Don't Miss One Legendary Stephen King Film Before the Series' Next Episode
The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous references to Stephen King's extensive library of stories. Beyond the obvious ties to the original story, the show includes a direct link to King's famous novel through the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more beloved King story which merits a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with much of King's other work, it remains a gripping tale about an wrongfully convicted individual condemned to spend the rest of his life in a notorious penitentiary. It is that very penitentiary which is central here, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant lore throughout King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Some of the tales which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we learn about the terrible conditions inside Shawshank State Prison and several of those imprisoned within, including the boyfriend of one of Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.
So far, though, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank was through the perspective of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. Andy ends up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, then experiences beaten and abused by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by those in authority figures for his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to tunnel his way out of the prison, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
In relation to It: Welcome to Derry, viewers initially discovered about the prison's inclusion from an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn which character is probably headed to the prison.
Though it is known he was not commit the child deaths initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to child murderers at that prison?"
The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter
Considering that the actual killer in the town is a primordial entity from another world preying on and killing kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. Even should he does go to Shawshank and viewers do not see him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this development could threaten his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Terrible events are happening around Derry that nobody, young or old, comprehends and she only has her recently formed circle of pals to depend on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.
A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.
