The opening credits of Netflix’s new series “A Series of Unfortunate Events” is a true work of art, what with its ability to weave both whimsy and darkness.

Throughout the credits scene, however, fans were repeatedly told to “look away” by Neil Patrick Harris’ character Count Olaf in a singing voice, according to Entertainment Weekly.

The series will follow the story of the Baudelaire orphans Violet, Klaus and Sunny, who are constantly hounded by Count Olaf. The villain is a master of disguise who will go out of his way just to have the orphans’ inheritance, even if it means eliminating the three of them for good.

The series creator, Lemony Snicket, whose real name is Daniel Handler, said in an earlier interview that casting Harris was actually his idea. His lightbulb moment came in 2011 when Harris hosted the 65th Tony Awards on Broadway and opened the ceremony with a musical number.

“I saw him do that big song, ‘It’s Not Just for Gays Anymore,’ and I just immediately saw someone who could pull off a million things at once,” said Handler. “Now, just to watch him work, I feel like it’s visiting an amazing factory. When Count Olaf’s in disguise, he’s playing someone who’s playing a guy and Neil plans out everything. How he’s going to open a door, how he’s going to gesture. It’s really funny and it’s just an amazing machine.”

Personally, Harris is happy to have been given the role of Count Olaf. He told the Sydney Morning Herald that he thoroughly enjoyed this role because he got to play one ugly guy, and it felt surprisingly liberating. “I was intentionally horrible-looking,” he said. “Being really ugly was actually really refreshing.”

“A Series of Unfortunate Events” made its premiere on Jan. 13 on Netflix.

Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris sported a shaved head for his role as the villainous Count Olaf in “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” In this photo, the actor arrives at the American Theatre Wing's 70th annual Tony Awards in New York on June 12, 2016. Reuters/Andrew Kelly
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