HBO’s IT: Welcome to Derry delivered one of the franchise’s cruelest reveals in episode 5, leaving fans devastated about young Matty Clements’ fate. After his shocking reappearance, viewers desperately hoped he’d survived—but Pennywise had other plans.

Matty’s Fate in IT: The Definitive Answer

Question	Answer
Is Matty Alive?	No, Matty died in episode 1
Who appears in Episode 5?	Pennywise disguised as Matty
When did Matty die?	During the demon baby attack
Episode of revelation	Episode 5: “Neibolt Street”
Streaming Platform	HBO Max
Bodies confirmed dead	Matty, Phil, Teddy, and Susie

The Heartbreaking Reality

No, Matty Clements is not alive. The innocent boy who tried escaping Derry in the series premiere died during Pennywise’s demon baby attack. When Matty mysteriously reappeared in episode 5, it was actually the ancient evil shapeshifted into his form—a calculated deception to lure other children into the sewers.

The reveal happens when the fake Matty leads Lilly and her friends underground, promising that Phil is still alive. As the kids discover the floating corpses of Teddy, Susie, and eventually Phil, a fourth body surfaces: Matty himself. The imposter then transforms into Bill Skarsgård’s full Pennywise clown form, marking the character’s first complete reveal in the series.

Why This Twist Cuts So Deep

Co-showrunner Jason Fuchs revealed this Matty deception was originally planned for IT: Chapter Two, where Mike Hanlon would have led the adult Losers into the sewers before revealing he’d been Pennywise all along. The concept worked better in Welcome to Derry because the victims are children—naive, guilt-ridden, and desperate to believe their friend survived.

Pennywise weaponized the kids’ guilt over abandoning Matty during his initial attack. The creature exploited Matty’s deepest desire for a loving family (after suffering abuse from his father) to create the perfect disguise. This psychological manipulation represents Pennywise’s most sophisticated trap yet.

The Doctor Sleep Connection

Episode 5 also introduced a concept from Stephen King’s Doctor Sleep: Dick Hallorann’s mental lockbox where he stores traumatic memories. Pennywise forces this box open, trapping Hallorann mentally even after he physically escapes the sewers. By episode’s end, Hallorann sees his dead friend Pauly’s ghost, suggesting Pennywise has opened a portal between the living and dead.

For more Stephen King adaptations and horror series breakdowns, visit TechnoSports’ entertainment section.

What’s Next for the Series

With three episodes remaining in season 1, IT: Welcome to Derry continues Sundays at 9 PM on HBO Max. The series explores Pennywise’s 1962 terror cycle, building toward the infamous Black Spot fire. Showrunners Andy and Barbara Muschietti intentionally delayed Pennywise’s full reveal, treating him “like the shark in Jaws” to maximize fear and mystery.

Stay updated on all horror series releases and episode recaps at TechnoSports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Pennywise choose to impersonate Matty specifically?

Pennywise selected Matty because the children felt guilty about not saving him during the initial attack. This guilt made them vulnerable to manipulation. Additionally, Matty’s young age and pacifier made him appear innocent and trustworthy, the perfect disguise to exploit the group’s hope and compassion. The creature used their emotional attachment against them, turning their desire to save a friend into a deadly trap.

Are all four children from episode 1 confirmed dead in IT: Welcome to Derry?

Yes, episode 5 confirmed that Matty, Phil, Teddy, and Susie are all dead. Their bodies were discovered floating in the sewers when the fake Matty led the group underground. This differs from the 2017 film where Beverly was kept alive in a catatonic state. In Welcome to Derry, Pennywise simply killed all four children and used Matty’s form to lure more victims rather than keeping anyone alive.