Make Time For This Classic Stephen King Movie Before the Series' Upcoming Installment

The series Welcome to Derry is filled with references to Stephen King's vast library of stories. Apart from the obvious ties to the original story, the series showcases an explicit connection to The Shining via the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating another beloved King story that deserves another look.

The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption

Although Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, particularly compared to much of King's other writing, it remains a gripping story about an innocently imprisoned individual condemned to spend the rest of his life in a infamous prison. It is that very penitentiary that becomes central in this context, as Shawshank State Prison holds significant history throughout King's fictional world — a tradition that continues within It: Welcome to Derry.

Some of the tales that reference Shawshank are Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, and It. Via these stories, we discover regarding the awful conditions at Shawshank State Prison plus some of the inmates there, including the partner of one of Pennywise's early targets, who had been found guilty for robbery with a weapon.

Thus far, however, the majority we've learned concerning Shawshank has been via the eyes of Andy Dufresne from Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by Tim Robbins in that 1994 movie. The character Andy winds up in Shawshank after being wrongly convicted, and finds himself assaulted and abused by fellow inmates, and taken advantage of by the officials in power for his expertise in finance. It takes him 28 years to tunnel an escape route from Shawshank, prior to making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.

Shawshank's Role in Welcome to Derry

Regarding the series, viewers initially discovered about the prison's involvement via an early trailer for the show, where a correctional transport appeared with the name painted on the side. In episode 2, it is revealed which character is likely headed to the prison.

Though we know he was not responsible for the murders of children initially, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for the next episode, "Now You See It," reveals a guard informing a jailed Hank, "Do you know what happens to kiddie killers in Shawshank?"

The Consequences for the Character and His Daughter

Considering that the actual murderer in the town is an ancient power from another world hunting and murdering children, Hank's prospects of proving his innocence appear slim. And even if he does go in the prison and viewers do not see him there, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his time there would not be enjoyable.

More importantly, however, this development could threaten Ronnie. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are happening around Derry which no one, child or adult, understands and Ronnie just has her recently formed of friends to rely on. She will require her father as the story progresses, but if the prison system plays a role, she could be out of luck.

One thing is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to dig to freedom.

Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.