By MICHAEL GINGOLD
There is presumably more scary clowning around to come.
HBO Max has announced it has ordered WELCOME TO DERRY (working title), a prequel to New Line Cinema’s IT films and inspired by the Stephen King source novel, to a series. Produced by Warner Bros. Television, it’s being developed by Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti, who were behind the two features, and Jason Fuchs. Andy Muschietti will direct multiple episodes of the show, including the first one, which will be scripted by Fuchs, who also serves as showrunner with Brad Caleb Kane. “As teenagers,” the Muschiettis say in a statement, “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.”
“To be able to return to the world of my all-time favorite horror novel,” Fuchs says, “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.”
King says, “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!”
Sarah Aubrey, head of original content for HBO Max, says, “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.”
