HBO Max is taking a trip to Derry, home of the terrifying Pennywise the Clown, with a prequel series to Stephen King’s It. The new series is tentatively titled Welcome to Derry and has author Stephen King’s blessing.
“I’m excited that the story of Derry, Maine’s most haunted city, is continuing, and I’m glad Andy Muschietti is going to be overseeing the frightening festivities, along with a brain trust including his talented sister, Barbara. Red balloons all around!” said King.
Welcome to Derry, which just received a series order from HBO Max, was developed by filmmakers Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti (IT, IT Chapter Two) and Jason Fuchs (IT Chapter Two, Wonder Woman). Andy Muschietti is confirmed to direct some season one episodes, including the first.
“As teenagers, we took turns reading chapters of Stephen King’s IT until the thick paperback fell to pieces. IT is an epic story that contains multitudes, far beyond what we could explore in our IT movies,” stated Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti. “We can’t wait to share the depths of Steve’s novel, in all its heart, humor, humanity, and horror.”
The prequel to New Line films’ It and It: Chapter Two is produced by HBO Max and Warner Bros. Television. According to HBO Max, Jason Fuchs is writing the script for the first episode, based on a story by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Fuchs. Fuchs will be serving as a season one co-showrunner with Brad Caleb Kane. Fuchs, Kane, and Double Dream production company’s Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti are executive producing.
“To be able to return to the world of my all-time favorite horror novel and help build upon the singularly brilliant cinematic universe created by Andy and Barbara is more than the opportunity of a lifetime, it’s a dream come true — or, maybe more appropriately, a nightmare,” said Jason Fuchs.
Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content, HBO Max stated: “We are thrilled to continue this iconic franchise with the brilliant Andy and Barbara Muschietti, Jason Fuchs, and Brad Caleb Kane. This prequel will expand the IT storytelling canvas and bring fans deeper into the terrifying, mesmerizing town of Derry.”
It was released in September 2017 and rang up $123 million over its opening weekend, earning it first place among all films that opened in September. The R-rated horror film went on to gross $700 million worldwide before exiting theaters. It: Chapter Two followed in September 2019 and fell short of its predecessor, ringing up $473 million during its theatrical run.
