits and his body twists, revealing Pennywise in full clown form.
Showrunner Jason Fuchs explains that the TV format lets them explore Pennywise in ways the films could not.
[Skarsgård] has opportunities with this character that the story of the films did not present. Not only are you getting a really, hopefully, thrilling build-up to seeing Pennywise, you are also gonna see Bill doing things you’ve not seen him do in this character yet.
Moreover, executive producer Barbara Muschietti also chimed in, saying,
that, in this season, Pennywise should be a little bit like the shark in Jaws… it was important for us to delay the pleasure, or the terror, as much as we could.
Series creator Andy also says that they are playing the long game of anticipation, where the audience cannot wait to see the clown on-screen.
When Will IT: Welcome to Derry Season 1 Episode 6 Be Released?
IT: Welcome to Derry, Season 1 Episode 6 will be released on November 30, 2025. The series will follow the weekly schedule of premiering new episodes every Sunday.
With Pennywise finally appearing in the flesh, it will be interesting to see how he traumatizes the kids and the town with each new episode.
| Name | Seasons | Showrunners | Main Cast | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| It: Welcome to Derry | 1 |
Jason Fuchs Brad Caleb Kane | Taylour Paige Jovan Adepo James Remar Stephen Rider Matilda Lawler | 7.7 / 10 | 79% | HBO |
Did you watch episode 5 yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
IT: Welcome to Derry is currently streaming on HBO Max.
