It Welcome to Derry Premiere Delivers Shocking Character Deaths

The first episode of HBO’s It: Welcome to Derry has arrived. It immediately shocked viewers with a brutal and unexpected twist. Several main characters were killed in a chaotic movie theater sequence.

This bold move establishes that no character is safe in the town of Derry. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the creators aimed to subvert audience expectations from the previous films.

Creators Explain the Strategic Decision to Shock Audiences

Director Andy Muschietti explained the reasoning behind the dramatic killings. He stated the event was designed to show that nothing is sacred. The intention was to make it clear that in this world, no one is safe.

This subversion of typical story mechanics prevents audience familiarity. The creators wanted to raise the intensity and spectacle from the very beginning. This sets a darker, more unpredictable tone for the series.

Reality Versus Illusion in Pennywise’s World

The episode’s opening also featured a young boy named Matty in a terrifying car sequence. This raises questions about what is physically real in Pennywise’s attacks. The line between illusion and reality remains intentionally blurred.

Muschietti declined to definitively answer what an outside observer would see. He emphasized that the creature’s power is tied to belief and perception. This enigma is a core theme from Stephen King’s original novel.

The shocking premiere of It: Welcome to Derry proves the series is not holding back. By eliminating key characters early, the show establishes immediate stakes. Fans can expect a terrifying and unpredictable season ahead.

Dropping this nugget your way

Which characters died in the first episode?

Teddy, Phil, and Susie were seemingly killed in the movie theater. Another character, Matty, was also killed in the episode’s opening sequence. Their fates are designed to show that no one is safe.

Are the characters definitely dead?

The show intentionally leaves their status slightly unclear for now. However, the evidence strongly suggests they are dead. At least one character is shown having lost an arm.

Why was Pennywise barely in the premiere?

The creators are using a “less is more” approach for the first half of the show. This builds audience expectation and makes his eventual appearance more impactful. It is a deliberate creative choice to heighten suspense.

How does this compare to the original It movies?

The series aims to match the tone and style of the previous films. However, it seeks to subvert familiar story patterns to surprise viewers. The high death count in the premiere is a major departure.

What did the creators say about the deaths?

Andy Muschietti said they wanted to create an event that showed no character was safe. He explained it was about subverting aspects audiences might expect. This raises the volume in terms of intensity from the start.