IT: Welcome To Derry Premiers HBO Series Expanding Stephen King Universe With DC References

The new HBO series 'It: Welcome to Derry,' directed by Andy Muschietti, has bolstered confidence among DC fans about his upcoming Batman: The Brave and the Bold movie, despite his previous mixed reception with The Flash film. The series expands the Stephen King universe by filling in narrative gaps under King's supervision, adding new context and details that were not present in the original book. Notably, the premiere episode includes two DC Universe references: a nod to The Flash #123, which introduced the multiverse concept, and Detective Comics #298, featuring the villain Clayface, hinting at Muschietti's broader DC plans. The show maintains the horror and violence tone of the original films, drawing viewers with its gritty storytelling and ties to the DC multiverse. HBO Max released Episode 2 earlier than scheduled to coincide with Halloween, continuing to delve into the dark history of Derry. This interconnectedness between the It franchise and DC properties has been highlighted by various sources, underscoring Muschietti's dual roles and the series' blend of horror and superhero elements.