Episode 6 of “IT: Welcome to Derry” sparked speculation about Mrs. Kersh (Madeleine Stowe) being Pennywise’s offspring, but episode 7 sheds light on the matter. The episode commences with a flashback to 1908, delving into the genesis of Pennywise’s clown persona in Andy Muschietti’s prequel series.

In 1908, Ingrid Kersh (Madeleine Stowe) is employed at a carnival alongside her father Bob Gray (Bill Skarsgård), who acts as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Bob’s outfit resembles a low-budget manifestation of the malevolent Pennywise, but he is not the child-abducting entity himself.

A sinister child observes Pennywise from a window, subsequently approaching Bob sans makeup, commenting “the children seem drawn to you,” and guides him into the woods toward the sound of screams. Bob vanishes, leaving a blood-stained handkerchief behind.

The episode clarifies that Mrs. Kersh is not the progeny of the monster. Pennywise was previously a legitimate clown, selected by the creature for his appeal to children, serving as one of IT’s forms to entice young ones.

New episodes of “IT: Welcome to Derry” debut Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.