Stephen King Universe Expanding With 'Welcome To Derry'

More Stephen King is coming to the big screen. Well, a screen, HBO has greenlit a series based on It!

The next chapter in Stephen King’s It series is a prequel about the town of Derry. Andy Muschietti who directed the It films is also on board for the prequel bringing along his sister, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs.

Variety released a statement from the production who is very excited to be having team together. “As teenagers, we took turns reading chapters of Stephen King’s ‘It’ until the thick paperback fell to pieces,” recalled Andy.

‘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 exact direction of the prequel is not known yet but the logline 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.'”

Fuchs is also geared up to make the exciting 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,” he joked.

He didn’t let any details slip but he did share that he will be writing the teleplay for the first episode of the series, and it’s based on a story by him and the siblings. Brad Caleb Kane along with Fuchs are showrunners and executive producers. Andy will direct a handful of the episodes but details on which ones is not known yet.

The author of the magnetic story, King released a statement to Variety expressing that he can’t wait to get started.

“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 added, “Red balloons all around!” referencing the ever-present haunting balloon that Pennywise uses to stalk the kids of Derry before murdering them, dang, who wants to watch It and It: Chapter 2 again now?

HBO is also excited to see the series come to life on their network. Sarah Aubrey the head of original content for HBO Max said. “We are thrilled to continue this iconic franchise with the brilliant Andy and Barbara Muschietti, Jason Fuchs, and Brad Caleb Kane.”

Aubrey continues, “This prequel will expand the ‘It’ storytelling canvas and bring fans deeper into the terrifying, mesmerizing town of Derry.”

The films are based on King’s 1986 novel. In the 90s a miniseries was created with Tim Curry playing a very creepy Pennywise. The town of Derry is prominent not only in It but in several of King’s books as they are all set in the same universe.

Pet Sematary, Misery, Castle Rock, Dream Catcher, 11/22/63, Needful Things, the list is extensive. Maybe some of these stories will appear in the Welcome To Derry prequel.