Jason Fuchs, executive producer and co-showrunner of IT: Welcome to Derry, has revealed the shocking twist in episode 5, where Matty's fate is revealed, was originally meant for Mike Hanlon. In an interview with Decider, Fuchs explained that the concept of Matty being a manifestation of Pennywise was initially conceived as part of Stephen King's iconic Loser's Club member Mike Hanlon's storyline from IT: Chapter Two.
According to Fuchs, the original plan for IT: Chapter Two featured Mike Hanlon leading the adult Losers down into the sewers, only to find his own body in It's sanctuary. This plot twist would have revealed that Mike was a manifestation of Pennywise all along, but the Muschietti siblings and Fuchs ultimately decided it was too far removed from King's original book.
However, when discussing the show's concept for episode 5, they realized that Matty as a guide made more sense. "We thought, 'Wait, this is an idea that might actually have found its time and its moment,'" Fuchs said. The showrunners believe that television allows for more creative freedom to take risks and deviate from the original book.
"It's a fresh canvas," Fuchs explained. "You have more opportunities to take riskier swings... Now we're using pieces of the book, but then extrapolating and sort of inventing from there." This departure from King's canon allowed for the show to create its own unique twist on the iconic story, making it all the more thrilling for viewers.
The decision to revamp Mike Hanlon's storyline into Matty's twist was a deliberate choice, allowing the show to forge its own path while staying true to the spirit of Stephen King's original work.
According to Fuchs, the original plan for IT: Chapter Two featured Mike Hanlon leading the adult Losers down into the sewers, only to find his own body in It's sanctuary. This plot twist would have revealed that Mike was a manifestation of Pennywise all along, but the Muschietti siblings and Fuchs ultimately decided it was too far removed from King's original book.
However, when discussing the show's concept for episode 5, they realized that Matty as a guide made more sense. "We thought, 'Wait, this is an idea that might actually have found its time and its moment,'" Fuchs said. The showrunners believe that television allows for more creative freedom to take risks and deviate from the original book.
"It's a fresh canvas," Fuchs explained. "You have more opportunities to take riskier swings... Now we're using pieces of the book, but then extrapolating and sort of inventing from there." This departure from King's canon allowed for the show to create its own unique twist on the iconic story, making it all the more thrilling for viewers.
The decision to revamp Mike Hanlon's storyline into Matty's twist was a deliberate choice, allowing the show to forge its own path while staying true to the spirit of Stephen King's original work.
Interesting how they decided to change the direction of IT: Chapter Two and make it their own thing, but still connected to the book in some way. It shows that TV allows for more freedom to take risks and be creative... I mean, it's a fresh canvas and all that 
like how can you change one of the main characters in IT: Chapter Two that easily? idk man, i loved Mike Hanlon's storyline from the beginning... and now matty is just a weak version of it 
, what happened to the original plan? 
anywayz, i guess it's all about keeping it fresh and trying new things... but for me, this change kinda sucks 
I mean, who wouldn't want to see Mike Hanlon as a manifestation of Pennywise? But you know what? The decision to go with Matty's storyline is actually genius 
. It shows the showrunners aren't afraid to take risks and make changes to the original story... and that's what makes it so refreshing! I love how they're using the book as a starting point, but then adding their own spin. It's like they're painting on this fresh canvas 
and creating something entirely new. And let's be real, it's making for some pretty thrilling TV episodes 
. Bring on more of these creative twists!
, it was like a punch in the gut! The way they deviated from the book, especially Mike Hanlon's storyline, really got me. I mean, who would've thought that Matty could be the one guiding Ben? It's crazy how TV allows you to take more risks and get creative with the story 
, they'd play all these new songs, but still feel like their old selves. You know what I mean? This showrunners' decision is kinda like that – it's like they're taking all the classic elements of IT and remixing them into something fresh 
.
. It's like when my parents used to tell me to be more open-minded as a kid – 'try new things' 
. Well, I guess these showrunners took their own advice! 
