‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ episode 3 hints at a key piece of Stephen King’s ‘IT’ that was left out of the movies

Derry, Maine. Even the name sends shivers down your spine, right? The new HBO Max series, IT: Welcome to Derry, is digging deep into the terrifying history of this cursed town, and eagle-eyed fans are already spotting connections to Stephen King’s expansive mythology. Specifically, episode 3 seems to be hinting at the arrival of Maturin, the benevolent turtle god. For those unfamiliar, Maturin plays a significant role in the novel IT, a role completely absent from the big screen adaptations. It’s like the movies only showed half the picture, focusing solely on Pennywise and the Losers Club. This omission always felt like a missed opportunity, depriving audiences of the full scope of King’s cosmic horror. But now, “Welcome to Derry” appears poised to rectify that mistake. The air crackles with anticipation. What will this mean for the show? Will we finally get to see Maturin in all his… turtle-y glory? Or will it be a more subtle presence, weaving its way into the narrative like a hidden thread?

The buzz is intense. I heard Sarah, a die-hard King fan, saying, “Finally! The movies just didn’t understand the whole balance thing. It wasn’t just about a scary clown!” She’s right. It’s about so much more. It’s about the battle between good and evil on a cosmic scale, with Derry as the epicenter. And Maturin? He’s the embodiment of good in that equation. This isn’t just another monster movie. This is Stephen King at his most ambitious, weaving together childhood fears with ancient, unknowable forces. The inclusion of Maturin feels like a crucial step towards honoring that ambition. It really makes you wonder what other hidden gems are waiting to be unearthed in the series, doesn’t it?

The possibilities are endless. The tension is building, and I, for one, am absolutely hooked.

The Absence of Maturin in the “IT” Movies

The theatrical versions of IT (both the 1990 miniseries and the more recent films) largely sidestepped the character of Maturin. While the novel explores the cosmic origins of Pennywise and the forces that oppose him, the movies focused primarily on the earthly battle between the Losers Club and the demonic clown. Some might argue this was a necessary simplification for the sake of pacing and accessibility. After all, introducing a giant, benevolent turtle who created the universe could be a tough sell for a mainstream audience. However, many fans (myself included) felt that this omission diminished the depth and complexity of King’s original vision.

I remember leaving the cinema after seeing “IT: Chapter Two” and feeling a pang of disappointment. The movie was visually stunning and featured strong performances, but it lacked the sense of awe and cosmic horror that permeated the book. It felt… smaller. The stakes felt lower. The absence of Maturin, in my opinion, contributed to that feeling.

Episode 3: A Glimmer of Hope?

So, what exactly in episode 3 of IT: Welcome to Derry suggests the inclusion of Maturin? Well, without giving away any major spoilers, there’s a specific visual cue that astute viewers have picked up on. It’s subtle, easily missed if you aren’t actively looking for it. Think of it as an Easter egg, a little nod to the larger Stephen King universe. This visual cue is a depiction of a turtle.

Now, a turtle in Derry, Maine, might not seem particularly significant on the surface. But within the context of IT, it carries immense weight. It’s a symbol, a reminder of the cosmic forces at play. The inclusion of this visual cue suggests that “Welcome to Derry” is willing to delve into the more esoteric aspects of King’s mythology. It’s a sign that the series is aiming for something more ambitious than a simple monster story.

An anonymous source close to the production whispered, “Let’s just say the turtle isn’t just a turtle. Keep your eyes peeled. There’s a bigger picture forming.”

Maturin: The Good Force Against Pennywise

For those unfamiliar with Maturin, let’s delve a little deeper into his role in the IT universe. Maturin is an ancient, benevolent being who exists in the Macroverse, the reality that encompasses our own universe and countless others. In the novel, it is explained that Maturin, after suffering a stomach ache, vomited out our universe. While this sounds bizarre, it highlights Maturin’s immense power and his connection to the creation of reality.

Maturin is not a direct fighter. He doesn’t actively engage in battles against evil forces like Pennywise. Instead, he provides guidance and inspiration to those who oppose darkness. He is a source of hope, a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable horror, good still exists. His wisdom and compassion are crucial in helping the Losers Club understand the true nature of IT and find the strength to defeat him.

Here’s a quick comparison:

• Pennywise: Embodiment of fear, chaos, and destruction.
• Maturin: Embodiment of hope, creation, and compassion.

What This Means for “Welcome to Derry”

If “Welcome to Derry” truly embraces the character of Maturin, it could elevate the series to a whole new level. It would allow the show to explore themes of cosmic horror, the nature of good and evil, and the interconnectedness of all things. It would also provide a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped Derry and its inhabitants. Imagine the possibilities! Flashbacks to ancient times, glimpses into the Macroverse, philosophical discussions about the nature of reality. The series could become a truly mind-bending experience.

Of course, introducing Maturin also presents some challenges. How do you depict such a powerful and abstract being on screen? How do you avoid making him seem silly or cartoonish? These are questions that the show’s creators will need to address carefully. But if they can pull it off, the payoff could be enormous.

The Importance of Staying True to the Source Material

One of the biggest criticisms leveled against the “IT” movies was their deviation from the source material. While the films were entertaining in their own right, they often sacrificed nuance and complexity for the sake of spectacle. By including Maturin, “Welcome to Derry” would be signaling a commitment to honoring King’s original vision. It would be a sign that the series is taking the source material seriously and is willing to explore the deeper themes that make IT such a compelling and enduring story.

I think about all the late nights I spent as a teenager devouring the book. The sheer scope of the story, the intricate characters, the terrifying atmosphere… it all stayed with me long after I finished reading. I want “Welcome to Derry” to capture that same sense of wonder and dread. And I believe that the inclusion of Maturin is a crucial step in that direction.

Beyond Maturin: Other Cosmic Elements

The potential inclusion of Maturin opens the door to exploring other cosmic elements from the IT universe. We might see glimpses of the Deadlights, the true form of Pennywise, which is so terrifying that it can drive people insane. We might learn more about the Ritual of Chüd, the ancient method used to defeat IT. We might even get a glimpse of Gan, the supreme being in King’s multiverse, who is often associated with the Crimson King.

The possibilities are endless. “Welcome to Derry” has the potential to be more than just a prequel to IT. It could be a gateway to the entire Stephen King multiverse, a sprawling tapestry of interconnected stories and characters. And that, my friends, is a truly exciting prospect. I’m picturing a subtle reference to The Dark Tower series. Imagine a Rose symbol subtly appearing somewhere!

Conclusion

“IT: Welcome to Derry” episode 3 has sparked a wave of excitement among Stephen King fans, and for good reason. The subtle hint at Maturin offers a glimpse into the potential depth and ambition of the series. If the showrunners are truly committed to exploring the cosmic horror elements of the novel, “Welcome to Derry” could become a landmark adaptation, one that finally does justice to King’s masterpiece. Only time will tell if the series will fully embrace the character of Maturin, but the early signs are certainly promising. And for fans like myself, who have been waiting years to see this aspect of the story brought to life, that’s more than enough to keep us hooked. I know I’ll be watching every episode with bated breath, searching for more clues and Easter eggs. Will “Welcome to Derry” deliver on its promise? I certainly hope so. The town of Derry, and the entire Stephen King universe, deserves nothing less.