Make Time For One Legendary Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Upcoming Installment

HBO's It: Welcome to Derry is filled with connections to Stephen King's extensive library of stories. Apart from the clear links to the original story, the show includes an explicit connection to The Shining through the appearance of the youthful future chef of the Overlook Hotel. Currently, as the story progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King which merits another look.

The Haunting Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

Although Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, especially compared to a lot of the author's additional writing, it remains a haunting tale of a innocently imprisoned individual condemned to live the rest of his life in a notorious prison. And it's this specific institution which is important here, since the Shawshank facility possesses considerable history across King's stories — a tradition that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.

Among the stories that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the terrible conditions inside the state penitentiary and several of the inmates within, including the boyfriend of a of Pennywise's early targets, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.

So far, however, the majority we've learned about the prison has been through the eyes of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in the 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, then experiences assaulted and raped by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by those in authority figures for his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to tunnel his way out of the prison, prior to making his way "through sewage" to reclaim his liberty.

Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry

In relation to the series, viewers first learned of Shawshank's inclusion from an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport was seen bearing the title displayed on its side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is likely headed to the prison.

Though we know he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (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 telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to child murderers at that prison?"

The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter

Considering that the actual murderer 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 does go in the prison and the audience don't follow him inside, understanding what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.

Crucially, though, this development would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are occurring in the town that nobody, child or adult, comprehends and Ronnie just has her new group of friends to depend on. She's going to need her father in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck.

A single fact is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel to freedom.

Welcome to Derry episodes 1 and 2 are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.