'IT: Welcome to Derry' Episode 5 thrills viewers with a full Pennywise reveal and a surprise reappearance

An unexpected character makes a stunning comeback in the fifth episode of 'IT: Welcome to Derry'
UPDATED NOV 24, 2025
A photo of the cast members from 'It: Welcome to Derry' (Cover Image Source: Instagram | @hbomax)
A photo of the cast members from 'It: Welcome to Derry' (Cover Image Source: Instagram | @hbomax)

The ghostly realm of 'IT: Welcome to Derry' grew more chilling with a completely unexpected revelation in Episode 5. The latest episode, titled '29 Neibolt Street,' drops a major bombshell, revealing more about Pennywise's sinister actions. One of the biggest surprising moments comes when Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise in one of the season's most unsettling scenes. Not just that, but one unexpected character makes a stunning comeback, raising the stakes higher than ever.

Bill Skarsgård in a still from 'It' (@warnerbros)
A still of Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise from 'IT' (Image Source: IT | @warnerbros)

In the latest episode of the supernatural horror show, the missing boy Matty Clements (Miles Ekhardt) is revealed to be alive when he reunites with Lilly Bainbridge (Clara Stack), Will Hanlon (Blake Cameron James), Veronica 'Ronnie' Grogan (Amanda Christine), Marge Truman (Matilda Lawler), and Ricardo 'Rich' Santos (Arian S. Cartaya). Matty tells them he escaped Pennywise's lair and warns them not to involve adults. He reveals that Theodore 'Teddy' Uris (Mikkal Karim-Fidler) was killed when Pennywise ate his brains, Suzie died after losing her arm, but Phil Malkin (Jack Molloy Legault) is still alive. The group then decides to enter the sewers to rescue their friend, as per FearHQ.

While the kids prepare to rescue Phil, the military launches an assault on Pennywise's lair. General Francis Shaw (James Remar) believes one final massacre will end the current cycle, bringing 27 years of peace. He also discovers the town's madness is caused by Pennywise shedding its skin and contaminating Derry's water. During the attack, a monstrous Uncle Sam kills several soldiers, and Dick Hallorann (Chris Chalk) is psychically tormented by Pennywise. Underground chaos intensifies when Major Leroy Hanlon (Jovan Adepo) accidentally kills his friend. The kids then uncover the truth that the 'Matty' with them is actually Pennywise in disguise.

Soon, Skarsgård's Pennywise reveals his true form and tries to devour them, but Lilly fights him off using a piece of his containment cage, a weapon brought in by the military that may help the kids later. On the other hand, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider) escapes prison after being wrongly accused of the murders and is revealed to be secretly involved with Ingrid, Lilly's friend from Juniper Hill Asylum. The episode ends with Hallorann emerging from the sewers deeply altered, his encounter with Pennywise unlocking long-buried traumatic memories.

Notably, this new Stephen King TV adaptation returns to Derry, Maine, this time in 1962, for an origin story set before the events of It, as per CNET. The town is once again plagued by mysterious violence caused by the sinister, otherworldly Pennywise, played by Skarsgård. Co-created by Andy and Bárbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs, the series expands the 'It' universe with a fresh storyline.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

‘Doc’ Season 2 finale delivers an emotional twist for Dr. Joan Ridley, leaving fans heartbroken while teasing a possible return in Season 3.
2 hours ago
While it can be described as a filler episode of sorts, 'The Boys' Season 5 Episode 3 sets the tone of what to expect in the remaining five episodes.
5 hours ago
Season 23 of 'NCIS' is set to end in a dramatic fashion when the finale episode will air on May 12, as CBS releases its synopsis.
6 hours ago
‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 Episode 5 reveals the consequences of Bullseye's attack on Vanessa Fisk and sets up Daredevil and Fisk to fight again.
7 hours ago
After the recently concluded Season 29, Maroon 5 singer announced his return to 'The Voice' Season 30 and talked about more in an exclusive interview.
7 hours ago
CBS is reportedly developing a new medical spinoff set in the ‘Fire Country’ universe following ‘Sheriff Country’s success.
7 hours ago
Rosario Dawson's Claire Temple/Night Nurse was introduced in Season 1 of 'Daredevil'
10 hours ago
The series focuses on Stacy Clyburn and her family's journey through loss and grief as they settle into southwest Montana's Madison River valley
12 hours ago
Season 1 premiered as a binge release on March 4, and continues to be one of the most watched shown on the platform
17 hours ago
The unfortunate production delay could have an impact on the 2027 release window of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Season 2.
1 day ago