Why Wasn't Maturin the Turtle in IT Chapter One or Chapter Two?

Maturin the Turtle: A Cosmic Entity in the Dark Tower Series

Maturin the Turtle is a significant figure in the Dark Tower series by Stephen King. This character serves as a cosmic entity representing good, deeply intertwined with the mythology of the story. In It, Maturin plays a crucial role, particularly in the battle against Pennywise, the terrifying entity.

Missing Maturin in It Chapter One and Chapter Two

However, the 2017 film adaptation, IT Chapter One, and the 2019 continuation, IT Chapter Two, did not include Maturin as a prominent figure. This decision was not arbitrary; it was a strategic choice aimed at focusing on the core elements of the narrative.

The filmmakers prioritized the relationship dynamics among the Losers Club and the direct confrontation with Pennywise. Including Maturin would have added layers of complexity and perhaps detracted from the central themes of childhood trauma and friendship that are pivotal in both films.

To keep the focus on the immediate threats and character dynamics, the filmmakers made a conscious decision to streamline the story for a cinematic audience. While it's a challenging concept to translate theoretical characters to the screen, especially when they exist only inside one character's head, the adaptation team managed to effectively convey the essence of Pennywise and the Losers Club's journey.

Indirect References to Maturin in the Films

Despite the absence of Maturin as a physical character, his presence is felt in various ways throughout the films:

1. Walkie-Talkie Acronym TRTL500 in Chapter 1

Maturin's presence is subtly hinted at through the Walkie-Talkies used by Bill and Georgie. The acronym TRTL500 (Turtle) can be seen at the bottom of the Walkie-Talkie labels. This detail adds a layer of significance, even if it might seem coincidental at first.

2. Structural Similarity in Georgie’s Boat Scene

When Georgie is sailing his boat near the intersection of Jackson Street, a structure resembling a giant turtle shell is visible in the background. This similarity might be a mere coincidence, but given the context of Maturin's presence, it can also be interpreted as Maturin's attempt to warn Georgie about the dangers of the sewer.

3. The Quarry Scene in Chapter 2

In the Quarry scene, the Losers, including Beverly, discover a live turtle swimming around them. This unexpected encounter could be seen as Maturin giving them a break before they face the final confrontation with Pennywise. It adds a spiritual layer to the narrative, hinting at Maturin's cosmic presence.

4. Stan's Letters in Chapter 2

Stan's letters also contain a turtle image, further reinforcing Maturin's role in the story. These subtle references to Maturin, even if not central to the plot, add depth to the film's mythology.

In conclusion, while Maturin is an important aspect of the It lore in the books, the film adaptations made strategic choices to focus on the central themes and dynamics, ensuring that the narrative remained coherent and engaging for a broader audience.