HBO Maxhas chosen Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane to head up its forthcomingITprequel,Welcome to Derry, with Andy and Barbara Muschietti producing.
TheITfranchise centers around the cursed town of Derry, Maine, and the children who grew up in its confines after escapingthe predatory and sinister villain Pennywise, played expertly in the past two films by Bill Skarsgard. The films collectively grossed over $1.1 billion at the box office after their release and are considered one of the top successful horror films of the past several years.
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According toVariety,Welcome to Derrywill serve as a prequel to the recent films. While exact details are closely guarded, many speculate that the series will delve further intothe history of Derry and its tormentor Pennywisethe Clown, which was hinted at in both the previous films and King’s novel. Fuchs is credited for writing the teleplay of the first episode in the upcoming series along with the Muschiettis. Andy Muschietti directed both of the recent films with his wife Barbara producing under their Double Dream production banner. Fuchs is known for his work on the screenplays of recent films likeWonder Woman,Pan, andI Still See You. Kane’s recent work includes writing forMoonhavenandTokyo Vice.
HBO Max has also given theITprequel a series production commitment. The widely anticipated prequel series comes on the heels of great success for thepast twoITinstallmentsbased on Stephen King’s 1986 novel of the same name,IT: Chapter One(2017) andIT: Chapter Two(2019). Popular since its best-selling release, the book spawned another multi-part mini-series in the 1990s starring Tim Curry, as well as a recent documentaryPennywise: The Story of It(2021).
With proven writers on the job,Welcome to Derrywill likely build much excitement, given the fervour of horror and Steven King fans, as well as the success of shows likeCastle Rockthat take King’s subject matter and run with it. The series prequel format for established film franchises has proven to be a win for various networks as well, with shows like AMC’sBates Moteland Peacock’s upcomingFriday the 13thprequel series,Crystal Lake, proving that audiences love to dig deeper into their favorite horror mythologies.
The enduring popularity of King’s novel and its dual storyline persists, and while it may not be King’s best,ITis certainly one his lengthiest and rife with interesting lore and backstory that will provide excellent fodder for the new series.
