Advanced Television

HBO Max orders IT prequel series

February 24, 2023

By Nik Roseveare

HBO Max has ordered the Max Original drama series Welcome To Derry (working title). From Warner Bros Television and developed for television by filmmakers Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs, the series will serve as a prequel to the 2017 IT movie and its 2019 sequel. Muschietti will direct multiple episodes of the 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 and will expand the vision established in the popular feature films.

Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content at HBO Max, commented: “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, mesmerising town of Derry.”

Muschietti and Muschietti said: “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.”

Fuchs added: “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.”

King said: “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!”

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