You Should Watch This Legendary Stephen King Film Before It: Welcome to Derry's Next Episode

HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with references to the author's vast library of stories. Beyond the obvious links to the original story, the show includes a direct connection to The Shining through the appearance of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved King story that deserves another look.

The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption

While The Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, especially in contrast with a lot of King's other writing, it remains a haunting story about an wrongfully convicted man sentenced to live the rest of his life inside a notorious penitentiary. It is that very penitentiary that becomes important here, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant history throughout King's stories — a tradition that continues within It: 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 narratives, we discover regarding the terrible life at Shawshank State Prison plus several of those imprisoned within, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who was convicted of armed robbery.

Thus far, though, the majority we have discovered concerning Shawshank was via the perspective of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison after being wrongly convicted, and experiences beaten and abused by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by those in authority figures due to his expertise in finance. It takes nearly three decades to tunnel his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.

The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry

In relation to the series, audiences first learned of Shawshank's inclusion from an initial preview for the series, in which a prison bus was seen bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is likely headed to Shawshank.

Although it is known he did not responsible for the child deaths in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows an officer informing Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"

The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter

Given that the real murderer in the town is an ancient power from another world preying on and murdering children, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. Even should he ends up in the prison and the audience do not see him there, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would not be pleasant.

Crucially, though, this development would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are occurring in the town that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and she only has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank has any say, she may be out of luck.

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

Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.