One of the buzziest details in HBO’s ‘It: Welcome to Derry’ is the parade of turtles on a high school sign, as a costumed mascot, and dangling from a character’s bracelet, among other sightings.
Viewers familiar with Stephen King’s sprawling horror multiverse immediately noticed, but for newcomers, these reptiles might seem random or even oddly cute in such a grim setting.
Much of the first episode’s turtle presence riffs on real-world references, like the “Bert the Turtle says duck and cover” sign outside Derry High, a nod to a famous 1951 PSA about nuclear drills.
But the symbolism goes much deeper, and sharp-eyed fans have cataloged turtle appearances throughout the original ‘It’ movies, from Bill’s Lego turtle to a sticker on Beverly’s book.
In ‘Welcome to Derry,’ the turtle motif surfaces most meaningfully when Matty offers Lilly a turtle charm from his Cracker Jack box, which she then wears every day.
Notably, Lilly is the only character to survive the episode’s gruesome movie theater incident, sparking speculation that turtles might mean more than just luck; they could be a cryptic signal of unseen protection or cosmic intervention.
The showrunners aren’t hiding their intentions, as producer Andy Muschietti previously teased that ‘Welcome to Derry’ would link up with lore from King’s ‘Dark Tower’ universe, a move that leaves room for turtles to become an even more central part of the story.
Instead of placing these details as quirky background trivia, HBO’s prequel chooses to highlight them as major set pieces and plot points, signaling to audiences that deeper connections are coming.
Maturin: The Cosmic Counterweight to Pennywise’s Evil
So, why turtles? That answer lies in Stephen King’s novels and the mythos of Maturin, a godlike turtle who plays a pivotal role in King’s complex storytelling canon.
Within the books, Maturin is a cosmic being who both upholds the beams of the multiversal Dark Tower and accidentally throws up the entire universe in a fit of celestial indigestion.
Where Pennywise embodies unstoppable destruction and cruelty, Maturin stands for creation, wisdom, and improbable salvation, a benevolent counterforce that sometimes intervenes just when hope seems lost.
Maturin was referenced, but largely omitted from previous screen adaptations of ‘It,’ frustrating book loyalists who see the turtle as the key to understanding why the Losers Club can beat Pennywise at all.
It: Welcome to Derry (Credit: HBO Original)
In King’s original story, Bill Denbrough encounters Maturin during a climactic confrontation with Pennywise, learning from the turtle how to defeat the shapeshifting entity through the mystical Ritual of Chüd.
Although the movies tease the deadlights and offer nods to a “good” supernatural force, they stop short of depicting Maturin in any real way.
The appearance of so many turtles in ‘Welcome to Derry’ signals a long-awaited payoff for King fans: the series looks set to bring Maturin from obscure book lore into a visible role as guide and protector within the TV universe.
Critics and superfans, as noted by sites like Screen Rant and Esquire, see this as a way for the franchise to finally flesh out the full cosmology behind Derry, revealing that Pennywise’s terror isn’t the only supernatural game in town.
If the turtles keep appearing, the series may even introduce audiences to a showdown where cosmic good directly faces off with supernatural evil.
All Eyes on Derry: What Turtle Symbolism Means for The Franchise’s Future
As ‘Welcome to Derry’ continues and more episodes air, speculation flies about how turtles might drive the larger story or alter the fate of its characters.
The overt references suggest that, for once, an adaptation is prepared to connect the dots between disparate Stephen King books , setting the stage for possible crossovers with the ‘Dark Tower’ and other elements from the wider horror universe.
Online fandoms are ablaze with theories: Is the turtle charm really why Lilly survives? Could the mascot or the sign reflect more than period nostalgia, hinting at supernatural guardianship over Derry’s children?
Some believe that the show will finally explain recurring patterns of misery and tragedy in Derry not as random fate, but as the battleground in a war between destructive and creative cosmic entities.
As screenwriter Jason Fuchs and executive producer Stephen King collaborate on new scripts, there’s reason to expect more explicit Maturin scenes, perhaps even a concrete role for the turtle in future plotlines.
Most importantly, the show’s embrace of turtle lore offers fans old and new a way to see light within relentless darkness.
Whether through small charms or larger-than-life mascots, turtles are poised to become symbols of hope in the nightmare world of Derry, reminding viewers that even in horror, there’s always a force working against unstoppable evil.
Shudder, the horror streaming service known for curating chilling cinematic experiences, scored an unexpected theatrical hit with Good Boy, making it their second-highest-grossing movie ever.
Premiering on October 3, 2025, the film quickly amassed over $4.8 million worldwide within just 10 days, an extraordinary achievement for a Shudder title, historically more associated with streaming exclusives than box office successes.
This standout horror film from director Ben Leonberg has proven to be a rare crossover hit, moving beyond genre constraints to capture widespread attention.
Good Boy distinguishes itself by centering its supernatural narrative through the perspective of Indy, the family dog. This inventive angle adds emotional depth rarely seen in genre fare, mixing suspense with touching loyalty and a fresh take on haunted house tropes.
Critics have lauded the film’s ability to balance eerie atmosphere and heartfelt storytelling, as reflected in its strong 89% Rotten Tomatoes score and positive reviews from outlets like IndieWire and The Hollywood Reporter.
This VOD release serves as a logical next step, ensuring that the film’s buzz translates into streaming viewership where horror fans can experience its unique charm at home.
Shudder’s Strategy and the Surge in Original Horror Content
Good Boy’s theatrical and streaming performance reflects a larger shift in Shudder’s business model, which has evolved from a niche streaming service into an influential player in original horror content creation and distribution.
The success of Good Boy complements other recent standouts like In a Violent Nature and Late Night with the Devil, the latter still holding the record for Shudder’s highest-grossing film.
Shudder’s curated approach to horror, often emphasizing unique female-driven stories and diversity, has helped it carve out a distinct identity.
This includes its embrace of new voices through films like The Ugly Stepsister and The Surrender, plus ongoing expansions into supernatural and thriller genres. Such variety appeals to a dedicated horror audience hungry for fresh perspectives and new interpretations alongside classic scares.
Importantly, the platform’s integration with theatrical releases signals a hybrid strategy wherein films reach audiences first in cinemas to generate critical momentum, followed by streaming access to maximize reach and monetization.
Good Boy (Credit: Independent Film Company)
This is especially vital as Shudder positions itself against larger streaming giants, proving that niche services can successfully champion indie genre films. Good Boy embodies this balance, blending innovative storytelling with smart distribution.
What the Release Means for Fans and Horror Creatives
The October 23 VOD release of Good Boy provides fans with long-awaited access to one of this year’s most talked-about horror films. Its viral popularity and emotional storytelling have set it apart in a crowded genre, making it a must-watch for both traditional horror lovers and those seeking fresh cinematic voices.
The film’s unique premise, a dog’s perspective on haunted house events, adds a heartfelt touch that critics say resonates well beyond surface scares.
For horror filmmakers and creators, Good Boy’s trajectory offers a hopeful example of how innovative concepts can find commercial and critical success without needing massive budgets or blockbuster marketing.
Shudder’s investment in such projects highlights an ongoing appetite for genre films that push boundaries and explore new narrative frameworks.
The home release also invites a wider discussion on audience habits, as more horror enthusiasts embrace streaming as their go-to option for fresh content. This transition benefits indie filmmakers by providing them with a larger platform post-theatrical run.
Shudder, through films like Good Boy, is proving that quality storytelling coupled with strategic release plans can deliver strong results in today’s entertainment ecosystem.
Fans can stream Good Boy starting October 23, 2025, and join the expanding community celebrating this emotionally charged and visually compelling addition to the horror canon.
