Will It: Welcome to Derry finally introduce Maturin the turtle who was omitted in the movies? Speculations explored

It: Welcome to Derry feels like one of those projects that people keep circling back to whenever Stephen King comes up. The series is heading to HBO, also streaming on Max, and it comes from Andy and Barbara Muschietti with Jason Fuchs on board. Guiding the episodes are Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane, and the plan is simple but big: push past what the movies already did and finally open doors to parts of the novel that were left closed. And in the middle of all this talk, one subject refuses to fade away. Maturin, the cosmic turtle that never showed up in the films, might have another chance here.

The adaptation carries the weight of expectation. The It movies achieved success by focusing on character-driven storytelling while leaving the broader cosmic mythology in the background. The new format offers an opportunity to balance both. With more room to explore, the series can revisit unexplored interludes and bring a deeper look at Pennywise and the forces that surround Derry. This is where Maturin returns to the center of speculation.

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Maturin in focus

In Stephen King’s novel, Maturin occupies a central role. The creature is portrayed as a cosmic being who opposes It, guiding the Losers Club during the ritual of Chüd. The turtle is described as having created the universe and serves as a counterbalance to Pennywise. For many readers, Maturin represents the idea that there is a protective force beyond the horror of Derry, connecting the story to King’s wider macroverse.

The movies Andy Muschietti made in 2017 and 2019 skipped the turtle altogether. No big reveal, no direct role. What showed up instead were little signals scattered here and there. Bill holding a LEGO turtle. A bit of wallpaper with the same shape. A stuffed toy was left on Ben’s desk. Later on, a statue was placed in front of his house. Easy to overlook at first, then they start to add up. They were reminders, yes, but never a real appearance, never the moment readers thought they might finally see Maturin.

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The decision in the films

Muschietti later mentioned that they actually filmed a scene where the Losers dive into the lake and come face-to-face with Maturin. That moment never made it to the final cut. He said the decision came down to keeping the spotlight on the kids, on their struggles, and not letting the bigger cosmic ideas take over. In the end, the movie leaned toward a simpler version of the mythos, one that put character drama in front and left the wider lore sitting quietly in the background.

This left space for renewed attention in It: Welcome to Derry. With nine episodes confirmed, each around an hour in length, the series has more time to address both the human conflicts and the mythology that surrounds them. This creates the possibility of introducing Maturin in a way the films could not.

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How It: Welcome to Derry could correct what the movies left out

The series was announced as an exploration of the book’s interludes, beginning with the Black Spot tragedy. This focus indicates an interest in expanding areas that were left aside before. During San Diego Comic-Con 2025, the creative team confirmed that the show would dive into some of Pennywise’s mysteries, mentioning Bob Gray and the origins of the creature as points to be addressed. That statement alone opened the door to discussions about whether Maturin could also appear.

Including the turtle would not only please long-time readers but also provide a more complete adaptation of the mythology. The absence in the films is often cited as a missed opportunity, and the series format gives room to revisit this choice.

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Narrative function of Maturin

If included in It: Welcome to Derry, Maturin would serve as a narrative counterpoint to Pennywise. Rather than a symbolic detail, the character could highlight the larger scope of the conflict and offer guidance that situates Derry within a cosmic struggle. The turtle’s presence would add depth to the story and provide viewers with a closer link to the book’s mythology.

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Connections within Stephen King’s universe

It: Welcome to Derry has already confirmed the appearance of Dick Hallorann, the cook from The Shining, portrayed by Chris Chalk. This crossover demonstrates the intention to create links between King’s works on screen. Within this framework, adding Maturin would extend the connections even further, reaching toward the mythology of The Dark Tower, where the turtle is associated with the guardians of the beams. While the series has not confirmed this inclusion, the possibility continues to be part of the larger conversation.

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The challenge of consistency

The difficulty of including Maturin in It: Welcome to Derry lies in continuity. If the cosmic turtle appears in the past, it raises questions about why the character did not intervene during the events of the movies. Reconciling this absence would require a careful explanation or narrative choice to avoid inconsistencies. This challenge remains one of the obstacles to bringing the character to the screen.

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Expectations for release

It: Welcome to Derry is scheduled to premiere in October 2025 on HBO, streaming on Max. Until then, speculation will remain active. Whether Maturin is introduced or not, the discussion highlights how strongly the character resonates with fans and how much expectation surrounds the adaptation. For many, the chance to see the cosmic turtle finally brought to the screen is a central hope for the series.