HBO Max and Prime Video Expand Stephen King Television Franchises

HBO Max released a surprise episode of IT: Welcome to Derry titled A Story of Derry on Halloween, according to Decider and Collider. Decider reported that the half-hour episode explores the origins of the cosmic entity in Derry, Maine, and features Zahn McClarnon as a warrior connected to Stephen King lore. Collider added that the standalone release directly connects the television series to the supernatural origins of the author's broader universe. [1][2]

The release comes as Prime Video continues its own expansion of Stephen King television adaptations. ScreenRant reported that Mike Flanagan created an eight-part series adaptation of Carrie for the streaming service, featuring Summer H. Howell in the lead role. ScreenRant noted that the project takes creative liberties with the source material to update the 1974 novel while maintaining its core story elements. [3][4]

As FTMQ Film & TV reported earlier, Flanagan's Carrie adaptation starring Summer H. Howell as Carrie White and Samantha Sloyan as Margaret White intentionally incorporates narrative references to King's larger literary framework, including The Dark Tower. ScreenRant reported that the cast and creators are now addressing potential crossover links with other King adaptations, such as Prime Video's take on The Institute. [3][9]

These releases reflect a wider strategy by major streaming services to build interconnected television franchises around established literary intellectual property. HBO is also developing another King-inspired horror thriller series, ScreenRant reported. Meanwhile, Flanagan has completed development plans for a faithful, long-term television series adaptation of King's fantasy epic The Dark Tower, as FTMQ Film & TV reported earlier. [5][10]