Spoilers follow for IT: Welcome to Derry Episodes 1-7.
Episode 7 of IT: Welcome to Derry introduced us to Bob Gray, a character briefly glimpsed in the movie IT Chapter Two but one who is of great interest to fans of Stephen King’s creation. Essentially, Bob Gray is the original, human Pennywise, whose form It began to favor taking to hunt the children of Derry. Now Welcome to Derry is finally telling his story.
Andy Muschietti, who directed the IT movies and developed Welcome to Derry with his sister/producing partner Barbara Muschietti and co-showrunner Jason Fuchs, told me that the goal of the show was always to dig into the “big enigmas” that are presented in the Stephen King book. He felt that King intentionally created an incomplete puzzle, with cryptic characters and events that lent themselves to being further explored. And chief among them was the character of Bob Gray, aka the man who would become Pennywise.
Bob Gray, the Man Behind the Clown
“Bob Gray, the man behind the clown,” said Andy. “[He’s] an absolute mystery. It’s mentioned a couple of times [in the book], but never is there really a fleshing out of the story.”
Barbara points out that the mystery of this character was a big part of what brought the show into existence, and it all came from the conversations that Andy and Pennywise actor Bill Skarsgård had during production of IT Chapter Two in 2018.
“Bill did a very small flashback into Bob Gray and loved it,” she recalled. “So they started talking about exploring that. And when the pandemic came, Andy’s like, ‘Let’s start talking about that!’”
With the development time the pandemic allowed, the Muschiettis and Skarsgård started to really dig in on what Bob Gray’s story might be, as it has never been fleshed out by Stephen King. Yes, we know about Pennywise’s cosmic origins, but the dancing clown? Not so much. Until now.
I went back into all the interludes and all the catastrophic events that are depicted in every one of the cycles. And I saw a story there, a hidden story.
“It’s more like an incarnation of Bob Gray [in IT Chapter Two], it’s an IT incarnation, so you can see the evil behind,” said Andy. “But who was Bob Gray really? It all started there. And then delving deeper into it, I went back into all the interludes and all the catastrophic events that are depicted in every one of the cycles. And I saw a story there, a hidden story that was worth telling. And of course there was a lot of invention, which was part of the excitement of it. It’s like, OK, we’re going to fill the gaps, put all the pieces of the puzzle that are missing.”
The Origin of Pennywise’s Human Self
The approach then was to figure out who the human character was. For starters, the writers and producers knew they didn’t want him to be some kind of a psychopath. And they wanted to find the humanity of the character.
“It’s shrouded in a bit of darkness and ominousness,” said Andy. “But we presented him as someone that was benign, that was basically someone that life didn’t work very well for. He has a daughter and he wants to do well. And then when Bill finally came in, we started really granularly exploring the character and he said, ‘All this is good, but I don’t think we should do such a wholesome thing.’ And that’s where alcoholism appeared, the grumpiness. And so it’s very nuanced. You see a character that is taking swigs from a flask in between when the curtains fall. And there’s a reason for that. The reason is the death of his wife.”
This is the backstory that was created for the character by Muschietti, Skarsgård, and the show’s writers, and which we get a true feel for in Episode 7.
“Bob Gray was a big clown in a big circus,” explains Andy. “One day he lost his wife and that sort of pushed him into a down-spiraling hole where he became an alcoholic. He was fired from the circus, rehired sometime later into a small traveling circus, and we have this scene where he’s basically talking to his daughter and he reminisces about the good old times. And even though he’s in bad shape right now, because he’s an alcoholic, he has hope. And Ingrid, his little daughter, is what keeps the hope alive for him.”
Of course, Ingrid is Ingrid Kersh, aka Periwinkle (another invention of Welcome to Derry’s), the adult version of whom is played by Madeleine Stowe. And certainly her dad’s disappearance after his run-in with IT leads her life to a not-great place, to say the least. But that’s a different story.
Maturin, The Dark Tower Connections, and Welcome to Derry Seasons 2 and 3
The Muschiettis told me that when they started putting the story together for the show, they had much more than they could possibly include in just one season. And so a three-season plan was hatched, as the writers had to take chunks of story out and save them for future seasons.
It talks more about the reason of IT, what is IT, what does IT want, and why is IT in this plane of existence?
“It’s a bigger story that goes across the two following seasons,” Andy explained. “It talks more about the reason of IT, what is IT, what does IT want, and why is IT in this plane of existence? But also, it’s a glimpse into the bigger mythology that looms on the other side. The thing with the book is that it’s told from the perspective of our human characters very much. There’s only like two or three moments that, through the Maturin root or the Smoke-Hole, we access other planes of reality, but it’s very sparse. It’s just very, very contained, but it does really connect to other works of Stephen King, mainly The Dark Tower. And there’s so much about the turtle, Maturin. That is one of those things that people who love these movies, they really are into Maturin. So basically across the two more seasons, we’re going to explore the bigger mythology.”
IT: Welcome to Derry Episode 8, Season 1 Finale Release Date and Time
The final episode of IT: Welcome to Derry Season 1 will debut on HBO Max at 6pm PT/9pm ET on Sunday, December 14. Tell them Bob Gray sent you!
IT: Welcome to Derry and the Origin of Pennywise’s Human Half
The Enigmatic Setting of Derry in Stephen King’s IT
Derry, a seemingly quaint and quiet city in northern Ireland, serves as the eerie backdrop for Stephen King’s iconic horror novel IT. This small, walled city is more than just a geographical setting – it is indeed a vital character within the story. The atmospheric streets, shadowy alleys, and hidden corners echo with secrets, setting the perfect stage for the terrifying entity known as Pennywise the Dancing clown.
Stephen King’s depiction of Derry combines real-world locations with fictional terror, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. As you explore Derry, the town’s history of mysterious disappearances and haunted landmarks come alive, making it the ideal locale that breathes life into Pennywise’s chilling legend.
Derry’s Role in Pennywise’s Lore
- Historical Terror: Derry’s dark past symbolizes the cyclical nature of horror in the story – events seem to repeat every 27 years.
- Community pulse: The city’s close-knit and insular community adds tension, amplifying feelings of paranoia and distrust.
- Eerie Atmosphere: the omnipresent fog, winding streets, and underground sewer system create a perfect lair for Pennywise’s human half to emerge.
The Origin and Nature of Pennywise’s Human Half
Pennywise is not merely a clown- he is a monstrous cosmic entity known as IT, capable of shape-shifting and feeding on fear. However,the concept of Pennywise’s “human half” adds a layer of tragic complexity to the villain,suggesting a tether to humanity and Derry itself.
What is Pennywise’s Human Half?
The “human half” is an abstract portrayal of IT’s connection to Derry and its inhabitants:
- Embodiment of Fear: Pennywise’s human form is a manifestation of the collective fears of derry’s children and adults.
- Symbiotic Existence: This human element allows IT to manipulate emotions, identities, and memories, deepening its control over victims.
- Cursed Origin: Some interpretations hint that Pennywise’s human half was born or trapped in Derry centuries ago, weaving itself into the town’s history through dark ritualistic roots or cosmic accidents.
Exploring the Duality of Pennywise
The dual nature of Pennywise – as a cosmic, otherworldly monster, yet with a disturbing human quality – fascinates horror fans and scholars alike.It mirrors the conflict between innocence and evil, childhood and adulthood, reality and nightmare.
| Pennywise’s Traits | Derry’s Atmosphere |
|---|---|
| Shape-shifting entity | Labyrinthine streets and sewers |
| Feeds on fear and trauma | Community plagued by unspoken horrors |
| Human half connects to emotional vulnerability | Residents’ suppressed memories and secrets |
| Returns every 27 years | Cycle of disappearances and tragedies |
Discovering Derry: A Tourist and Fan’s Guide
Derry’s modern-day charm contrasts with its spooky reputation in IT. Fans of the novel and the popular TV series find themselves drawn to the “Walled City,” eager to experience the haunting ambiance firsthand.
Top Attractions for IT Enthusiasts
- Derry Girls Experience & Tours: Dive into Lisa McGee’s hometown with guided walks that bring the show’s locations to life, while touching upon Derry’s cultural authenticity.
- Historical Walls and Landmarks: the city walls, museums, and riversides provide an unforgettable backdrop linked closely with IT’s narrative mood.
- The Underground Sewers: A pivotal setting in the story, some tours explore the notion of Derry’s labyrinthine underground paths, the supposed lair of Pennywise.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Visit during spring or summer for more pleasant whether – ideal for walking tours.
- Bring agreeable shoes to explore Derry’s historic streets and walls extensively.
- Check out the local museums and visitor centers for in-depth historical context to enrich your understanding of the city and Pennywise’s origins.
Case Study: Pennywise’s Human Half in Popular Culture
The duality of Pennywise’s character has been analyzed extensively in film studies and literary criticism, often highlighting the “human half” as a symbol for childhood trauma and repressed community secrets.
| Adaptation | Interpretation of human Half | cultural Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 Mini-Series | Pennywise as a grotesque human-like clown symbolizing worldwide childhood fears | Cult classic; defined Pennywise’s imagery for a generation |
| 2017/2019 Film Duology | explores Pennywise’s emotional tether through youth trauma and loss | Revitalized interest in Derry and Stephen King’s work globally |
| Literary Interpretations | Human half as metaphor for societal repression and cyclical horror | Inspired academic discussions and fan theories |
First-Hand Experiences: Witnessing Derry’s Haunting Charm
Travelers who have walked the cobbled streets of Derry often describe an eerie sensation of history mingled with present-day vibrance, reflecting how the city lives both in reality and myth. Many visitors report heightened awareness as they visit iconic IT spots,such as the riverbank and community centers,sensing the whispered stories that inspired Pennywise’s malevolent human aspect.
These real-world connections create a unique blend of tourism and fandom, making Derry a must-visit for horror enthusiasts and literature buffs alike.
For more detailed maps and visitor guides to explore Derry and its famous landmarks related to Pennywise and IT, visit Visit Derry Maps and Brochures. Experience firsthand the mystique of the Walled city-the home of stories that continue to captivate readers and viewers worldwide.
Learn more about Derry’s vibrant culture and its association with popular media at the official site: Visit Derry and brush up on the Derry Girls’ hometown at Home of Derry Girls.
