The cursed town of Derry, Maine is back and more terrifying than ever. The first of EN: Welcome to Derry opens a new, chilling chapter Stephen Kingtaking us back to 1962 to explore the city’s dark history decades before the Losers’ Club was even born.
Directed by Andy Muschiettiwho directed the IT movies and The Flashand offers fans a dense web of clues, nods and connections to King’s sprawling mythology.
From in-depth DC Comics cameos to clever world-building details, here’s a breakdown of the most intriguing Easter eggs and references hidden in Episode 1.
Major Hanlon’s Family Connections
At the beginning of the episode, viewers meet Captain Pauly Russo (Rudy Mancuso) and Major Leroy Hanlon (Jovan Adepo), two Air Force officers newly stationed in Derry. That last name should sound familiar to you. Leroy is the grandfather of future Losers’ Club member Mike Hanlon (Jacobs singled). In IT (2017), Mike’s grandfather (played by Steven Williams) was a hardened farmer, but here, seeing him as a respected military figure opens the door to a fascinating backstory.
How did this man go from the disciplined Air Force to a life of isolation on a farm? The answer may lie in his inevitable encounter with Pennywise and the town’s disturbing influence.
The birth of the Paul Bunyan statue
A small but satisfying detail shows Derry in the midst of transformation. When Hanlon reads a local newspaper, a headline reveals the city’s approval to build the now-iconic Paul Bunyan statue.
Fans will remember that this same statue later terrified Richie Tozier (Finn Wolfhard) In EN: chapter two. This moment places the prequel within the evolving geography of Derry, showing us the origins of one of the city’s most haunting landmarks.
The Earth Against Flying Saucers poster
Inside Young Phil (Jack Molloy Legault) a poster of the 1956 science fiction classic Earth vs. Flying Saucers hangs in the room. This is a personal nod to Stephen King himself. In his nonfiction book Danse Macabre, King recalls seeing that very film as a child when the screening was interrupted by news that the Soviet Union had launched Sputnik.
That fusion of cinematic fear and real-world terror helped shape King’s storytelling instincts, making this reference a heartfelt tribute to the author’s formative experience.
Juniper Hill Asylum returns
Episode 1 introduces Lilly (Clara Pila), who is cruelly nicknamed “Loony Lilly” by her classmates. After witnessing her father’s gruesome death in the pickle factory, her mother locks her away at Juniper Hill Asylum.
Longtime King readers will recognize Juniper Hill IT, Useful thingsAND 11/22/63where he often shelters victims of Derry’s supernatural evil. His presence once again ties Welcome to Derry to King’s larger multiverse.
The symbolism of the turtle
The turtles appear during the premiere, which is a great nod to Maturin, the cosmic turtle who opposes Pennywise in the King mythos. In one scene, the children watch a real 1960s “duck and cover” safety cartoon featuring Bert the Turtle.
Later, Matty (Miles Ekhardt) gives Lilly a turtle pendant, telling her they bring good luck. For fans of King’s deeper lore, these moments hint at the battle between cosmic forces that define the Dark Tower saga and suggest that the show could explore those broader supernatural threads.
The Dark Legacy of Beverly Marsh
In a brief but chilling scene, graffiti scrawled on the wall of a school bathroom reads “Alvin Marsh.” Fans will immediately recognize the name as that of Beverly Marsh’s abusive father. Given that the show is set 27 years before IT, Alvin would be a student at the time, a disturbing reminder that Derry’s cycle of cruelty and trauma didn’t begin with the Losers’ Club. Evil, both human and supernatural, has always been part of the town’s DNA.
The prophecy in The Music Man
The finale takes place in a movie theater showing The Music Man. During the film, Harold Hill says, “Our children’s children are going to have problems.” Moments later, Pennywise strikes. The phrase eerily foreshadows Derry’s generational curse, foretelling the future battle of the Losers’ Club 27 years later. It’s subtle but chilling foreshadowing that perfectly captures the cyclical nature of King’s horror.
The DC Universe Connection
Since both the IT and DC properties share Warner Bros. as a studio, Muschietti sneaks in several comic book Easter eggs, and they’re not random choices.
Teddy Uris (Mikkal Karim-Fidler) is seen reading Detective Comics #298, written by Bill Finger and drawn by Sheldon Moldoff. That issue marks the first appearance of Clayface, a villain who will soon appear in the DCU film Clay faceWhere Tom Rhys Harries will take on the role.
Later, Teddy is seen reading Flash #123, The Flash of Two Worlds, a classic 1961 issue that introduced the DC Multiverse. Considering Muschietti’s work on The Flash and its imminent The brave and the boldthese choices feel like a deliberate nod to his superhero history. Another quick nod references the Atom, adding another layer to the interconnected Easter egg hunt.
With its premiere on HBO on October 26, 2025, EN: Welcome to Derry it set the tone for a series that is equal parts terrifying and richly layered. Episode 1 is packed with story, and every frame feels designed to expand the mythology behind Pennywise and Derry itself.
Whether you’re a lifelong King fan or just someone who loves a good supernatural mystery, this series is already shaping up to be one hell of a ride.
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
