You Should Watch This Classic Stephen King Film Before the Series' Upcoming Installment

The series Welcome to Derry is packed with references to Stephen King's extensive universe of narratives. Beyond the obvious links to the original story, the show showcases an explicit connection to King's famous novel through the appearance of a young future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Now, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King that deserves another look.

The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

Although Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, particularly compared to a lot of King's other work, it is a haunting tale about an innocently imprisoned man condemned to live the rest of his life inside a infamous penitentiary. It is that very institution which is central here, as the Shawshank facility holds considerable history throughout King's stories — a tradition that continues in It: Welcome to Derry.

Some of the tales which mention the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these stories, we discover regarding the terrible conditions inside the state penitentiary and some of those imprisoned there, such as the partner of one of Pennywise's initial targets, who was found guilty for robbery with a weapon.

Thus far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison has been through the eyes of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. Andy winds up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, while exploited by the authority figures due to his financial knowledge. It takes him 28 years to dig 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, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement from an initial preview for the show, where a prison bus was seen bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, we learn who is likely destined for Shawshank.

Though we know he was not responsible for the murders of children in the first episode, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. The preview for episode 3, "Now You See It," shows an officer informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"

The Consequences for the Character and Ronnie

Given that the actual killer in Derry is a primordial entity from another world preying on and killing children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence do not look good. And even if he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him there, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would be far from enjoyable.

Crucially, however, this situation would endanger his daughter. He acts as her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and she only has her new group of friends to rely on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, however should the prison system has any say, she may be out of luck.

One thing seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom.

Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are currently available via the streaming service. New episodes air weekly each Sunday.