Derry’s Fog in It Finale: Not The Mist, Yet Still Connected

Throughout its eight-episode run, It: Welcome to Derry has delighted viewers with a wealth of subtle nods to Stephen King’s literary world. From sly references to Carrie to hints at The Shawshank Redemption, the series has woven a tapestry of connections for eagle-eyed fans. The final episode, however, introduced a particularly striking visual: a dense fog enveloping the town just as General Shaw and the military rouse the ancient evil from its decades-long slumber. The scene’s atmosphere drew immediate comparisons to the chilling haze from King’s 1980 classic, The Mist, where survivors are beset by unseen terrors lurking in the gloom.

Unpicking the Fog’s Origins

Despite the similarities, director Andy Muschietti has been quick to clarify the intention behind this choice. In a recent interview, he stated,

‘Of course, in The Mist, they say that the mist comes from the Todash Field, the same interdimensional plane that It is from,’

before adding,

‘So it’s unrelated, but it’s also related.’

This somewhat paradoxical explanation has left many scratching their heads. Muschietti went on to explain that the fog was used as a visual device to represent the spreading clouds surrounding the Dead Lights. He pointed out that when the meteor crashes into Derry in episode four, the three Dead Lights are seen swirling around a similar cloud, establishing the fog as a physical manifestation of the entity’s influence.

Visual Motifs and King’s Universe

The director’s comments suggest that, while the fog is not a direct homage to The Mist, it is not entirely disconnected either. Both stories, after all, draw upon the concept of the Todash Field—a mysterious, interdimensional realm that links various corners of King’s universe. Muschietti’s approach was to use the fog as a means of illustrating the reach and power of the Dead Lights, rather than as a simple Easter egg for fans of The Mist. The result is a visual motif that feels both familiar and unsettling, deepening the sense of unease that pervades the series’ climax.

Looking Ahead: Plans for the Next Series

With the first series now wrapped, speculation is rife about what comes next. Although a second run has yet to be officially confirmed, Muschietti has already outlined his vision for a three-part saga. He revealed that the next chapter will be set during the Depression era in Derry, featuring a mix of new faces and younger versions of established characters.

‘It takes place during the Depression in Derry, and there are some new characters and some characters from this season as well, but younger versions of them,’

he explained. This approach promises to expand the show’s scope while maintaining continuity with the storylines and personalities that have already captured audiences’ imaginations.

For now, viewers can revisit the first series, which is available to stream, and ponder the many mysteries still swirling in the fog over Derry.