Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Next Episode

The series It: Welcome to Derry is packed with nods to the author's wide-ranging collection of tales. Beyond the obvious ties to It, the series also features an explicit link to The Shining via the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic tale from King which merits another look.

The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as a horror film, particularly in contrast with a lot of King's other writing, it remains a haunting tale about an wrongfully convicted man condemned to live the rest of his life in a notorious penitentiary. And it's this specific institution which is central in this context, as the Shawshank facility holds significant lore across King's fictional world — a tradition which persists within Welcome to Derry.

Among the tales that reference Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we learn regarding the awful conditions inside Shawshank State Prison and some of the inmates within, such as the partner of a of Pennywise's early victims, who was convicted of armed robbery.

Thus far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison has been through the eyes of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy winds up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, then finds himself beaten and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by the authority figures due to his financial knowledge. It takes nearly three decades to dig his way out from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.

The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry

Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences first learned about the prison's involvement from an early trailer for the series, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title painted on the side. In episode 2, we learn which character is likely destined for the prison.

Although it is known he did not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," reveals a guard informing Hank in his cell, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"

The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter

Given that the real killer in the town is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and murdering children, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. Even should he does go to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from pleasant.

Crucially, though, this development could threaten his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, understands and she just has her new group of friends to rely on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be out of luck.

A single fact seems clear: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel his way out.

It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.