'It' Prequel Series 'Welcome to Derry' Ordered at HBO Max

by Darian Scalamoni

    Welcome to Derry, the prequel series to Andy Muschietti's It films has officially been greenlit by Warner Bros. Discovery for HBO Max. The news comes from Variety which also details that series was first announced back in March 2022 and gives more information about what to expect from the show.

    Welcome to Derry has particular details under lock and key as of now, however, there is a logline that was released stating that the series is "set in the world of Stephen King's 'It' universe, 'Welcome to Derry' 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.' Variety also reported back in November that Jason Fuchs (Wonder Woman, Pan) and Brad Caleb Kane (Tokyo Vice, Moonhaven) will serve as co-showrunners for the series with Fuchs penning the teleplay for the first episode based on a story written by himself, Andy Muschietti and his wife, Barbara Muschietti. The latter commented on the news of the series being picked up by HBO Max: "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."

    The two It films helmed by Muschietti grossed over $1 billion worldwide with Bill Skarsgard playing Pennywise the killer clown. With the sequel It: Chapter Two taking place 27 years after the first film and its successful box-office, it led to bigger stars joining the cast as the adult versions of the child characters such as Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy and Bill Hader. The Stephen King novel was originally adapted for a two-part television event back in 1990 with Tim Curry playing the role of Pennywise. Andy Muschietti is also expected to direct multiple episodes of the series.

    Welcome to Derry will look to expand the landscape of the town of Derry while still playing in the true themes of what makes the It franchise as popular as it is. Are you guys excited for this news of the series coming to HBO Max? Let us know in the comments.