It: Welcome to Derry Opening Credits Stun Viewers with Animated Dread

HBO’s new horror series It: Welcome to Derry has debuted a chilling opening credits sequence. The animated title sequence premiered with the show’s second episode, released early for Halloween. It peels back the facade of a peaceful 1960s Maine town.

The sequence was created by the production studio Filmograph. It extends HBO’s celebrated history of groundbreaking show openings. Executive producer Andy Muschietti describes it as a “descent into dread.”

Postcard Facade Reveals Town’s Dark Secrets

The concept was inspired by the show’s touristic title, Welcome to Derry. It uses a postcard-art style to depict idyllic scenes. These scenes gradually unravel to reveal horrifying events from the town’s past.

The sequence shows catastrophic events like a factory explosion and a gang shootout. These are key historical moments from Stephen King’s original novel. According to Reuters, such details are crucial for building the show’s universe.

Unsettling Song Choice Amplifies the Horror

A crucial element is the 1956 song “A Smile and A Ribbon.” Its aggressively sunny tone contrasts sharply with the dark imagery. The lyric “The louder I say I’m happy, the more I believe it’s so” becomes deeply unsettling.

Muschietti says the song is about faking a feeling. This mirrors the town’s wholesome facade hiding something dreadful. The creative team at Filmograph noted the song’s jarring quality made the visuals more powerful.

The animation was created with CG and then put on film to add a grainy, dirty texture. This aesthetic meshed perfectly with the original song’s record scratches and pops. The team designed the sequence to be full of Easter eggs for keen-eyed viewers.

The Welcome to Derry opening credits have quickly set a new standard for television title design, proving that even in the streaming era, a powerful intro can be a main event.

Thought you’d like to know

What song is used in the Welcome to Derry opening?

The sequence uses the 1956 song “A Smile and A Ribbon” by Patience and Prudence. Its cheerful sound creates a stark contrast with the dark, unfolding visuals. This contrast is intentionally unsettling for the viewer.

Who created the opening title sequence?

The sequence was produced by the studio Filmograph. They worked closely with the show’s executive producer and director, Andy Muschietti. The goal was to translate the town’s hidden horrors into a postcard-style animation.

Are the events in the credits shown in the series?

Not all events depicted will necessarily appear in the show’s first season. They are key historical moments from Stephen King’s lore. The sequence serves as a broader history of the town of Derry.

Why was the postcard aesthetic chosen?

The “Welcome to Derry” title inspired a touristic, postcard theme. This style represents the town’s seemingly wholesome facade. The animation then tears this facade apart to reveal the horror beneath.

What was one idea that was too scary for the credits?

The team originally animated a girl with eyeballs popping out during the Ironworks explosion. Director Andy Muschietti felt this was too extreme. The detail was dialed back in the final version.