Why Pennywise’s Absence in ‘Welcome to Derry’ Makes It Scarier

The Mystery of Pennywise in Welcome to Derry

The kids of 1962 Derry, Maine, are already facing horrifying versions of IT, the supernatural monster terrorizing their town. Yet, one key figure hasn’t made a full appearance: Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Fans finally glimpse something in Episode 3, when a shadowy figure emerges from a crypt, captured in a photo by Will Hanlon (Blake Cameron James).

That little Glimpse of Pennywise at the end of Episode 3 was just brutal, how come they keep teasing us with Pennywise but he never shows up ????‍♂️#WelcomeToDerry #ITWelcomeToDerry pic.twitter.com/qQupoXCAUB

— Movie Scenes ???????? (@jaykaska) November 10, 2025

“Is that a clown?” Lilly (Clara Stack) asks, setting the stage for one of the series’ most chilling moments. Showrunners Brad Caleb Kane and Jason Fuchs keep fans guessing, hinting that while it seems like Pennywise, nothing is ever certain in Derry.

The Strategy Behind Withholding Pennywise

Kane and Fuchs explain that hiding Pennywise early on allows the series to feel fresh and frightening. After multiple IT adaptations, audiences might be desensitized to the clown’s terror. By delaying his appearance, the show amplifies suspense and fear, making every creepy scene more unsettling.

This opening sequence with Pennywise as this old man was insane!???? that girl did not hesitate to slingshot that rock at IT????????#WelcomeToDerry pic.twitter.com/g04VzhHrUS

— ????????????????????????????//????⏳ ???????? (@giselleb1234) November 10, 2025

“It’s about making Pennywise scary again, as scary as possible,” Kane says, emphasizing the strategy to elevate tension and set pieces.

Other Terrifying Encounters in Derry

Even without Pennywise, the prequel doesn’t skimp on horror. Viewers meet mutilated demon babies, a lampshade made of human faces, and nightmares like Ronnie’s monstrous rebirth sequence. Lilly’s grocery store scene, where she discovers her father’s remains in pickle jars, adds another layer of terror.

In Episode 3, the kids try to capture the entity on camera, summoning it in a cemetery. The plan works—but chaos ensues as they face swarms of ghastly ghosts.

“It was definitely very creepy,” says Arian S. Cartaya, who plays Rich, reflecting on filming that sequence.

Preparing the Young Cast for Fear

The young actors braved previous IT films to understand their roles better. Amanda Christine recalls, “That scene when Pennywise comes out from the garage—it was scary,” highlighting how the preparation helped them tap into fear and vulnerability for their performances.

Clara Stack adds, “So many scenes are intense and horrific. We had to dig deep to get to this vulnerable place.”

Exploring IT Beyond the Clown

Fuchs and Kane aim to explore why IT, an inter-dimensional being, favors the clown form. The prequel asks questions about IT’s origins, motivations, and why it repeatedly returns to Derry, despite other possible hunting grounds. This deeper narrative adds mystery and makes the suspense of Pennywise’s appearance even more effective.

Historical Context and Real-World Tensions

Set two years before the Civil Rights Act, the series portrays the racial tensions of 1962 America, even in northern states like Maine. Episode 3 shows police wrongly accusing Ronnie’s father of murder and explores societal fear, prejudice, and injustice alongside supernatural threats.

Will and Rich struggle to understand the adult world, highlighting how children face both real-world and supernatural horrors.

Families and Internal Struggles in Derry

The Hanlon family adds complexity, balancing military discipline, civil rights activism, and personal tragedy. Their challenges reflect both societal fractures and the looming danger of IT.

“This family comes from the South with expectations, only to find no place in America feels safe,” Muschietti notes. Their story underscores the intertwined threats of racism, family tension, and supernatural evil.

A Point of No Return in Episode 3

Step right up.

Stream Episode 3 of #ITWelcomeToDerry tonight at 9pm on HBO Max. pic.twitter.com/4WE6T5el6S

— IT: Welcome to Derry ???????? (@ITMovieOfficial) November 9, 2025

Episode 3 sets the stage for rising tension. With Dick Hallorann (Chris Chalk) connecting to IT through “the shining” and the military exploiting his abilities, the prequel builds an intricate web of fear and suspense. Pennywise may be absent for now, but every scene reminds audiences that Derry is a town where nothing is safe and everything is terrifying.