HBO Max has ordered the Max Original drama “WELCOME TO DERRY” (working title) to series. The series, from Warner Bros. Television and developed for television by filmmakers Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti (“IT,” “IT Chapter Two”) and Jason Fuchs (“IT Chapter Two,” “Wonder Woman,” “Argylle”), is a prequel to the New Line global blockbuster “IT” films. Andy Muschietti will direct multiple episodes of the series, including the first episode.

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.”

“WELCOME TO DERRY” is produced by HBO Max and Warner Bros. Television. Jason Fuchs will write the teleplay for the first episode, based on a story by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Fuchs.

Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane will serve as co-showrunners on the project.

Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti (through their Double Dream production company, which has an overall deal with WBTV), Fuchs, and Kane are executive producers. Andy Muschietti will direct multiple episodes of the series, including the first episode.

Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti said “As teenagers, we took turns reading chapters of Stephen King’s ‘IT’ until the thick paperback fell to pieces.

‘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.”

On the other hand, writer Stephen King said “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. Red balloons all around!”