HBO Max Confirms IT Prequel Series ‘Welcome To Derry’

HBO Max is gearing up for a new tale of horror with a prequel series titled Welcome To Derry based on the movie IT. The streamer first teased the project in November 2022 and fans have been excited to get more details. The movie has been one of the biggest hits in the horror genre and has a dedicated fan base. It is based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name and has inspired two movies and an original 2 part made-for-TV movie. So, what is this new HBO Max series about? Will it share any similarities with the movies? Keep reading to find out the details!

IT Movie Directors Will Helm The Upcoming HBO Max Show

On Thursday, the streaming network announced that it is bringing the prequel series to the network with the tentative title Welcome To Derry. The show is developed by filmmakers Andy and Barbara Muschietti who took charge of IT: Chapter One and IT: Chapter Two alongside co-producer Jason Fuchs. As reported by Deadline, director Muschietti will helm several episodes in the upcoming series which is set in the same universe as the movies.

[Source: YouTube]

Siblings Andy and Barbara commented on the big news elaborating on their personal connection to Stephen King’s novel. They 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.”

Stephen King Shares His Enthusiasm

The show’s co-runner Fuchs said that it is an opportunity of a lifetime for him to be a part of the series. He even added that it is a “dream come true” for him or more appropriately in his words, “a nightmare.”

[Source: YouTube]

The novel’s author, Stephen King also shared his enthusiasm regarding the new TV project. He mentioned that his story has received another chance to live on at the hands of some talented individuals. He said, “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!”

IT Movie OG Children Won’t Return For The Prequel Series

HBO Max hasn’t made any announcements regarding the cast on Thursday. However, it is highly unlikely that the movie’s OG children will return as the series is a prequel. Currently, there is no tentative premiere date for the series.