On Wednesday, the streets of New York City were taken over by none other than Pennywise the clown, complete with his trademark red balloons. This unexpected appearance was part of the promotional campaign for HBO’s upcoming series “Welcome to Derry,” which serves as a prequel to Stephen King’s iconic novel “It” and the two modern film adaptations.
As Pennywise made his way through various landmarks, including Central Park, Bryant Park, Washington Square Park, and Jane’s Carousel in Dumbo, his unsettling presence was met with a mix of excitement and fear from onlookers. “I love New York!” he exclaimed. “New Yorkers are great…for breakfast and dinner.”
The new series, set to premiere on Sunday, delves into the origins of Pennywise, the shape-shifting clown who wreaks havoc in the fictional town of Derry. His promotional antics weren’t confined to New York, as he also made appearances in cities like Los Angeles, Mexico City, Paris, Sydney, and even Dubai as part of HBO’s “Red Balloon Takeover.”
Earlier this month, Derry was represented at New York Comic Con, where an immersive activation allowed fans to confront their fears within a nostalgic 1960s-era bedroom filled with the menacing atmosphere of “It.” Alex Diamond, HBO Max’s vice president of global originals marketing, emphasized the importance of creating cultural connections through this marketing strategy, focusing on the recognizable elements associated with the franchise, such as Pennywise and the iconic red balloon.
Pennywise’s interactions in New York attracted a diverse range of reactions from the gathered crowd. While many sought selfies or balloons, others ran away in fright, and some simply strolled by as if nothing was amiss. “They’ve been great!” remarked Pennywise. “I love ‘em. Everyone floats here!”
This creative approach not only stirs up excitement among fans of the genre but also pays homage to the roots of the beloved yet terrifying character, promising another riveting chapter in the never-ending saga of Pennywise. The blend of horror and urban charm serves to engage fans and introduce new audiences to the chilling lore of Derry and its infamous resident, all while leveraging the cultural vibrancy of New York City.