‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ Has the Perfect Character to Hold Its Horror Formula Together

Published Oct 13, 2026, 7:29 PM EDT Abby Jackam is a contributer for Collider and ShowSnob, a media journalist for Trill Mag, and an aspiring novelist. She graduated Washington State University Vancouver in 2025 with a Bachelor's degree in Humanities. Whenever she can, Abby is writing. From research papers to book reviews, Abby's passion lies in storytelling and literary pursuits. After the success of the two films, the IT franchise has continued on with a spin-off show. Set decades before the films, HBO Max's IT: Welcome to Derry explores the violent history of Derry, Maine, and dives deeper into the supernatural origins of the iconic clown, Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård). Filled with engaging characters and plenty of scares, IT: Welcome to Derry is more than just a spin-off. It tells a unique story within Stephen King's beloved franchise that expands the original source material. And with its next two seasons, the show could tell a groundbreaking story that the franchise has never seen before. IT: Welcome to Derry is rich with new characters for fans to adore. From the sweet Rich (Arian S. Cartaya) to the mysterious Hallorann (Chris Chalk), the show is full of engaging personalities. But there is one that stands out, one that could have a much larger impact on the story than fans might expect. From her inclusion in the first season, as well as a cameo in the second film, this character could be building up to be a secret antagonist. 'IT: Welcome to Derry' Introduces an Important Character Image via HBO Ingrid Kersh (Madeleine Stowe) could be the key to Pennywise's plans. She was introduced early on in the first season as a friend that Lily made during her time at Juniper Hill Asylum. Working as a nurse, Ingrid was able to connect with the young girl and gain her trust. She later reveals to Lily that she has a secret identity, the clown costume she created for her father's act. In flashbacks, audiences get to see her father, Bob Gray, the original Pennywise before IT took his form. Since his disappearance in 1908, Ingrid has been searching for her father and the mysterious monster that stole him from her. Ingrid has technically appeared before in the franchise. In IT: Chapter 2, Beverly March (Jessica Chastain) enters her old apartment where an elderly woman is now living. The old woman introduces herself as Ingrid Kersh, and when Beverly snoops around her apartment, it's revealed that her father shares a striking resemblance to IT. Ingrid transforms into an elongated monster, attacking Beverly. But the old woman Beverly meets isn't actually Ingrid, it's Pennywise using Ingrid's form. This inclusion in the second film might be a hint at what Pennywise uses Ingrid for. Ingrid Could Be a Recurring Presence in the Next Two Seasons Ingrid has already demonstrated her potential as a villain. She is not above using other people to achieve her goals. Her attempts to be reunited with her father led her to befriend Lily, gaining her trust and using her in Ingrid's schemes to find Pennywise. Donning her Periwinkle costume, Ingrid stalked Lily and her friends to find IT's hideout. When she learned that IT was attracted to fear, Ingrid sacrificed her lover to the Derry Society of White Decency, sparking a massacre to draw Pennywise in. Her ruthless behavior towards other people shows that Ingrid is willing to do what she must to achieve her goals. It's possible that Pennywise might recognize this and use it to his advantage. IT: Welcome to Derry seasons 2 and 3 are confirmed to take place in 1935 and 1908, respectively. With Pennywise jumping back in time, audiences will be able to see the town of Derry through its various eras. It is possible that Ingrid would be in Derry during these eras, allowing for her to appear in the next two seasons. Now that Pennywise is aware of who Ingrid is, it could be a possibility that IT and Ingrid work together in some capacity. Whether they work as partners or IT uses Ingrid for his schemes, fans would love to see how this fascinating dynamic could continue throughout the decades. IT: Welcome to Derry not only gave audiences a fascinating story in an iconic franchise, but it set up a narrative that is unlike anything IT has done before. With each season exploring a new decade, more horrors are in store as Pennywise stirs up fear and mayhem. The IT franchise excels at horrific twists in the story, and IT: Welcome to Derry continues that pattern. It would be a shocking development for Ingrid to become a more central antagonist as the show progresses, but it would keep in line with IT's horror formula. With Ingrid at his side, fans could see the stakes continue to rise as a villainous new relationship forms between the clown and his 'daughter.'