IT: Welcome to Derry Episode 5 Reveals Shocking Twists

HBO’s Episode 5 of IT: Welcome to Derry presents some unexpected turns, notably concerning the boy whose disappearance kickstarts the narrative.

**Spoilers ahead for IT: Welcome to Derry Episode 5, streaming now on HBO Max.**

Matty Clements, played by Miles Eckhart, is introduced quite early on. He’s been through a terrifying ordeal with Pennywise, portrayed by Bill Skarsgård, and is craving some kind of connection. The newfound relief the kids feel quickly shifts to fear when they, part of the new Losers Club, find Matty hiding in a secret spot. He explains what he’s seen in Pennywise’s layer and mentions that Phil is still alive yet trapped there.

This revelation sparks the idea for Lily and the others to save Phil. They manage to convince a hesitant Matty to show them the way into the sewers, which he agrees to do. Interestingly, the kids decide to take Matty’s mother’s anti-anxiety medication to combat their fears, leading to comedic moments. Armed with flashlights, they dive into the hunt for Pennywise.

However, the shocking truth emerges: Matty is, in fact, deceased. He represents Pennywise, whose entire purpose is to draw children to their doom. The brave kids narrowly escape, leaving them understandably shaken.

Executive producer and co-showrunner Jason Fuchs shared with DECIDER that the idea behind Matty’s character wasn’t initially part of the show’s conception. It was a concept developed alongside Andy and Barbara Muschietti for a version of Mike Hanlon’s story.

Fuchs mentions that during the writing of IT: Chapter 2, they envisioned a scene where Mike would lead the adult Losers down into Pennywise’s sanctuary and discover his own dead body. But they eventually decided that such a plot point strayed too far from the essence of Stephen King’s work.

“We thought, ‘This feels too removed from the book. We need to stay closer to the heart of the story,’” he recounted. “Then, while discussing the narrative of the show, especially for episode 5, I realized that this concept could actually fit well.”

Fuchs also elaborated on why Matty’s storyline lends itself particularly well to television.

“TV allows for riskier storytelling. Certain shifts and changes are more feasible here than in film.” he explained. “We’re drawing from the book, but also expanding and creating new elements. It felt fantastic to see this moment come to life.”