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

The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to Stephen King's extensive collection of tales. Beyond the obvious links to the original story, the series also features a direct link to The Shining through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is weaving in another classic King story which merits another look.

The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

While Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, particularly compared to much of the author's additional writing, it remains a gripping story of a innocently imprisoned man condemned to spend his remaining years inside a notorious prison. It is this specific penitentiary that becomes important here, since the Shawshank facility possesses significant lore across King's fictional world — a pattern that continues within Welcome to Derry.

Among the tales which mention Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Through these narratives, we discover regarding the awful life inside the state penitentiary plus several of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who had been convicted for robbery with a weapon.

So far, though, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank has been via the perspective of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following his wrongful conviction, then experiences beaten and raped by fellow inmates, while exploited by the authority figures due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route of the prison, before making his way "through sewage" to take back his freedom.

Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry

Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned about the prison's inclusion from an initial preview for the show, in which a prison bus appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed who is probably destined for Shawshank.

Though we know 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), gets taken into custody for the crimes. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to child murderers in Shawshank?"

The Implications for Hank and Ronnie

Given that the real murderer in Derry is a primordial entity from another world hunting and killing kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. Even should he does go to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would not be pleasant.

Crucially, though, this situation would endanger Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are happening in the town which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie only has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She will require her father as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she may be out of luck.

One thing is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to dig his way out.

Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly on Sundays.