IT Prequel WELCOME TO DERRY Ordered to Series by HBO Max, Andy Muschietti to Direct Multiple Episodes

Several years after IT Chapter Two was released in theaters, filmmaker Andy Muschietti is returning to the world of Stephen King's epic novel with the new prequel series Welcome to Derry, which has officially been ordered to series by HBO Max, with Muschietti set to direct multiple episodes of the new show!

Stephen King shared his excitement for the new series:

“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!”

Here's what Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content, HBO Max, had to say about the prequel series:

“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 shared their enthusiasm for returning to the world of IT in the new series:

“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.”

Additionally, Jason Fuchs also commented on the prequel series:

“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.”

We'll be sure to keep Daily Dead readers updated on Welcome to Derry as more details are revealed, and in the meantime, we have official information from the press release:

Official Press Details: HBO Max has ordered the Max Original drama WELCOME TO DERRY (working title) to series. The series, from Warner Bros. Television and developed for television 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 will direct multiple episodes of the series, including the first episode.

Logline: 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.”

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.