Make Time For This Iconic Stephen King Film Before the Series' Next Episode

HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is packed with connections to the author's wide-ranging library of stories. Beyond the clear ties to the original story, the series also features a direct link to King's famous novel through the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved tale from King that deserves a revisit.

The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

Although The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically classified as horror, especially in contrast with much of the author's additional writing, it remains a haunting story of a innocently imprisoned individual condemned to spend the rest of his life in a notorious prison. It is that very penitentiary that becomes important in this context, since Shawshank State Prison holds significant lore throughout King's fictional world — a tradition that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.

Some of the tales that reference Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these stories, we discover regarding the terrible life at Shawshank State Prison and some of the inmates within, including the boyfriend of a belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.

So far, however, the majority we have discovered about the prison has been via the eyes of Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy winds up in Shawshank after his wrongful conviction, and experiences beaten and abused by other prisoners, and taken advantage of by the authority figures due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route of the prison, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.

Shawshank's Appearance in Welcome to Derry

Regarding the series, viewers initially discovered about the prison's inclusion from an early trailer for the show, where a correctional transport was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn who is likely destined for Shawshank.

Though we know he was not commit the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"

The Implications for Hank and Ronnie

Considering that the real killer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and the audience don't follow him there, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would be far from enjoyable.

Crucially, though, this development would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are happening in the town that nobody, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie just has her recently formed circle of pals to rely on. She's going to need her dad in the coming episodes, however should the prison system has any say, she may be out of luck.

One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 28 years to tunnel his way out.

Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available on HBO Max. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.