The It trailer generated considerable buzz, even with the election in full swing—it couldn't suppress the discussions.
Online, many were startled by that sewer shot.
And before the trailer dropped, viral marketing had already begun spreading on the web.
Missing persons notices from Derry, Maine, started circulating.
Clicking those "missing persons alerts" led to a search website.
The site listed profiles of missing children.
Richard, 13, lives at 237 Derry Street, straight blond hair, blue eyes...
Lilith, 12, lives at 116 Derry Street, curly brown hair, brown eyes...
Houllier, 13, lives at...
At the bottom of the site, there was a contact number, with a small note beside it: "Please help these families. If you have any leads or want details, call this number."
Many believed it and called to learn about the cases.
What came through was a pre-recorded female voice, narrating a horror legend in a captivating way.
"In 1989, Derry, Maine, was shrouded in terror."
"Since the previous year, child disappearances had occurred one after another, as if some terrifying unknown entity had silently arrived among the people."
"In this cursed city, every 27 years, there would be a wave of missing children and unnatural deaths."
"..."
"The giggling clown infiltrates everyone's heart, digging out the most feared parts..."
Many took it seriously.
"Oh my God, that's terrifying."
"It's 2016 now, exactly 27 years later—that horrific clown is back? No wonder so many kids are missing."
"I called the police; they said I was pranking."
...
Of course, more didn't believe, but they grew interested in the story and what lay behind it.
Some thought it was a weird hoax.
Others figured it was marketing, just unsure for what.
Driven by sympathy and curiosity, the site's clicks skyrocketed, and discussions about this horror legend heated up.
Believers and skeptics argued back and forth.
Of course, Meyers Films' troll army guided it all.
...
"This kid really knows how to market." Clinton set down the newspaper, smiling.
"He's the enemy." Hillary said coldly.
"Don't be like that—not everyone who doesn't support you is an enemy. You need to learn tolerance."
Hillary gave her husband a strange look: "I've noticed that after you chatted with Martin Meyers in the study that night, you've had a particularly good impression of that kid?"
Clinton nodded: "Because he's capable. Making friends with capable people will make our family stronger, not treating them as enemies."
Hillary listened to her husband pointing at her again, unhappily glancing away without speaking.
Clinton didn't care about Hillary's mood and continued: "As for Trump, the next wave of attacks is about to launch; you need to prepare..."
October 8th.
At least three Republican federal senators and several congressmen demanded Trump withdraw, letting someone else carry the Republican banner.
But Trump emphasized he absolutely wouldn't withdraw.
Then, media like the Washington Post exposed a 2005 private recording of Trump talking with entertainment host Billy Bush; at the time, he was already married to his third wife, Melania.
In the recording, Trump used vulgar language to describe his failed attempt to seduce a married woman, saying that as a star, he could "do anything" to women.
He used words referring to women's bodies and even private parts, clearly insulting.
Trump's remarks caused a massive uproar in US society, even called the "October surprise" of this year's election.
Faced with widespread criticism from both Democratic and Republican parties.
Trump apologized late that night but also emphasized that former President Bill Clinton's private remarks were "far worse" than his, even mentioning "Epstein Island," fiercely retaliating.
In Washington, the Clinton villa.
Clinton looked at the newspaper, sneering.
Beside him, Hillary, sipping an English black tea, said: "This incident will definitely hurt Trump's public image."
Clinton said: "First, don't rush—see how you and this idiot do in the second debate tomorrow. Plus, we've convinced some Republicans to attack Trump, but it took benefits to get the Republican National Committee Chairman Priebus, House Speaker Ryan, and Senate Majority Leader McConnell to issue harshly worded critical statements—but they didn't withdraw their endorsements."
"Hmph!" Hillary snorted coldly. "Those guys take the benefits but leave room—bunch of greedy hyenas."
"That's normal; that's politicians. I thought you'd gotten used to it." Clinton shrugged, unconcerned.
Then, pointing at the newspaper: "The analysis is right—the Republicans, no matter how dissatisfied with that bastard, won't change him. Theoretically, party rules don't detail this; the Republican leadership can't replace the nominee formally selected by the national convention delegates."
"Practically, many states have started early voting; Trump's name is already printed on ballots in all states. Removing Trump would cause severe chaos in vote counting."
"The Republicans absolutely won't trouble themselves—criticism is the limit; they won't force Trump to nominate unless he withdraws himself. Haha, but from now, that's impossible."
October 10th evening, Trump and Hillary will have their second TV debate.