Stephen King’s novel IT was successfully adapted into two feature films in 2017 and 2019. Now an all-new television series, titled Welcome to Derry, has been officially ordered by HBO.
The new series will act as a prequel to the fan-favorite theatrical films. Additionally, as shared via THR, IT: Chapter One and IT: Chapter Two director Andy Muschietti will return to “direct multiple episodes of the series, including the first episode.”
It’s been stated that the project will “expand the vision” of the movies. Of course, given the current status of the project, there aren’t any plot details available. But fans of the novel will know just how much material there is to pull from. As such, having a long-form television series to properly tell the tale of IT is an exciting announcement.
The first episode of the series is being written by Jason Fuchs (IT: Chapter Two) based on a story he wrote alongside Andy Muschietti and his sister/producing partner, Barbara Muschietti. The Muschiettis also gave the following statement:
“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.”
Additionally, IT author Stephen King also expressed his excitement and approval for the project.
“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!”
Jason Fuchs also noted that the project is “a dream come true.” Or, as he humorously adds, “a nightmare.”
“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,” Fuchs said.
Head of original content at HBO Max, Sarah Aubrey, also explained how the project will connect with the popular theatrical films.
“We are thrilled to continue this iconic franchise with the brilliant Andy and Barbara Muschietti, Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane,” she began. “This prequel will expand the IT storytelling canvas and bring fans deeper into the terrifying, mesmerizing town of Derry.”
Fans can stay tuned to ScreenGeek for additional updates regarding Welcome to Derry as we have them. For now, however, it’s exciting to know that the project has already been given a straight-to-series order.