Details for the eagerly awaited prequel series Welcome to Derry, which delves deeper into the terrifying world of Stephen King’s IT, have been formally revealed by HBO Max. Produced in association with Warner Bros. Television and developed by Andy Muschietti, the director of the popular IT movies, the series aims to build on the terrifying history of Pennywise the Dancing Clown and the cursed town of Derry, Maine.

Set decades before the events of the 2017 IT film, Welcome to Derry explores the origins of the malevolent force haunting the town. The series will chronicle how the terrifying cycle of fear, violence, and disappearances became ingrained in Derry’s history, offering fans a spine-chilling look at Pennywise’s rise to infamy.

In a statement, Andy Muschietti expressed his excitement: “This show is a love letter to Stephen King’s masterful storytelling. We’re not only delving into Pennywise’s roots but also exploring the lives of Derry’s residents and how they navigate the creeping terror that shapes their existence.”