It: Welcome to Derry Episode 1 Features Significant DC Universe References

It: Welcome to Derry Episode 1 Unveils Gory Surprises and DC References

The premiere episode of It: Welcome to Derry not only startled viewers with its intense horror elements but also cleverly interwove notable references to the DC Universe. The series introduces a fresh cohort of youngsters who must confront the terrifying Pennywise the Clown (portrayed by Bill Skarsgard) as he resurrects his malevolent spree in 1962, preying once more on the town’s children. Creator Andy Muschietti doesn’t hold back in the debut, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Exploring the DC Universe Connections in Derry

Episode 1 intriguingly drops two significant nods to the DC Universe, one of which could hint at Muschietti’s upcoming Batman project.

The Flash Connection

Rabbi Uris holding an issue of The Flash in It: Welcome to Derry — Image Source: HBO Max

While Muschietti’s The Flash remake received mixed reviews upon its 2023 release, mired in controversies surrounding its lead actor Ezra Miller and a convoluted narrative, it still offered a touching storyline amidst its shortcomings. The film follows Barry Allen’s desperate attempt to rewind time and save his mother, inadvertently altering the entire DC Universe timeline and giving rise to a dark alternate version of himself.

In It: Welcome to Derry, a scene showcases Teddy Uris (portrayed by Mikkal Karim-Fidler) being chastised by his father for reading comics, notably The Flash #123, famously dubbed the “Flash of Two Worlds.”This comic marks a pivotal point in DC’s exploration of multiverse narratives, where Barry encounters his predecessor, Jay Garrick, making this a significant reference to Muschietti’s storytelling in The Flash.

‘IT: WELCOME TO DERRY’ features a Batman Easter Egg with ‘Detective Comics #298’, the first issue to feature CLAYFACE. Maybe a tease for ‘THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD’ from Andy Muschietti 👀 pic.twitter.com/Zq4t8FBaWm

— ScreenTime (@screentime) October 27, 2025

The Clayface Teaser

Another notable reference occurs when Teddy reads Detective Comics #298, which heralds the first appearance of the notorious Batman adversary, Clayface. This nod is significant for a couple of reasons. First, a Clayface-centered body horror film is currently in development at DC Studios, featuring Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, with a screenplay by Mike Flanagan. Second, Muschietti is set to direct Batman: The Brave and The Bold, and rumors suggest that Clayface might serve as a central antagonist in this upcoming film.

Although not officially confirmed, the inclusion of the Detective Comics issue hints at the potential for Clayface’s emergence. Speculation abounds regarding the casting of Batman and the film’s tone, with many anticipating a shift towards more fantastical villains like Clayface, moving away from the darker, more realistic portrayals that have characterized DC in recent years.

Happy Anniversary to the perennially misunderstood villain, Clayface. Can’t wait for you to see @TomRhysHarries bring him to life on the big screen! pic.twitter.com/cAPXETGPit

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 26, 2025

Interestingly, James Gunn, the co-chairman of DC Studios, recently celebrated the anniversary of Clayface on Instagram using the same Detective Comics issue, suggesting a deliberate cross-reference, especially since It: Welcome to Derry is also within the Warner Bros.framework.

As we await more details regarding Clayface’s role in the DC Universe, explore why It: Welcome to Derry may be a subtle prequel to The Shining, discover our list of top horror television series, or review our rankings of the best superhero movies.

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