IT Franchise Teases More Pennywise: Chapter 3 on the Horizon?

Andy and Barbara Muschietti, the creative duo behind the recent IT adaptations, have offered tantalising clues about the future of the franchise. In a recent conversation, Barbara Muschietti suggested that the story may not conclude with IT: Welcome to Derry, sparking speculation among Stephen King devotees. She remarked,

We shall see. It’s a universe. It is a universe, and there are characters that are still fascinating. There are more gaps. When the great Stephen King wrote the book, I think that he left those holes on purpose…. So, I don’t know. I don’t think this is the end, basically, is all I’ll say.

Having just wrapped the first series of IT: Welcome to Derry for HBO Max, the Muschiettis have reignited interest in Pennywise’s sinister legacy. The appetite for further exploration of the clown’s reign of terror appears undiminished, with audiences keen to delve deeper into the mythology.

Unexplored Gaps in King’s Novel Offer New Possibilities

Barbara Muschietti elaborated on the creative opportunities presented by Stephen King’s original work, noting that the so-called ‘accidental holes’ in the narrative provide fertile ground for new stories. She explained,

….I think that he left those holes on purpose. And if he didn’t do it on purpose, they’re just as great. They’re great accidents, but for us, they are a wonder. In doing the first season, of course, we uncovered a lot of holes.

The series IT: Welcome to Derry draws inspiration from King’s 1986 novel, chronicling the ordeal of a group of friends haunted by Pennywise both as children and adults. The show, set in Derry, Maine during 1962, serves as a prequel to the 2017 and 2019 film adaptations. The first series comprises eight episodes, each running just under an hour, and introduces viewers to events preceding those depicted in the films.

Expanding the IT Universe: New Cycles of Terror

King’s novel hints at previous cycles of Pennywise’s malevolence, glimpsed in the interludes. The Muschiettis have seized upon these brief references, using them as a springboard to craft the narrative for Welcome to Derry. Their approach has not only filled in narrative gaps but also paved the way for further stories, potentially extending beyond the three cycles of terror initially planned for the series.

With the first series already a success, the creative team appears poised to continue their exploration of Derry’s dark history. The prospect of additional series, each delving further into the past, has generated considerable excitement among fans.

Backwards Storytelling Sets the Stage for Chapter 3

The Muschiettis’ decision to move backwards through time, beginning in 1962 and venturing further into Derry’s past with each new series, opens up the possibility of revisiting infamous events such as the Bradley Gang massacre. This event, briefly mentioned in both the novel and the show, could feature prominently in future instalments.

As the narrative continues to unravel Pennywise’s origins and the lore surrounding the creature, the groundwork is being laid for a potential third chapter. The enduring popularity of the series on streaming platforms suggests that audiences remain eager for more. Whether or not IT: Chapter 3 materialises, the Muschiettis have certainly ensured that the door remains wide open for further tales from Derry.

IT: Welcome to Derry, along with the previous IT films, is currently available to stream in the United States.