‘If painting reality is considered woke agenda…’: Welcome to Derry showrunners on tackling racism, segregation in show

Exploring Race and Horror in 1960s America

The upcoming series, Welcome to Derry, based on Stephen King’s acclaimed works, delves into the complex racial tensions of the 1960s while incorporating elements of supernatural horror. Showrunners Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane discussed how they blend these themes during a recent media roundtable.

Addressing Fears of the Past

The series is set against the backdrop of a racially charged America, showcasing characters who are committed to fighting for equality amid the chaos. Brad elaborated on the intention behind this portrayal, stating, “Being a period piece, we aimed to leverage the specific scares that resonate with audiences of that era.” He emphasized the influence of the Cold War, including fears surrounding nuclear threats that were prevalent during the 1960s. Jason added, “We wanted to orient audiences to different kinds of fears, which varied significantly from modern-day terrors.”

Derry acts as a representation of America, where the creators are unafraid to showcase the inequalities that existed at the time, including the civil rights movement. The show has sparked conversations about “woke agendas,” but the showrunners argue that they are merely reflecting historical truths.

Confronting `Woke Agenda` Criticism

Brad defended their approach, stating, “We depict things as they were—this was the reality in 1962 America and other regions worldwide. If representing such a reality is deemed a woke agenda, that’s unfortunate.” He noted the significance of understanding societal issues during that period, especially given the civil unrest leading up to the show’s setting.

Jason emphasized that while the series wasn’t intended to be political, it naturally reflects the era’s political realities. “Our focus was primarily on story and character development. The film showcases the concept of memory and the recurring patterns of evil people fail to acknowledge.”

Welcome to Derry, an HBO original, features an ensemble cast, including Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, and Bill Skarsgård. The series will be available for streaming on JioHotstar in India starting October 26.