Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Movie Prior to the Series' Upcoming Installment
The series Welcome to Derry is filled with references to Stephen King's vast collection of tales. Beyond the obvious links to It, the series showcases an explicit connection to The Shining through the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story progresses, It: Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved King story which merits another look.
The Powerful Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While The Shawshank Redemption isn't typically considered a horror film, particularly in contrast with a lot of King's other writing, it is a haunting tale about an wrongfully convicted man sentenced to spend the rest of his life inside a notorious penitentiary. It is this specific penitentiary which is central in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds significant lore across King's fictional world — a pattern which persists in It: Welcome to Derry.
Among the stories which mention Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these narratives, we learn regarding the terrible life at the state penitentiary plus several of those imprisoned there, including the partner of one belonging to Pennywise's initial victims, who was found guilty of armed robbery.
Thus far, however, the most we've learned concerning Shawshank has been through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy winds up at the prison after being wrongly convicted, and experiences beaten and abused by fellow inmates, while taken advantage of by the officials in power due to his financial knowledge. He requires nearly three decades to dig an escape route from Shawshank, before making his way "through a river of shit" to reclaim his freedom.
Shawshank's Appearance in It: Welcome to Derry
In relation to the series, viewers initially discovered about the prison's involvement from an initial preview for the show, in which a correctional transport was seen with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, it is revealed which character is likely headed to Shawshank.
Though we know he was not commit the child deaths in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for those offenses. The preview for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Are you aware what happens to child murderers at that prison?"
The Implications for the Character and Ronnie
Considering that the real killer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and killing kids, Hank's chances of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he does go to Shawshank and viewers don't follow him inside, knowing what is known regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his time there would not be enjoyable.
More importantly, though, this situation would endanger his daughter. Hank is her protector. Terrible events are occurring around Derry that nobody, young or old, understands and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, however should Shawshank has any say, she could be without help.
One thing seems clear: Hank lacks 28 years to dig to freedom.
It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes are released each week each Sunday.
