A new prequel series to the horror franchise is in development for the HBO Max platform. According to industry reports, the project is being produced by the team behind the original film, with Andres Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs at the helm. It has been confirmed that Andres Muschietti will participate in filming several episodes, including the pilot, helping to shape the early chapters of the story. The working title circulating for the project has been disclosed as “Welcome to Derry.”
In a statement, the director described the original reading experience that sparked the idea for expansion. He recalled how a group of friends devoured chapters of Stephen King’s It in a single stretch until the spine of the massive paperback finally gave way. The sentiment echoed a belief that It’s expansive narrative extends far beyond the scope of the films. The team aims to convey the depth of Steve’s emotional world, his humor, humanity, and the darker facets of horror that live inside his epic romance with the city and its people.
The series is set in the 1960s, following the moment when the entity known as It awakens. The storytelling intention is to uncover the origin of Pennywise, the notorious clown, and to illuminate many of Derry’s long-held mysteries. The project is described as a comprehensive exploration of the town’s troubling past and the forces that shaped its residents across generations.
At this stage, specific cast details have not been released, and it remains uncertain whether the actor who portrayed Pennywise in the films will reprise the role in the series. Fans are watching closely to see how the character will be reimagined for a television format while staying true to the fears and themes that defined the movie version.
Historically, the It franchise has achieved major commercial success, with the sequel generating substantial box office returns worldwide. The 2017 installment led to impressive global earnings, and the 2019 continuation continued that momentum, underscoring the franchise’s enduring appeal and potential for further expansion in streaming formats.
Meanwhile, industry outlets have reported various scheduling notes from HBO’s broader programming slate. One such note indicated that a highly anticipated season of another popular series would not premiere until a later period, illustrating how streaming networks balance blockbuster projects with ongoing productions across their catalogs.