The highly anticipated horror prequel series just dropped its first episode, and eagle-eyed fans spotted some major DC Comics nods that could reveal big plans for the new DC Universe.
TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Derry's DC Hints
- IT: Welcome to Derry Episode 1 features subtle, yet significant, DC comic book Easter eggs.
- These references connect directly to director Andy Muschietti's past and future projects within the DC Universe.
- The biggest takeaways? Strong hints that Clayface might be a major villain in Muschietti's Batman: The Brave and the Bold and a spotlight on the upcoming standalone Clayface movie.
Alright, fellow horror fanatics and comic book connoisseurs, let's talk about IT: Welcome to Derry! The prequel series we've all been waiting for finally premiered its first episode on October 26, 2025, on HBO and HBO Max. Set in the unsettling town of Derry, Maine, in 1962, this show takes us back before the Losers' Club fought Pennywise, diving deeper into the unsettling history of this cursed place. And boy, did it start with a bang (and some seriously gory twists!).
But beyond the chilling atmosphere and terrifying scares that director Andy Muschietti is known for (he did direct IT Chapter One and Two, after all!), something else caught the attention of fans: a couple of blink-and-you'll-miss-them DC Comics Easter eggs. And these weren't just random props; they're deeply connected to Muschietti's work with DC Studios and could be hinting at the future of the Dcu in some big ways.
Prepare for Peacemaker Season 2! Learn about the release date, entire cast, confirmed narrative information, and how it relates to James Gunn's new DCU and the multiverse.
The Flash of Two Worlds: A Familiar Multiverse Connection
In one scene from the premiere, young Teddy Uris (played by Mikkal Karim-Fidler) is caught reading a comic book by his dad. That comic? None other than The Flash #123: The Flash of Two Worlds, which originally hit shelves in September 1961. If you're a DC fan, you know this isn't just any old comic. It's legendary for introducing the very concept of the multiverse to comic books, bringing together Barry Allen (the current Flash at the time) and Jay Garrick (the original Flash).
Now, why is this a big deal for IT: Welcome to Derry? Well, it’s a pretty clear nod to Andy Muschietti's 2023 big-screen superhero outing, The Flash movie, which heavily featured multiverse shenanigans. While that film might have had a rocky reception and reportedly lost Warner Bros. a significant chunk of change, Muschietti has stood by his vision, attributing its struggles to behind-the-scenes issues. Including this comic isn't just a fun Easter egg; it's almost like Muschietti acknowledging his past work while diving into a new horror story. It also acts as a subtle wink, perhaps reassuring some skeptics that he still has that blockbuster touch after a critically panned superhero film.
From DCU's hinted surprises to famous rejections, cameos are a big deal in entertainment. We look at why these special appearances always grab our attention.
Unmasking Clayface: A Shape-Shifting Hint for Batman's Future
But wait, there's more! Shortly after the Flash comic makes its appearance, Teddy is seen reading another DC comic by lamplight: Detective Comics #298, from December 1961. This issue is incredibly significant because it marks the very first appearance of the Matt Hagen version of Clayface, one of Batman's most iconic shape-shifting villains.
Why is this particular comic showing up in IT: Welcome to Derry? It could be a super clever thematic tie-in. Think about it: Pennywise, the terrifying entity of the IT universe, is a master shape-shifter, taking on countless forms to prey on its victims. Clayface also has the power to mold his body into any shape, perfectly echoing Pennywise's abilities. It's a neat parallel between the horror of Derry and the villains of Gotham.
However, the connection runs much, much deeper than a thematic nod. This Easter egg is a huge hint for the future of the DC Universe, especially concerning Andy Muschietti himself.
HBO's Lanterns series takes a dark and grounded turn for Green Lantern! Think True Detective meets DC Comics with Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre. Get the first look and all the details on MoviesMoly!
Andy Muschietti's DC Universe Connections Run Deep
It's no secret that Andy Muschietti is set to direct Batman: The Brave and the Bold, the much-anticipated first Batman film in James Gunn's new DCU. Fans have been wondering what kind of villains Batman and Robin might face in this fresh take on Gotham, and the appearance of Clayface's debut comic might just be a massive clue.
There have already been strong rumors that Clayface could be a primary antagonist in The Brave and the Bold, and this Easter egg only fuels that fire. It makes sense that Muschietti, who's not only directing this episode of Derry but is also developing the series and serving as an executive producer, would weave in these subtle nods to his upcoming DC projects.
But the Clayface connection doesn't stop there. DC Studios also has a standalone Clayface horror film in the works, set to hit theaters on September 11, 2026. This R-rated feature will star Tom Rhys-Harries as Matt Hagen/Clayface, and it's being directed by James Watkins with a script by horror master Mike Flanagan (known for Stephen King adaptations like Doctor Sleep and Gerald's Game).
"Happy Anniversary to the perennially misunderstood villain, Clayface. Can’t wait for you to see @TomRhysHarries bring him to life on the big screen!"
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 26, 2025 (on social media)
What makes this even more compelling? DC Studios co-head James Gunn himself posted the exact same cover of Detective Comics #298 on social media on October 26, 2025—the very day IT: Welcome to Derry premiered! This isn't just a coincidence; it screams intentional synergy between Warner Bros. Discovery properties, highlighting a coordinated effort to get fans excited about Clayface's big screen debut.
Take a look at Alan Ritchson's amazing career, from his debut performance in Reacher to the rumors that he would portray Batman in James Gunn's DCU. Find out why he is a fan favorite for the Caped Crusader.
The Future of Batman and the Broader DC Universe Vision
While IT: Welcome to Derry has definitely given Muschietti's standing among fans a boost after the divisive The Flash, many are still eagerly awaiting more details about The Brave and the Bold. We know Muschietti is still on board, despite earlier rumors, but a release date is still a bit hazy, likely not arriving until 2028 at the earliest to avoid conflicting with other major DC releases like James Gunn's Superman: Man of Tomorrow (Summer 2027) and Matt Reeves' The Batman – Part Two (October 2027), which isn't even part of the main DCU.
This new DCU Batman is expected to embrace more fantastical elements, moving away from the grittier, grounded takes we've seen recently. So, a shape-shifting villain like Clayface would fit perfectly into that vision. The DCU is also expanding with other Batman-adjacent projects, including the Robin-centric animated film Dynamic Duo in 2028 and a potential Salvation's Run adaptation featuring Deathstroke and Bane.
The subtle inclusions of classic DC comics in IT: Welcome to Derry serve as clever multi-layered Easter eggs. They not only ground Teddy's character in the 1960s comic book boom and his desire for escapism but also explicitly link to Andy Muschietti's deep involvement in shaping the cinematic future of DC. It’s a smart way to build hype and connect different parts of the Warner Bros. universe, reminding us all that everything could be connected in more ways than we think!
Big TV shake-up in Miami! Channel 7 WSVN is the new ABC affiliate after WPLG Local 10 and ABC part ways. Find out why and what it means for your favorite shows on MoviesMoly.
Your Guide to Catching IT: Welcome to Derry Episodes
Ready to jump into the terrifying world of Derry and keep an eye out for more DC hints (or just enjoy some good horror)? Here's when and where you can catch new episodes:
- Where to Watch: HBO and HBO Max (US)
- When to Watch: New episodes premiere on Sundays at 9 PM ET on HBO and HBO Max.
- Special Early Release: Don't forget, Episode 2 will have a special early premiere on HBO Max on Friday, October 31, 2025, just in time for Halloween!
IT: Welcome to Derry Season 1 Full Episode Schedule:
- Sunday, October 26, 2025: Season 1, Episode 1 (Already aired!)
- Friday, October 31, 2025: Season 1, Episode 2 (HBO Max Early Access)
- Sunday, November 2, 2025: Season 1, Episode 2 (On HBO and HBO Max)
- Sunday, November 9, 2025: Season 1, Episode 3
- Sunday, November 16, 2025: Season 1, Episode 4
- Sunday, November 23, 2025: Season 1, Episode 5
- Sunday, November 30, 2025: Season 1, Episode 6
- Sunday, December 7, 2025: Season 1, Episode 7
- Sunday, December 14, 2025: Season 1, Episode 8 (Season Finale)
- Forbes
- ComicBook.com
- Popverse
- FandomWire
- Den of Geek
- MovieWeb
- Dexerto
- ComingSoon.net
- James Gunn's Social Media