Hayley Williams and David Byrne Unleash New Song for Netflix's 'The Twits' Movie

Get ready, music and movie buffs! Paramore's powerhouse Hayley Williams and Talking Heads legend David Byrne have teamed up again, this time for a brand-new track, "Open the Door," featured in Netflix's upcoming animated film adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic, The Twits.

TL;DR

• Hayley Williams and David Byrne just dropped "Open the Door," a new song for the Netflix animated film The Twits.
• This isn't their first rodeo! They've collaborated recently on Byrne's album, and performed live, showing off their incredible musical chemistry.
• The Twits premieres October 17th on Netflix and features a star-studded voice cast, making this musical partnership an exciting part of a must-watch adaptation.

A Dream Musical Partnership Continues to Flourish for Fans

Talk about a dynamic duo! If you've been following the music scene, you'll know that Paramore's frontwoman Hayley Williams and Talking Heads' iconic David Byrne have been building quite the creative bond lately. This isn't just a one-off studio session; these two artists, hailing from distinctly different musical backgrounds, have been circling each other's orbits for a while now, leaving a trail of awesome collaborations in their wake. Their shared experimental spirit and unmistakable vocal styles have proven to be a match made in music heaven, and honestly, we can't get enough of it.

Their journey together kicked off well before "Open the Door." You might recall Williams lending her incredible voice to Byrne's latest solo album, Who Is the Sky?, on the track "What Is the Reason For It?". And it goes both ways! Paramore paid homage to Byrne's legendary band by covering Talking Heads' "Burning Down the House" for the 40th-anniversary reissue of their seminal concert film, Stop Making Sense, last year. Byrne, in turn, showed his admiration for Paramore by covering their 2017 hit "Hard Times" for Record Store Day. He's even been treating fans to his rendition of "Hard Times" during his current worldwide tour.

The synergy between them truly blossomed live. Just last week, on October 10, 2025, lucky concertgoers at Byrne's Radio City Music Hall show in New York got a massive surprise: Hayley Williams joined him on stage! They performed "What Is the Reason For It?" and, to the delight of the crowd, a duet of Paramore's "Hard Times." These moments aren't just collaborations; they're celebrations of mutual respect and artistic exploration, proving that great music knows no genre boundaries.

Stepping Through "Open the Door": A Whimsical Track for 'The Twits'

Now, this fantastic musical partnership has taken an unexpected, but totally delightful, turn into the world of film. Hayley Williams and David Byrne have teamed up for "Open the Door," a brand-new song created specifically for Netflix's upcoming animated adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved (and deliciously gross) book, The Twits. This isn't just any song; it's a "sentimental, sunshine-laden ballad" that promises to be an uplifting moment in a story known for its wonderfully dreadful characters. Imagine Byrne's signature "vibrant, polyrhythmic energy" blending seamlessly with Williams' "unmistakable pop-rock intensity." It sounds like a recipe for pure magic, right?

The track, which serves as the end-credits song for the film, offers a contrasting, hopeful note after the antics of the horrendous Mr. and Mrs. Twit. Its lyrics, like "Tears are like magic and laughing is fun/If you can have both of them, why just have one?" and "Everything matters and all things belong/Fear is the same place that courage comes from," hint at themes of embracing life's ups and downs. Byrne joins in on the chorus, singing, "Open the door, look what we've done/Open your heart, how far we've come," making it a truly collaborative and heartwarming piece.

For those unfamiliar with Roald Dahl's The Twits, it's the tale of a truly awful married couple who love to play cruel tricks on each other and mistreat the small, innocent creatures around them. But don't worry, there's a charming twist! A family of magical animals and two clever children team up to give the Twits a taste of their own medicine. "Open the Door" sounds like it perfectly encapsulates the film's underlying message of hope, community, and standing up to nastiness, reminding us that even in a world with Mr. and Mrs. Twit, there's always a chance for connection and joy.

"I still can't quite believe that I spent the last few years collaborating with David Byrne, a musical hero of mine since I was 13... When David and I started talking about an end-credit song, the first potential collaborator David brought up was Hayley Williams... The first word I said was 'yes.' Followed by 'please.' I still can't quite believe that two of my favorite songwriters wrote a song together for The Twits."

– Phil Johnston, Director, Writer, and Producer of The Twits

The Creative Journey: How Musical Heroes Came Together for Roald Dahl

The story behind "Open the Door" is just as cool as the song itself. Phil Johnston, the director, writer, and producer of The Twits, was the mastermind who initially reached out to David Byrne to contribute to the film's music. Johnston shared that Byrne sent him demos that even featured a century-old banjolele, immediately capturing his attention. Johnston described their collaboration as "incredibly fun and surprisingly easy," almost like he'd been "stealing from him for so long." That's high praise from a director for a musical hero!

Bringing Hayley Williams into the mix for the end-credits song was Byrne's idea, and Johnston's reaction was an immediate, enthusiastic "yes, please!" It's clear that the mutual admiration society between these three creatives is strong. Byrne noted how Williams was "inspired by Beesha’s story" – Beesha being one of the new characters in the film. He set her lyric ideas to tune, and "boom," a song was born. This organic process speaks volumes about their shared creative vision.

Williams herself couldn't hide her excitement, calling the experience "one pinch-me moment after another." She revealed that The Twits was her favorite Roald Dahl book growing up, drawn to the "twisted characters like Mr. and Mrs. Twit and The Wormwoods from Matilda." For her, the story isn't just cautionary but also a "lovely depiction of chosen family and community," a topic she holds dear. She humbly credited Byrne for "pulling me into the music," emphasizing how "fun and so surreal" it was to start a song from scratch with him. Their individual perspectives clearly enriched the track, marrying Dahl's dark humor with a message of warmth and unity.

Bringing Roald Dahl's Beloved (and Bizarre) World to Life on Netflix

Beyond the fantastic new song, The Twits promises to be a vibrant and engaging adaptation of Roald Dahl's distinctive world. Netflix is clearly pulling out all the stops for this animated feature, assembling a seriously impressive voice cast to bring these quirky characters to life. We're talking big names like:

• Johnny Vegas as the repugnant Mr. Twit
• Margo Martindale as the equally revolting Mrs. Twit
• Emilia Clarke as Pippa
• Natalie Portman as Mary Muggle Wump
• Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Beesha
• Ryan Lopez as Bubsy
• Timothy Simons as Marty Muggle-Wump

What a lineup! It's exciting to imagine how these talented actors will interpret Dahl's famously eccentric characters. David Byrne didn't just contribute "Open the Door" either; he also wrote and produced three other original songs for the film: "We're Not Like Everyone Else," "Lullaby," and "The Problem Is You" (or "Lullaby & The Problem Is You"). Some of these tracks are even set to feature the movie's voice cast. This dedication to original music, spearheaded by a legend like Byrne, really elevates the anticipation for this adaptation.

Director Phil Johnston and Byrne worked closely to ensure each song captured the specific emotion and character's feeling in the moment. The film itself is described as bringing together "two kids and a family of magical animals" to battle the "meanest, nastiest villains," highlighting the core themes of cooperation, courage, and triumphing over evil. For fans of Dahl's clever storytelling and unique blend of humor and darkness, this Netflix movie, with its stellar cast and original music, is shaping up to be a truly special event.

Beyond 'The Twits': What's Next for These Prolific Artists

While "Open the Door" is definitely the talk of the town, both Hayley Williams and David Byrne have been incredibly busy with other projects, proving their enduring influence and creative drive in the music world.

Hayley Williams: Solo Success and Speaking Her Mind

Hayley Williams has been riding a wave of solo success with her latest album, Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party. Released digitally in August 2025, with a physical release slated for November, the record has already garnered glowing reviews. NME, for example, gave it a five-star review, praising its "brilliant, swaggering new chapter" and Williams' ability to make the most of "missed second chances." This album showcases her continued evolution as a songwriter and performer outside of Paramore, though fans can rest assured that she remains dedicated to her band.

Beyond her solo music, Williams has also been making headlines for her outspoken takes. She recently confirmed in an interview with The New York Times’ Popcast that the "racist country singer" line on her album's title track was indeed aimed at Morgan Wallen, who faced controversy for using a racial slur in 2021. This frankness even drew a seemingly shaded response from Kid Rock, to which Williams retorted with a humorous Instagram story, recalling being told as a kid that she "wasn't allowed to listen to him cause the Southern Baptist church said he was evil. My, how the turn tables!" It's clear that whether through her music or her words, Williams isn't afraid to speak her mind and stand by her convictions.

David Byrne: Global Tours and Continued Innovation

David Byrne, never one to rest on his laurels, has also been incredibly active. He's currently in the midst of a massive worldwide tour supporting his album Who Is The Sky? The tour kicked off in September and includes dates across North America through December 6 in Miami. Fans in the UK can look forward to his shows in March 2026, while Australian and New Zealand audiences will catch him starting January 14. Byrne's tours are always an experience, blending music, performance art, and thought-provoking visuals, and this one is no exception.

His ongoing commitment to innovative projects, from stage shows to film soundtracks, solidifies his status as a true musical visionary. The way he continues to seek out new collaborators and push artistic boundaries is a testament to his creative spirit, keeping his work fresh and relevant for new generations of fans. This collaboration with Williams for The Twits is just another exciting chapter in a career full of groundbreaking moments.

Why This Collaboration is a Must-Watch (and Must-Listen) for Everyone

The pairing of Hayley Williams and David Byrne for "Open the Door" in Netflix's The Twits isn't just another soundtrack song; it's a testament to the power of unexpected artistic partnerships. It brings together two incredible talents whose individual styles, while distinct, fuse into something truly special and captivating. For Paramore fans, it's a chance to hear Williams' voice in a fresh, whimsical context, while Talking Heads enthusiasts will appreciate Byrne's continued creative output and knack for compelling collaborations.

For Roald Dahl fans, it means a high-quality, musically rich adaptation of one of his most beloved (and wonderfully grotesque) stories. The film's star-studded voice cast, combined with the thoughtful, original music produced by Byrne and featuring Williams, positions The Twits as a truly standout animated event this fall. So mark your calendars, because this October 17th, you'll want to "open the door" to this delightful new film and its fantastic soundtrack. It's a perfect blend of whimsical storytelling and top-tier musical artistry that promises to enchant audiences of all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'The Twits' and "Open the Door"

When does The Twits premiere on Netflix? Netflix's animated film adaptation of Roald Dahl's The Twits is set to premiere on Friday, October 17, 2025.

Where can I watch The Twits movie? The film will be exclusively available for streaming on Netflix worldwide.

Who are some of the main voice cast members in The Twits? The voice cast includes Johnny Vegas as Mr. Twit, Margo Martindale as Mrs. Twit, Emilia Clarke as Pippa, Natalie Portman as Mary Muggle Wump, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Beesha, among others.

Is "Open the Door" the only new song by Hayley Williams and David Byrne for the movie? Yes, "Open the Door" is their specific collaboration for the film's end credits. However, David Byrne also wrote and produced three other original songs for The Twits soundtrack: "We're Not Like Everyone Else," "Lullaby," and "The Problem Is You."

Sources:

Information compiled from various recent music and entertainment news articles. Specific quotes and details are attributed within the text to sources such as Fox News, Stereogum, The New York Times' Popcast, Rolling Stone, People, and NME.