Andy Muschietti Eyes Ambitious 6-Hour It Supercut

With the first series of It: Welcome to Derry drawing to a close, speculation is rife among enthusiasts about what lies ahead for the franchise. One topic that continues to spark interest is the much-discussed extended edition of the It films, a project Andy Muschietti has spoken about for years. During a recent Reddit AMA for It: Welcome to Derry, a fan inquired about the status of this ambitious cut, asking whether the plan to merge both films with additional footage was still in the works. Muschietti responded,

Yes, still a big dream of mine. Since we've been involved heavily in this show, we haven't had time to execute it. Crossing fingers.

Origins of the Supercut Idea

Before embarking on Welcome to Derry, Muschietti first adapted Stephen King's iconic novel for the big screen in 2017, returning two years later to direct the follow-up. The pair of films closely followed the original story, with the first instalment set in the 1980s and the second revisiting the characters nearly three decades later. After the release of the sequel, Muschietti floated the notion of a comprehensive supercut, one that would run for over six hours and include a wealth of previously unseen material.

This extended version would not only combine both films but also feature deleted scenes and moments that never made it from page to screen. Among these was a sequence involving Maturin, the cosmic turtle, who appears in Bill's basement in the second film. Maturin, a recurring figure in King's universe, serves as a counterweight to malevolent forces like Pennywise. The scene, largely set underwater, was ultimately omitted for pacing reasons.

Creative Freedom and Fan Reception

Muschietti has already demonstrated what he can achieve when given the latitude to delve into King's world without the usual constraints of time or narrative. Many viewers have commended his work on the series, with one remarking that it features the

greatest depiction of Pennywise in any media format

—a portrayal some feel compensates for the more restrained version seen in the films.

Even if the extended edition never materialises, Muschietti's involvement with the Derry universe is far from finished. The conclusion of Welcome to Derry's first series does not mark the end, as plans are in place for two further series. The next will leap back to 1935, while the third is set in 1908. The inaugural series has already offered a glimpse of 1908, depicting the entity's first transformation into Pennywise after luring and killing circus performer Bob Grey.

What’s Next for Derry?

For those keen to catch up, the first series of It: Welcome to Derry is available to stream on HBO in the United States and Now in the United Kingdom. Fans can also explore guides to the series’ hidden references and cameos, as well as keep an eye out for forthcoming adaptations of Stephen King's work.