Massive Forehead of New Pennywise Figure Sparks Debate Over 'Welcome to Derry' Spoiler
The latest addition to the It franchise has left horror fans scratching their heads, with a new NECA figure depicting a human-faced Pennywise sparking concerns that it may be a spoiler for HBO's upcoming prequel series It: Welcome to Derry.
According to NECA's website, the 7-inch scale action figure is actually Ultimate Bob Gray as Pennywise, showcasing the character's transformation from a circus performer into the demonic clown. However, the most striking aspect of the figure is its human countenance beneath the clown wig, with a gentle-looking face and receding hairline.
"It's definitely a departure from what we're used to seeing," said horror fan and collector Emily Chen. "I mean, who expects to see Pennywise looking like a middle-aged accountant?"
The new figure has sparked debate among fans, with some arguing that it may reveal too much about the prequel series' storyline. Others have expressed concern that the human-faced Pennywise may be a major plot twist in the show.
"It's definitely a spoiler," said horror writer and critic, Michael Roffman. "If you haven't seen the original It movies or read the books, this figure is basically giving away one of the biggest secrets of the prequel series."
However, NECA officials have downplayed concerns, stating that the figure is simply an interpretation of Pennywise's backstory.
"We're not trying to spoil anything," said a spokesperson for NECA. "We just wanted to give fans a glimpse into Pennywise's origins and how he became the character we all know and love."
The controversy surrounding the new figure has sparked a wider conversation about the impact of merchandise on storytelling. Some argue that figures like this one can reveal too much about a show or movie, while others see them as harmless collectibles.
"It's a double-edged sword," said entertainment industry analyst, David Steinberg. "On one hand, you have fans who are excited to get a glimpse into the world of It: Welcome to Derry. On the other hand, you have concerns about spoilers and how they might affect the viewing experience."
As for NECA's new figure, it is currently available for pre-order on their website, with a release date set for later this year.
Background: The It franchise has been a staple of horror fandom for decades, with Stephen King's original novel spawning numerous adaptations, including the 2017 movie and its upcoming prequel series. NECA has a long history of creating high-quality action figures based on popular franchises, including It.
Additional Perspectives: Horror fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the new figure, with some expressing excitement about the human-faced Pennywise while others are more cautious.
"It's definitely a bold move by NECA," said horror fan and artist, Sarah Lee. "I love it when companies take risks like this and push the boundaries of what we expect from merchandise."
However, not everyone is convinced that the figure is a good idea.
"I'm just worried about spoilers," said horror writer and editor, James O'Sullivan. "If I hadn't seen the original It movies, I wouldn't have known what to make of this figure. It's definitely a concern for fans who want to go into the prequel series blind."
*Reporting by Gizmodo.*