In theory, “Welcome To Derry” could open up a Stephen King extended universe the likes of which haven’t been seen this side of Hulu’s ill-fated series “Castle Rock.” The horror master has set several of his most famous stories in the fictional town, from the stalker story “Secret Window, Secret Garden” to the bizarre alien saga of “Dreamcatchers.” One of King’s books, “Insomnia,” even features a Pennywise-like creature called “The Crimson King” that feeds on fear in, you guessed it, Derry.
Perhaps more interesting than any potential crossover is the series’ chance to dig deep into the very human fear and hatred that keeps Pennywise coming back again and again. Nearly all of the monster’s cycles play upon public phobias and biases of the time, with plots about race, sexuality, gender, and class taking center stage. In many ways, Pennywise is the personification of flawed human history that can’t help but repeat itself.
With the breathing room afforded by a full series, the team behind “Welcome To Derry” has the ability to explore every terrifying facet of Pennywise’s history, from the supernatural to the all-too-human.
