The HBO series IT: Welcome to Derry serves as a compelling prequel to the iconic films IT and IT Chapter Two, meticulously developed for television by filmmakers Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti, alongside co-showrunner Jason Fuchs. Set in 1962, the series delves deep into the sinister origins of the entity that permeates through the seemingly quaint town of Derry, Maine. Key characters include U.S. Air Force General Francis Shaw (James Remar), who orchestrates a plan requiring the psychic abilities of Dick Hallorann (Chris Chalk) and the assistance of Air Force Major Leroy Hanlon (Jovan Adepo), who moves his unsuspecting family to Derry.

Episode five, titled “Neibolt Street,” ramps up the tension as Leroy decides to relocate his family to the military base for their safety before embarking on General Shaw’s perilous operation in the sewers of Derry. However, the malevolent entity proves far more formidable than anticipated, forcing Leroy and Dick Hallorann to confront their deepest fears in terrifying and unexpected ways. Simultaneously, a group of children, including Leroy’s son Will (Blake Cameron James), sneak into the sewers themselves. In a climactic moment, when Leroy encounters his son and questions its reality, Captain Pauly Russo (Rudy Mancuso) makes the ultimate sacrifice to prevent a tragedy.

Rudy Mancuso, who portrays Captain Pauly Russo, shared insights into the intense experience of shooting episode five and his profound respect for the Muschiettis. Having worked with them previously on The Flash, Mancuso describes Andy and Barbara as family, praising their collaborative, kind, and generous approach to filmmaking, a quality he notes is unexpected given the horror content they produce. He highlights their genius as world-builders and their dedication to creating a safe and exciting set environment. Mancuso also spoke about learning from Andy Muschietti’s meticulous attention to visual detail, a trait he admires despite his own focus on auditory aspects in his filmmaking.

Regarding his character, Pauly Russo, Mancuso revealed that while the role was initially small, it evolved significantly throughout production, with decisions often made in real-time. He characterized Pauly as a heightened version of himself: an Italian American Air Force officer and pilot, quick, witty, temperamental, reactive, and funny. Pauly’s “Napoleon complex,” stemming from his smaller stature compared to his colleagues, drives his tendency to outwit others, creating an interesting dynamic with Leroy’s character.

Mancuso was aware early on of Pauly’s shocking sacrifice in the sewer, a prospect that initially intimidated him as an actor. He credited Andy Muschietti’s guidance and the challenging practical set conditions—dark, wet, and late in the shooting day—with helping him channel the necessary performance. Despite Pauly’s quirky and fear-driven demeanor, Mancuso felt the sacrifice made sense, noting that