The first episode of ‘It: Welcome to Derry‘ surprised viewers with its intense violence, but eagle-eyed fans also spotted hidden nods to characters and stories from the DC Universe.
This series introduces a new generation of kids facing off against Pennywise the Clown (Bill Skarsgård) when he returns in 1962 to terrorize the town’s children once more. The first episode, directed by Andy Muschietti, was intense and left viewers eagerly awaiting the next installment.
The series delivers the same intense and frightening violence seen in Andy Muschietti’s It films. As we noted in our review, it expands on the story of the town and its terrifying clown, and doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal impact on all the characters.
The first episode of ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ includes two notable connections to the DC Universe, and one could hint at director Andy Muschietti’s plans for ‘The Batman’.
It: Welcome to Derry references The Flash
Despite the controversies surrounding star Ezra Miller and a complicated storyline, the 2023 film The Flash did have a genuinely touching story at its core, even if it was let down by weak special effects and a confusing approach to the multiverse.
The movie centers on Barry Allen traveling back in time to save his mother, but his actions unintentionally alter the entire DC Universe timeline. This creates a twisted, alternate version of himself who becomes a villain.
The TV series ‘Welcome to Derry’ includes a nod to the DC Universe when Teddy Uris is scolded for reading comic books. One of the comics he’s reading is ‘The Flash #123,’ famously known as ‘Flash of Two Worlds.’ This issue is a landmark story in DC Comics history, as it’s one of the first to introduce the concept of the multiverse, featuring the original Flash, Jay Garrick, meeting Barry Allen, the newer version of the hero.
I think it’s a really compelling story, and honestly, it feels like a direct nod to Andy Muschietti’s film – that one also had two different sides to the main character, which is super cool!
Teddy Uris also reads a major Clayface issue of Detective Comics
The new ‘IT: WELCOME TO DERRY’ trailer includes a subtle nod to Batman, specifically referencing ‘Detective Comics #298’ – the comic book debut of the villain Clayface. Fans speculate this could be a hint towards Andy Muschietti’s upcoming film, ‘The Brave and the Bold’, which is expected to feature Batman.
— ScreenTime (@screentime) October 27, 2025
The scene really echoes a moment when Teddy reads Detective Comics #298, which first introduced the famous Batman villain, Clayface. This is significant for two reasons. First, DC Studios is currently developing a horror movie centered around Clayface, starring Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen/Clayface, and the script is being written by Mike Flanagan.
Additionally, director Andy Muschietti is working on the DC film Batman: The Brave and The Bold, and there’s talk that Clayface will be the main villain. While it hasn’t been officially confirmed, Muschietti recently featured Clayface’s original comic book appearance, which suggests he might be included in the movie.
As a huge DC fan, I’ve been following all the rumors about who’s going to be the next Batman, and what direction the movies will take. It sounds like we might be seeing a bit of a shift! While the last few Batman films have been really dark and realistic, it seems like James Gunn and Peter Safran are leaning towards including some of the more over-the-top villains – think Clayface! – which could be a really fun change of pace.
Happy anniversary to Clayface, the often-misunderstood villain! We’re excited to see Tom Rhys Harries play him in the upcoming movie!
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 26, 2025
It’s interesting that James Gunn, co-chairman of DC Studios, shared the same issue of Detective Comics on Instagram to mark Clayface’s anniversary. Considering Warner Bros. also owns the rights to ‘It: Welcome to Derry,’ this post seems like a clear and intentional nod to that franchise.
Before we get a clearer picture of Clayface’s place in the DC Universe, check out our articles on how “It: Welcome to Derry” secretly connects to “The Shining,” our picks for the best horror TV shows, and our ranking of the greatest superhero films.
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2025-10-27 17:20