“It: Welcome to Derry” has quickly become one of the standout shows of 2025, and it’s easy to see why. The longer format gives the creators the freedom to dive deep into Stephen King’s sprawling mythology, weaving in characters, locations, and lore that fans of the book will recognize and those new to the universe will be drawn into. Even just three episodes in, the series has peppered the story with clever Easter eggs and subtle nods.
Episode 3 (titled “Now You See It”) may be slightly lighter in terms of overt references compared with the first two, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to spot if you’re paying attention. Here, we’re breaking down all the Easter eggs and hidden references in “It: Welcome to Derry” episode 3 that you might have missed.
1. Spot the turtle
Episode 3 briefly takes us back to 1908, where a young General Shaw wanders through a circus, wide-eyed at the games. One stall features a knock-down game with a turtle among the targets. This is a subtle (and very quick) nod to Maturin, the cosmic turtle from Stephen King’s “It” universe.
In King’s novel, the turtle represents creation and stands as Pennywise’s eternal opposite, so its inclusion feels like a clever wink to fans familiar with the deeper mythology. The presence of turtles in “Welcome to Derry” already feels meaningful rather than decorative, from a school mascot in a turtle costume to Lilly’s lucky turtle charm.
2. Andy Muschetti cameo
Director Andy Muschietti makes a brief but memorable appearance, seated at the piano inside the “Human Freaks” tent. Though fleeting, the cameo is impossible to miss: Muschietti clearly delights in the scene, playing the keys with a menacing grin. It’s a fun behind-the-scenes nod that gives fans a chance to spot the creator himself enjoying the carnival chaos he helped bring to life.
3. Slingshot moment
One of the most striking moments comes when young Francis is chased through the forest by the carnival's “Skeleton Man,” a figure that Pennywise embodies as a manifestation of fear. Earlier, Francis’s father had won him a slingshot at the carnival, but Francis ended up giving it to his new friend, Rose, in exchange for a drink of water. In a tense twist, Rose uses the slingshot to fire directly at the creature, effectively saving Francis.
The scene cleverly nods to Stephen King’s novel, where the Losers’ Club often resorts to everyday objects — including slingshots, which they use to fire silver slugs at Pennywise — as weapons against the monster.
4. Creepy circus wagon
This one’s an obvious nod, but I couldn’t not include it. When Dick Halloran (Chris Chalk) uses his Shining-like abilities as a human compass to track It, he ends up in the sewers (the exact location from the movies), complete with a creepy circus wagon labeled “Pennywise” and children floating eerily above. The moment grows even more chilling as Pennywise’s voice taunts him, asking, “Who are you?” It’s a clear bridge to the cinematic universe, giving fans a direct connection to the iconic imagery and horrors of the original story.
5. Pennywise says hello
During the graveyard scene, as the kids are being chased by the ghosts of Teddy (Mikkal Karim Fidler) and Suzie (Matilda Legault), Will (Blake Cameron James) tumbles down a slope in front of a broken chapel. Drawn to a mysterious figure, he steps inside to investigate, and it’s here that eagle-eyed viewers are rewarded. In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, Pennywise’s gloved hand briefly appears, gripping the wall just as Will snaps a photo.
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