Introduction – Who is Charlotte Hanlon?
HBO/Max’s new horror series, IT: Welcome to Derry (2025), has taken fans worldwide back to the town where fear itself is a character – Derry, Maine. This is where the story of Pennywise begins, and this time we see new characters, new secrets, and the origin story of an ancient evil. The character generating the most discussion is Charlotte Hanlon, portrayed by Taylour Paige. But the question arises: Who is Charlotte Hanlon? And what is her connection to Stephen King’s iconic It universe?
In today’s blog, we will delve into the character of Charlotte Hanlon, her symbolic meaning, her connection to the Hanlon family, and how Taylour Paige has given this role an emotional and realistic depth.
Who Is Charlotte Hanlon in Welcome to Derry?
Ever since Episode 1 (The Flood), speculation has been rife among fans about Charlotte Hanlon’s real role. Officially, Charlotte is described as a strong, intelligent, and empathetic woman living in Derry in the 1960s – a time when considerable darkness lurks beneath the town’s seemingly idyllic surface.
According to the series’ timeline, Welcome to Derry is set in 1962, the time when Pennywise is once again returning to the town with his cycle of fear. Charlotte’s character is portrayed as a local community worker in Derry who helps those around her and stands up against social injustice.
It’s clear from her character that Charlotte Hanlon may be an ancestor of Mike Hanlon (the librarian from It), or at least related to his family line. The answer to ” Who is Charlotte Hanlon? ” is this: she’s the moral backbone of Derry’s past, representing courage in a town full of denial and fear.
Taylour Paige in Welcome to Derry – A Powerful New Face
If you’ve seen Taylour Paige in Zola (2020) or Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2021), you know she brings a raw emotional authenticity to every role.
Taylour Paige delivers a layered performance in Welcome to Derry, subtle yet powerful.
Her portrayal is of an “everywoman” who maintains humanity and empathy even in a town like Derry.
Fans are writing on social media:
“Charlotte Hanlon feels like the heart of the show, grounded, brave, and deeply human.”
Paige’s screen presence creates a balance between Pennywise’s supernatural horror and the real-world evil of Derry.
This contrast is what makes her character so engaging.
Charlotte Hanlon’s Connection to the Hanlon Family
In Stephen King’s novels and the 2017–2019 It movies, Mike Hanlon is a central figure; he’s the town librarian who remembers everything. The creators of Welcome to Derry have hinted that Charlotte may have a connection to the Hanlon lineage. One theory suggests that Charlotte could be Mike Hanlon’s grandmother, who first faced Pennywise’s cycle of terror.
Through this link, the show creates an emotional bridge between the past and the present.
Through Charlotte Hanlon, the series explores how one family, generation after generation, has faced the horrors of Derry and yet couldn’t leave the town.
This is the layer that makes the Welcome to Derry HBO series more than just a typical horror show, transforming it into a multi-generational psychological horror.
Symbolism and Themes Behind Charlotte Hanlon
Who is Charlotte? The answer to this question is not limited to just a character introduction; she is a reflection of Derry’s soul.
1. Fear vs Courage
Charlotte stands up against fear, not physical fear, but moral fear. She represents those who challenge Derry’s “it’s not that bad” attitude.
2. Memory and Trauma
Derry is a town where people ignore their memories. Charlotte’s role is to go against this “collective amnesia”; she wants to uncover the truth.
3. Social Commentary
The 1960s backdrop gives the show an extra layer. Racial injustice, community silence, and moral decay are all reflected in Charlotte’s arc.
These themes are directly connected to Stephen King’s It, but Welcome to Derry explores them more maturely.
Visual Storytelling – How Welcome to Derry Uses Charlotte’s Perspective
Visually, Charlotte’s scenes use muted colors and a heavy atmosphere, signifying unease and buried history. When she walks through the flood-affected area of Derry, the camera angles and lighting create a psychological horror effect.
Director Andy Muschietti (creator of the It movies) said in an interview:
“Charlotte Hanlon represents light trying to exist in a place that’s forgotten what light feels like.”
This visual storytelling makes Charlotte’s emotional journey even more impactful.
Taylour Paige’s Performance – Realism in Horror
Taylour Paige delivers a layered performance in Welcome to Derry, where every gesture is meaningful. Her calm tone and subtle expressions create a haunting realism.
Paige says in her interviews:
“Charlotte doesn’t just see ghosts; she sees people’s fear. That’s scarier.”
This approach has elevated the show’s tone. Where Pennywise brings the visual element of horror, Charlotte brings the emotional and psychological horror. This duality is the show’s biggest strength.
Charlotte Hanlon’s Journey Ahead
Only the first episode has been released so far, but previews of future episodes suggest that Charlotte’s arc is going to be crucial. Trailers and promotional materials suggest that she will uncover Derry’s dark past, perhaps even reaching the origin of Pennywise.
The teaser for Welcome to Derry Episode 2 features a chilling line:
“Some things in Derry never die, they just change faces.”
Fans believe this might refer to how Charlotte begins to sense Pennywise’s reawakening.
So, who is Charlotte Hanlon? She’s not just a resident; she’s Derry’s conscience, a voice trapped between truth and fear.
Why Charlotte Hanlon Matters in the It Universe
Stephen King’s universe is interconnected, and Welcome to Derry deepens this interconnectedness.
Through Charlotte Hanlon, the show explores:
- How evil roots itself in memory
- How communities normalize horror
- How courage sometimes comes from ordinary people
Just as Mike Hanlon’s role was to preserve knowledge, Charlotte’s role is to discover the truth.
That is, she’s the first Hanlon to fight Pennywise not with fear, but with truth. This theme beautifully connects to the ending of It Chapter Two, where Mike finally remembers everything.
Reception – Critics & Fans on Taylour Paige’s Charlotte
Early reviews (Rotten Tomatoes ~77%) have called Taylour Paige’s Charlotte Hanlon “the emotional anchor.”
Fans on Reddit and X (Twitter) are writing:
“Without Charlotte, Welcome to Derry would feel hollow.”
“Paige brings the soul Stephen King’s world always needed.”
This reaction makes it clear that Charlotte Hanlon is going to be a defining character for Welcome to Derry, a bridge between human pain and supernatural dread.
Conclusion – The Heart of Derry
In the end, when we ask, “Who is Charlotte Hanlon?“, the answer isn’t simple. She’s not just a character, she’s a symbol.
A glimmer of hope hidden between fear, truth, and memory. Taylour Paige delivers a layered, emotional, and haunting performance in Welcome to Derry that adds further depth to the Derry universe.
As the series continues, it’s clear:
“If Pennywise is the town’s nightmare, Charlotte Hanlon is its waking truth.”
Author’s Note:
If you enjoyed this blog – Who is Charlotte Hanlon? and the new characters and hidden meanings in Welcome to Derry, stay tuned for our next breakdown:
“Leroy Hanlon Explained: The Legacy of Fear Continues.”
And if you haven’t yet watched Episode 1, stream Welcome to Derry on HBO / Max because the secrets of Derry have only just begun.
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