HBO Max has ordered the IT prequel series Welcome to Derry (working title). The Max Original drama comes from Warner Bros. Television and is developed for TV by filmmakers Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti (IT, IT Chapter Two) and Jason Fuchs (IT Chapter Two, Wonder Woman, Argylle), is a prequel to the New Line global blockbuster “IT” films.
Andy Muschietti, who directed the two IT movies and upcoming The Flash, will direct multiple episodes of the IT prequel series, including the first episode.
Set in the world of Stephen King‘s IT universe, Welcome to Derry is based on King’s IT novel (buy now at Amazon) and expands the vision established by filmmaker Andy Muschietti in the feature films IT and IT Chapter Two.
“We are thrilled to continue this iconic franchise with the brilliant Andy and Barbara Muschietti, Jason Fuchs, and Brad Caleb Kane,” said Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content, HBO Max. “This prequel will expand the IT storytelling canvas and bring fans deeper into the terrifying, mesmerizing town of Derry.”
“As teenagers, we took turns reading chapters of Stephen King’s ‘IT’ until the thick paperback fell to pieces,” added Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti.
“‘IT’ is an epic story that contains multitudes, far beyond what we could explore in our ‘IT’ movies. We can’t wait to share the depths of Steve’s novel, in all its heart, humor, humanity and horror.”
“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.
Stephen King commented: “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!”
The IT prequel is produced by HBO Max and Warner Bros. Television. Jason Fuchs will write the teleplay for the first episode, based on a story by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Fuchs.
Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane will serve as co-showrunners on the project. Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti (through their Double Dream production company, which has an overall deal with WBTV), Fuchs, and Kane are executive producers.
Mirko Parlevliet has been reporting on the entertainment industry since 1998 and founded Vital Thrills in 2018 to cover the latest news on streaming, movies, TV, and video games.