‘IT: Welcome to Derry’s Shocking Episode 1 Ending, Explained

Key Highlights

  • The first episode of “IT: Welcome to Derry” ends with a shocking bloodbath.
  • Mattie, one of the main characters, reveals that he is being held by Pennywise and brings a monstrous creature into the theater audience.
  • Phil, Teddy, and Susie are killed in gruesome fashion, leaving only Lilly and Ronnie alive.

IT Prequel Series: A Twist of Terror

“IT: Welcome to Derry,” the latest prequel series based on Stephen King’s iconic novel, made its debut with a shock that left viewers reeling. The first episode, airing on October 26, 2025, set the stage for a terrifying journey into the past of Derry, Maine.

The Search for Matty

As the episode unfolds, it introduces several characters who are united in their search for missing child Matty Ekhardt. Among them are “Loony” Lilly Bainbridge, Phil and Teddy, Phil’s sister Susie, and Ronnie. Each character brings a unique perspective to the story, mirroring the diverse group of Losers from King’s original tale.

The Turning Point: A Night at the Movies

The turning point arrives when Matty is found singing “Ya Got Trouble” in his shower pipes, leading Ronnie to connect this with the movie The Music Man. This revelation sets up a pivotal scene where the children screen the film at Derry’s movie theater in hopes of finding answers.

A Bloodbath at the End

Just as the film reaches its climactic moment, Harold Hill’s song about trouble facing River City is interrupted by Matty’s appearance in the theater. He holds a swaddled baby and is flanked by an eerie family. Matty reveals that this baby is none other than Pennywise, the monstrous entity from Welcome to Derry’s opening sequence.

The creature is much larger now and is unleashed into the audience.

The ensuing scene is a brutal one, with Phil, Teddy, and Susie being ripped apart by the monster. Only Lilly and Ronnie manage to escape. According to Lilly, “They’re all gone,” suggesting that Phil, Teddy, and Susie have met their end.

Implications for Future Episodes

The bloodbath at the end of the first episode leaves no doubt about the series’ commitment to horror. Viewers are reminded early on that nothing is safe in Derry, Maine. The fate of the remaining characters—whether they have survived or face Pennywise’s wrath—is left uncertain, adding to the suspense for future episodes.

For fans of Stephen King and horror enthusiasts alike, “IT: Welcome to Derry” promises a chilling ride. With the first episode setting such a dark tone, viewers are left eagerly awaiting what further horrors lie ahead in this prequel series.