Variety (via FearHQ.com) has revealed that Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane are set to serve as co-showrunners on the IT prequel series that's currently in the works at HBO Max.
IT and IT: Chapter Two director Andy Muschietti is developing the project alongside his wife and producing partner, Barbara. Now, though, it's been confirmed that the former is being eyed to direct the series premiere (likely making the show his first project after next summer's The Flash movie).
Plot details for Welcome to Derry remain under wraps, though we do know it will definitely take place prior to the events of both movies. Author Stephen King only wrote one IT novel, and has also only ever really teased the demonic being's history with Derry. With that in mind, this show is clearly going to be an original story.
Fuchs was tapped to write the teleplay for the first episode of the series, based on a story he penned with the Muschiettis. He was a co-producer on IT: Chapter Two, and other credits include Wonder Woman and Ice Age: Continental Drift.
As for Kane, his recent writing credits include the likes of Moonhaven, Warrior, and Fringe.
The IT movies strongly hinted that Pennywise had a history in Derry, and we're assuming that's what this spin-off would explore. It's impossible to imagine the killer clown not being part of proceedings as he's obviously the biggest draw when it comes to the horror franchise. Of course, that leaves us to wonder whether Bill Skarsgard will reprise the role.
He's busy with a number of projects, but very much made Pennywise his own in the 2017 and 2019 movies. However, if the demonic monster is required to be a big part of Welcome to Derry, there's a strong chance a new actor will be enlisted. Some fans may not be happy about that, but it will be exciting to see what another actor can bring to the table.
It's clearly early days for this one, but we'll hopefully see the project take shape quite rapidly now it has two showrunners.
Are you excited for Welcome to Derry? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.