Don't Miss One Legendary Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Next Episode

The series Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to Stephen King's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the clear ties to It, the show showcases a direct link to King's famous novel through the cameo of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in one more classic King story which merits another look.

The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption

Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, especially in contrast with a lot of the author's additional work, it is a gripping story about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live the rest of his life inside a infamous penitentiary. And it's this specific penitentiary which is important here, as Shawshank State Prison holds significant history across King's stories — a tradition that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.

Among the tales that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we discover about the awful life inside the state penitentiary plus several of those imprisoned within, including the boyfriend of one of Pennywise's initial targets, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.

So far, though, the most we have discovered concerning Shawshank was via the eyes of the protagonist in The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up at the prison following his wrongful conviction, and finds himself beaten and raped by other prisoners, and exploited by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to dig an escape route from Shawshank, prior to crawling "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.

Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry

Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, viewers first learned of Shawshank's inclusion via an early trailer for the show, where a correctional transport appeared bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed which character is probably headed to Shawshank.

Though we know he did not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"

The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter

Considering that the actual murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and killing kids, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he does go to Shawshank and the audience do not see him inside, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would be far from pleasant.

More importantly, though, this situation could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, understands and Ronnie only has her new group of friends to depend on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck.

A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig to freedom.

It: Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.