The world of Stephen King’s ‘IT’ and the town of Derry where it’s all centered will be fleshed out as HBO Max has ordered an ‘IT’ prequel to series. The working title for the series is ‘Welcome to Derry’ and comes from the team behind the recent films.
The new series currently operating with the working title ‘Welcome to Derry’ comes from from Warner Bros. Television and will be developed for television by filmmakers Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti (“IT,” “IT Chapter Two”) and Jason Fuchs (“IT Chapter Two,” “Wonder Woman,” “Argylle”). The new series is a prequel to the New Line global blockbuster “IT” films, with Andy Muschietti set to direct multiple episodes of the series, including the first episode.
The current logline/description of the series follows: Set in the world of Stephen King’s “IT” universe, WELCOME TO DERRY (wt) is based on King’s “IT” novel and expands the vision established by filmmaker Andy Muschietti in the feature films “IT” and “IT Chapter Two.”
Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content, HBO Max commented on the series order stating “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.”
Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti also commented saying “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. We can’t wait to share the depths of Steve’s novel, in all its heart, humor, humanity and horror.”
Jason Fuchs commented as well stating “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.”
The legendary Stephen King was also quoted about the series, saying “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 current credits for the series are as follows: WELCOME TO DERRY (wt) 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. Andy Muschietti will direct multiple episodes of the series, including the first episode. Shelley Meals, Roy Lee and Dan Lin also executive produce.
Stay tuned for more news on the series it becomes available!