IT: Welcome to Derry The Official Podcast

Ep.4: “The Great Swirling Apparatus of Our Planet’s Function” with Chris Chalk and John Bear Mitchell

9 snips
Nov 17, 2025
Chris Chalk, who brings Dick Halloran to life, discusses his journey into this iconic role and the complexities of his character, touching on the balance of levity and darkness on set. Meanwhile, John Bear Mitchell, a storyteller and educator from the Penobscot Nation, shares insights on weaving authentic Indigenous history into the series, focusing on themes like colonization and memory. Their conversation highlights the importance of cultural representation and the haunting spirit of the land in the show's narrative.
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INSIGHT

Power As A Double-Edged Burden

  • Dick Halloran's power carries both protection and deep personal cost for him.
  • The louder his grandmother's visions get, the closer he gets to death and losing himself.
INSIGHT

A Cosmic Threat Tied To Colonial History

  • The show links It to a cosmic entity sealed by Indigenous people using star remnants and ritual.
  • That backstory reframes the monster as entwined with colonization and broken treaties.
ANECDOTE

A 40-Minute Rule For Influences

  • Chris Chalk describes his process of studying past portrayals briefly before making the role his own.
  • He gave himself about 40 minutes to research and then committed to his unique interpretation.
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