Watch: Opening credits to 'Welcome to Derry' are very unsettling

The opening credits begin seemingly innocent, with cartoon depictions of happy, smiling kids; however, that’s only to lure you into a false sense of security. To no one’s surprise, it becomes increasingly disturbing as they roll on. It flashes through scenes of Pennywise taunting children with their worst fears, images of violence, and Derry’s dark past.

Accompanying the bright 1960s-inspired animation is the tune “A Smile and a Ribbon” by the short-lived duo Patience and Prudence. When you take a closer listen at the lyrics, there’s a kind of unsettling vibe about them. It definitely give that chilling sort of feeling similar to “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” or “Tonight You Belong to Me” (also by Patience and Prudence, ironically).

In the song, the girl is singing about smiling through her troubles and pretending to be happy with a pretty ribbon in her hair. Coupled with the context of the show, it could be compared to how Lilly and her friends feel as they have to pretend everything is alright when it clearly isn’t. Or it is even a reference to Pennywise’s creepy smile.

Easter Eggs in the Welcome to Derry Opening Credits

We see plenty images of Pennywise and his scary red balloon sprinkled throughout the credits, but Stephen King fans may notice some other nods, too. Those with a keen eye may pick out several iconic locations and IT references.

The first one, shown at the beginning of the credits, is the easily-recognizable Paul Bunyan statue that stands tall at the heart of Derry, Maine. The statue is personified as one of Pennywise’s horrifying manifestions in IT: Chapter Two and also appears in the series. Next is Juniper Hill Asylum, the place Lilly is sent after her father’s death and where she returns at the end of episode two. Not only is the grim location mentioned multiple times in Welcome to Derry, but it is also referenced throughout Stephen King’s work.

Immediately following Jupiter Hill is the Well House on Niebolt Street, where IT lives. And sure enough, there he is, peeking through the window with his glowing red eyes. In the next scene is a violent shooting, which could be referencing the 1930s shootout between the Bradley gang and vigilantes mentioned in the book. Since Welcome to Derry moves back in time, maybe we’ll see it in season two.

Finally, we catch a glimpse of the Kitchener Ironworks fire that took place in 1908, prior to the events of the series. Referenced in the first film, the horrific incident killed 104 people, no thanks to Pennywise. The gruesome image definitely shines through in the credits, as we see children screaming and flying bodies engulfed in flames.

The mildly unsettling opening credits conclude with the title card, made to imitate the classic vintage postcard design. With Lilly back at Juniper Hill and Pennywise still inflicting his torment on the town, what horrifying developments lie next? Episode three hits HBO Max on November 9.