Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Film Before the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series It: Welcome to Derry is filled with nods to Stephen King's vast library of stories. Beyond the obvious links to the original story, the show also features a direct link to The Shining via the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is weaving in another beloved 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 in contrast with a lot of the author's additional work, it remains a gripping tale of a wrongfully convicted man sentenced to live his remaining years inside a notorious prison. And it's this specific penitentiary which is central in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds considerable lore across King's stories — a pattern which persists 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 narratives, we discover regarding the terrible conditions inside the state penitentiary and several of the inmates there, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's early targets, who had been convicted of armed robbery.
Thus far, though, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank has been via the eyes of the protagonist from The Shawshank Redemption, played by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy ends up in Shawshank following being wrongly convicted, and finds himself beaten and raped by other prisoners, while exploited by those in officials in power for his expertise in finance. He requires him 28 years to dig an escape route from Shawshank, before crawling "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered of Shawshank's involvement via an initial preview for the series, in which a correctional transport was seen with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn who is probably headed to Shawshank.
Though we know he was not commit the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. The preview for the next episode, "the upcoming installment," shows an officer telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what they do to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"
The Consequences for Hank and Ronnie
Given that the real murderer in Derry is an ancient power originating elsewhere preying on and killing kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name do not look good. Even should he does go in the prison and the audience don't follow him there, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would not be enjoyable.
Crucially, however, this development could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her protector. Horrible things are happening in the town that nobody, young or old, understands and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to depend on. She will require her father in the coming episodes, but if Shawshank plays a role, she may be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to tunnel to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. New episodes are released each week on Sundays.