HBO Max staged a global “Red Balloon” takeover ahead of the Oct. 27 premiere of its HBO Original series IT: Welcome to Derry.
The campaign began on Oct. 21, when red balloons (the franchise’s trademark symbol) appeared across social media, fueling discussions about the return of Pennywise the Clown.
The online stunt soon moved offline, with red balloons seen in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Madrid, Paris, and Cappadocia.
Asian cities also joined the eerie spectacle, with red balloons appearing physically and virtually in Bangkok, Manila, Singapore, Taipei, and Hong Kong.
HBO Max shared posts of single balloons floating through abandoned cinemas, historic forts, malls, and beaches in Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Hong Kong.
In Manila, shoppers witnessed a live scare when Pennywise appeared atop a building holding a cluster of balloons, as flickering lights and fog set the chilling scene.
