AceShowbiz - HBO Max is expanding the world of Stephen King's "It" by developing a prequel series set in the universe. On Thursday, February 23, the network announced that it's officially moving forward with a show which is currently titled "Welcome to Derry".

The show was first reported as being in development in March 2022. It will be set in Derry, Maine, which is the town where the shapeshifting demon clown known as Pennywise stalked and killed local children for hundreds of years. As for now, creative details are scarce, except that it promises to "expand the vision" of the movies.

Following the news, King expressed excitement for the project. "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," said King. "Red balloons all around!"

"As teenagers, we took turns reading chapters of Stephen King's 'It' until the thick paperback fell to pieces," filmmakers Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti, who were behind successful movies "It" and "It: Chapter Two", said in a joint 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."

Jason Fuchs added, "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."

Meanwhile, Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max, said, "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."

Fuchs is set to write the script for the first episode based on a story by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti and Fuchs. Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane, meanwhile, will be co-showrunners on the project, with them all serving as executive producers alongside Shelley Meals, Roy Lee and Dan Lin.

Andy Muschietti will direct multiple episodes of the series, including the first episode. As for HBO Max and Warner Bros. Television, they will produce the series.