Make Time For This Legendary Stephen King Film Before the Series' Upcoming Installment

The series It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to Stephen King's wide-ranging library of stories. Apart from the obvious ties to the original story, the show includes a direct connection to King's famous novel via the cameo of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the narrative unfolds, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating one more classic King story that deserves a revisit.

The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption

While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered horror, especially in contrast with much of King's other writing, it is a gripping story of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to live his remaining years in a infamous penitentiary. It is this specific institution that becomes central here, since Shawshank State Prison possesses considerable history throughout King's stories — a tradition which persists in Welcome to Derry.

Among the tales that reference the prison are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the terrible conditions inside Shawshank State Prison plus some of the inmates within, such as the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who was convicted of armed robbery.

Thus far, however, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank has been through the eyes of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in the 1994 film. The character Andy winds up at the prison following being wrongly convicted, then finds himself beaten and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by those in officials in power for his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to dig his way out of the prison, before 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 initially discovered of Shawshank's inclusion via an initial preview for the show, where a prison bus was seen with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn who is probably destined for Shawshank.

Although it is known he did not responsible for the child deaths initially, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows an officer telling a jailed Hank, "Are you aware what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"

The Implications for Hank and His Daughter

Considering that the real murderer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. And even if he ends up to Shawshank and viewers do not see him there, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would be far from pleasant.

Crucially, though, this situation would endanger Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are happening around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie only 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 could be without help.

One thing is apparent: Hank doesn’t have 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.