Don't Miss One Legendary Stephen King Film Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment

HBO's It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to Stephen King's wide-ranging universe of narratives. Apart from the obvious ties to the original story, the show includes an explicit connection to The Shining through the cameo of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic tale from King that deserves a revisit.

The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption

Although Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly compared to a lot of the author's additional work, it is a gripping tale of a wrongfully convicted individual condemned to live his remaining years inside a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific institution that becomes central here, since Shawshank State Prison holds significant history throughout King's stories — a pattern which persists in Welcome to Derry.

Some of the tales that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we discover about the awful life inside the state penitentiary and some of the inmates within, such as the boyfriend of one of Pennywise's early targets, who was convicted of armed robbery.

So far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison was through the perspective of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up at the prison after being wrongly convicted, then finds himself beaten and raped by other prisoners, and exploited by those in authority figures due to his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, before crawling "through sewage" to take back his freedom.

The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry

Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion via an initial preview for the show, where a prison bus appeared bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn which character is likely headed to the prison.

Though it is known he did not commit the murders of children in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"

The Implications for the Character and Ronnie

Considering that the real killer in Derry is an ancient power from another world preying on and murdering kids, Hank's chances of proving his innocence do not look good. Even should he does go to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.

More importantly, though, this development could threaten his daughter. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are occurring in the town that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She will require her dad as the story progresses, however should the prison system plays a role, she could be without help.

One thing seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig his way out.

It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.