The new HBO horror series It: Welcome to Derry has premiered with a brutal surprise, shocking viewers by killing off several main characters in its first episode. The show’s creator, Barbara Muschietti, compared the shocking pilot to the infamous “Red Wedding” episode of Game of Thrones, signaling that in the town of Derry, no one is safe.
What Happened in the Premiere?
The series, a prequel to the 2017 and 2019 It films, is set in 1962 in the cursed town of Derry, Maine. The premiere episode, titled “The Pilot,” introduced a group of kids investigating the disappearance of their friend, Matty Clements. In the opening scene, Matty is killed by the series’ monster after accepting a ride from a seemingly friendly family.
The story then jumps four months later, focusing on Matty’s friends—Teddy, Phil, Lilly, and Susie—who team up with another teen, Ronnie, to find out what happened to him. Promotional materials had heavily featured this group, leading audiences to believe they were the new main characters. However, in a stunning final scene at the local movie theater, the monster attacks, resulting in the gruesome deaths of Teddy, Phil, and Susie. Only Lilly and Ronnie escape, with Lilly left clutching her friend’s severed hand.
Why Creators Made the Shocking Choice
In interviews, the show’s creators, Andy and Barbara Muschietti, explained that this dramatic twist was a deliberate move to set the tone for the entire series. They wanted to make it clear that the show would be unpredictable and that the familiar story structure from the films would not be repeated.
Andy Muschietti explained the strategy behind the devastating event:
“This is strategically a devastating event to set the audience into that sense of ‘nothing is safe in this world.’ We kind of trick the audience into thinking that these are the new Losers. Well, guess what? I guess they’re all dead.”
Barbara Muschietti highlighted the need to subvert expectations, stating, “It was important for us to tell a very unpredictable story, because we couldn’t repeat the movies.” She directly referenced one of the most shocking moments in television history to describe their approach, saying:
“We love it. It’s our Red Wedding.”
The “Red Wedding” from Game of Thrones is known for its brutal and unexpected massacre of major characters, a comparison that underscores the level of shock the creators aimed for.
A New Level of Horror for the Franchise
The producers have stated that the series pushes the boundaries of horror further than the original movies. They expressed surprise that HBO fully supported their intense vision without requesting cuts. The studio’s backing allowed them to create what they describe as an “appropriately disgusting” and ruthless show.
The premiere also sets up other storylines, including one involving Major Leroy Hanlon and Captain Pauly Russo, who arrive at the Derry Air Force Base during the Cold War tensions of 1962. This plotline is expected to delve deeper into the town’s dark history, including the real-world event of the Black Spot fire referenced in Stephen King’s novel.
While Bill Skarsgård returns as the terrifying Pennywise the Clown, the creature is used sparingly in the early episodes. The director, Andy Muschietti, described the approach as “less is more” initially, building audience anticipation for the clown’s appearance. The first episode instead introduces a new, memorable form for the shape-shifting entity: a horrifying winged baby.
Fan and Critic Reactions to the Twist
The shocking ending of the premiere has been a major talking point among fans and critics. Many were stunned by the bold narrative choice, with reactions online praising the show’s unpredictability and intensity. One viewer noted the episode was “unpredictable from start to finish,” while another called the ending “crazy” and a “cliff hanger is phenomenal.”
Critical reviews have been mostly positive, with many noting the successful bait-and-switch. The premiere has been described as “magnificent” and a “stunning bait and switch” that successfully redeems the franchise after the mixed reception of It: Chapter Two.
Also Read: IT: Welcome to Derry: All the Stephen King Easter Eggs Hidden in the First Episode
