New IT: Welcome to Derry Trailer Confirms Major Connection to Another Stephen King Story

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In the trailer for the upcoming Stephen King TV series on HBO Max, titled “IT: Welcome to Derry,” there’s a noticeable Easter egg linking to one of King’s other renowned works. Approximately a minute into the preview, a bus is labeled as “Shawshank State Prison,” which is a reference to the fictional penitentiary featured in one of King’s cherished tales. The prison has been mentioned in various other works by King and has also been incorporated into adaptations. Given its past appearances, it’s not unexpected to see it in this new series as “Welcome to Derry” is a prequel to the novel It. Since “Welcome to Derry” is an original story, Shawshank could potentially play a more significant role here. We’ll discover its exact significance when the series debuts on HBO Max in October.

The topic under discussion is primarily about the characters and themes presented in Stephen King’s novel ‘It’, as well as the two-part film adaptation released between 2017 and 2019. Interestingly, Shawshank Prison, which was mentioned three times in the book, plays a significant role here. In the story, one of the missing children’s stepfathers served time there previously, while a teenager was sentenced for a hate crime and ended up behind bars there. Additionally, another character is menacingly threatened with Shawshank, emphasizing its ominous presence in the townsfolk’s collective memory.

In the upcoming prequel series, the prison may play a significant role due to not being featured prominently in recent film adaptations. This series serves as an origin story for Pennywise the Clown (played by Bill Skarsgård), set in Derry during the 1960s. Given that one of the victims’ stepfathers had previously served time at Shawshank, and considering the need to create fresh content for the series, it might delve into this recognizable setting more extensively.

Based on statements from producer Andy Muschietti, the main basis for this series is the interlude chapters of the book “It”. By presenting the story chronologically, these episodes aim to clarify and expand upon events not fully explored in the movies. This unique approach will result in a different experience compared to the novel, offering a fresh perspective on familiar content.

As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve always been captivated by Stephen King’s frequent nods to Shawshank Prison in his stories and novels since 1982. Yet, it has remained an untapped setting for a fresh narrative until the TV series Castle Rock came along, weaving it into the eerie supernatural events that resonate throughout King’s oeuvre. In his own narratives, King masterfully interweaves recurring locations and self-references, creating intricate connections that often surprise us subtly. The imminent series adaptation of The Dark Tower will undoubtedly make it crucial to decipher these hidden threads as they unfold.

For now, the series titled “IT” welcomes you to Derry, where it holds its own set of enigmas. You can catch its premiere in October on HBO Max.

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2025-07-27 22:39