Creative details are scarce, except that the series will be a prequel to New Line’s It films, promising to “expand the vision” of the movies. Fuchs will write the first episode, which is based on a story by the Muschiettis and Fuchs. Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane will serve as co-showrunners on the project.
“As teenagers, we took turns reading chapters of Stephen King’s It until the thick paperback fell to pieces,” the Muschiettis said in a statement. “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.”
“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 said. “Red balloons all around!”
It told the story of a group of friends battling a shape-shifting monster – often appearing as a demonic clown – in a small Maine town. The narrative timeline was split between the protagonists as kids and as middle-aged adults. There’s no word on casting for the series yet, and fans will surely wonder if Bill Skarsgard will return as Pennywise, according to a report on www.hollywoodreporter.com.
“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,” Fuchs said.
“We are thrilled to continue this iconic franchise with the brilliant Andy and Barbara Muschietti, Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane,” said Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max. “This prequel will expand the It storytelling canvas and bring fans deeper into the terrifying, mesmerizing town of Derry.”
The It films were box office powerhouses, with the first earning $700 million worldwide in 2017 and its 2019 sequel grossing $473 million worldwide.