Exploring Connections in *IT: Welcome to Delhi*

Since its launch in October, *IT: Welcome to Delhi* has drawn some comparisons to Stephen King’s works, particularly with nods to *The Shining* and *The Shawshank Redemption*. But does this imply that HBO’s shows are interconnected? Well, perhaps they’re just paying homage to the iconic author.

In the season finale, there’s an attempt to connect Pennywise (played by Bill Skarsgård) and his powers to those in King’s universe. But is that truly the intention?

**Contains spoilers: Episode 8 “Winter Fire” is now streaming on HBO Max**

*IT: Welcome to Delhi* Episode 8, titled “Winter Fire,” resumes right after the previous episode, where General Shaw (James Remar) is plotting to unleash Pennywise from its cage to cause chaos. The show’s theory posits that controlling humanity through fear is the only route to global peace. Essentially, by enforcing a tight grip on humanity via the US military, it seeks to wield power.

General Shaw’s extreme arrogance is evident. The heroes understand that they can’t keep Pennywise contained. For instance, Pennywise quickly abducts Will Hanlon (Blake Cameron James) and makes a grim visit to Derry High School for more victims, killing the principal and trapping the juniors in an assembly through Deadlight’s influence.

As Pennywise’s terror engulfs Derry, an unsettling fog envelops the city, forcing residents into shops for safety and heightening anxieties. This scene might remind some of another classic from King’s repertoire.

Many fans of Stephen King enjoy connecting the threads of his horror stories, leading one to wonder if Pennywise’s powers are linked to the “mist.” Will there be references to Todash Space or perhaps a mention of the Crimson King? Just how much of King’s work is echoed in *IT: Welcome to Derry*?

Before diving deep into theories, let’s clarify something: the fog in Derry is genuine, but it’s not a direct nod to *The Mist*.

“At that moment, *The Mist*—for better or worse—was about its own narrative and individual reactions to the idea of freedom,” shared Jason Fuchs, the EP and co-showrunner, in an interview. “It was more introspective.”

You don’t need to revisit Frank Darabont’s 2007 cult classic to catch every Easter egg in *IT: Welcome to Delhi*’s Season 1 finale. Fuchs notes that the fog serves as an extension of Pennywise and his influence over Derry.

“What we’re really doing is stretching our creativity,” Fuchs remarked. “It’s like gauging the situation, wondering, ‘How far can I push this? What’s happening here?’”

He elaborated that the fog almost disperses, allowing the entity to awaken, as if it had merely been hibernating. “After the pillar was shattered, it stirs into awareness,” he continued.

The “Derry Fog,” as Fuchs refers to it, is deeply tied not just to Pennywise but also to the town itself.

“This serves as a clear visualization of concepts we’ve often discussed—the characters talk about it directly. The ‘Derry Fog’ has a numbing effect on the locals,” Fuchs explained, emphasizing how the finale visually represents this phenomenon.

So, in conclusion, the Derry fog may not be referencing King’s *The Mist* directly, but it’s likely that fans will continue to explore possible connections. It’s that lingering curiosity that keeps the discussion alive.