Just when you thought it was safe to return to Derry, Maine! Pennywise is back, and the Muschiettis are bringing the clown to life again.
Welcome To Derry, a prequel to the IT movies, has received a straight-to-series order from HBO Max. Returning to the franchise are filmmakers Andy Muschietti (director of It and It Chapter Two) and Barbara Muschietti (producer).
Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max, said, “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.”
“As teenagers, we took turns reading chapters of Stephen King’s IT until the thick paperback fell to pieces,” the Muschiettis said in a statement. “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.”
One of the most thrilled about the project is the creator, Stephen King. In a statement, the author gushes about Welcome To Derry.
“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,” King said. “Red balloons all around!”
Andy Muschietti will direct multiple episodes of Welcome To Derry, including the first episode, while Jason Fuchs will write the first episode. Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane will serve as co-showrunners.
