The seventh episode of the series “It: Welcome to Derry”, aired in December 2025, revealed the origin of the classic look of Pennywise, the The production, which serves as a prequel to the “It” films (2017 and 2019), features a flashback set in 1908 and shows the cosmic entity adopting the appearance of a real circus artist called Bob Gray. The explanation, however, has received criticism for reducing choice to a simple hunting strategy.
The series premiered in September 2025 on the Max platform and has nine episodes in total. Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise and also plays Bob Gray, the human klo who inspired the monster’s most famous form.
1908 flashback details fatal encounter
The opening sequence of episode 7 transports the viewer to a traveling fair at the beginning of the 20th century. Bob Gray, known artistically as Pennywise, or Palhaço Dançarino, acts alongside his young daughter, Ingrid Kersh.
The character faces problems with alcoholism after the death of his wife and hopes for a new act with his child. Durante At night, the entity, still without a defined form, observes the success of the klo with local children.
Entity chooses image for efficiency
The creature approaches Bob Gray in the forest and eliminates him. It then copies her costume and makeup exactly to use as the main bait in Derry.
The screenwriters justify the decision by klo’s proven effectiveness in attracting children. The series repeats at various times that Pennywise’s human form proved to be the best trap ever tested by the monster.
Criticism points out internal contradictions
Experts and fans highlight inconsistency in the logic presented. Cinematic Pennywise maintains a menacing expression, sharp teeth and aggressive behavior since his first appearance.
This frightening version drives victims away rather than attracting them, the opposite of what would make an effective bait. The entity has demonstrated the ability to perfectly imitate loved ones, such as Georgie Denbro or dead relatives.
Other forms used by the monster
- In “Welcome to Derry”, he appears as the boy Mattie to trick a group of children
- In the 2017-2019 films, uses image of Georgie to manipulate Bill Denbro
- He has also become Eddie’s abusive father and burned in the Fábrica Kitchener incident
These transformations show that the being masters convincing disguises when desired.
Public reaction remains divided
Some viewers approved the effort to give background to Stephen King’s most iconic villain. Outra installment feels that the simplistic answer took away some of the mystery that made Pennywise terrifying.
To date, the series maintains an approval rating of 78% in the Rotten Tomatoes, with comments frequently citing the origin of klo as the most controversial point of the season.
The complete season of “It: Welcome to Derry” is now available on Max. The last episode will air at the end of December 2025.
