The upcoming prequel series, It: Welcome to Derry, will significantly expand the universe of Stephen King’s works by establishing connections to two iconic films: The Shining and The Shawshank Redemption. Scheduled to premiere on October 26, 2025, on HBO Max, the series aims to delve into the origins of Pennywise, the infamous clown from the original It films.
Series creators Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti confirmed during an interview at New York Comic-Con on October 9 that Dick Hallorann, the head chef from the Overlook Hotel in The Shining, will feature prominently in the narrative. Portrayed by Chris Chalk, this version of Hallorann will work at The Black Spot, a location integral to King’s It novel. The inclusion of Hallorann suggests that the supernatural “Shining” ability may play a vital role in unraveling the dark history of Derry and the emergence of Pennywise.
In addition to Hallorann’s character, the series also hints at a connection to The Shawshank Redemption. A trailer revealed a prison bus marked with the Shawshank logo, initially perceived as a mere Easter egg. However, Andy Muschietti clarified that one character in Welcome to Derry will be wrongfully accused and sent to Shawshank Prison. The timelines of the two stories align, raising intriguing possibilities about encounters between this character and the well-known figures of Red and Andy from The Shawshank Redemption. Muschietti teased the audience with the question, “But the question is, does he arrive to Shawshank?”
The concept of a shared universe is not new for Stephen King adaptations. Previous works, such as The Dark Tower, have linked characters and elements across different stories. Jake Chambers possesses “the Shine,” a direct connection to The Shining and Doctor Sleep. References to the Overlook Hotel and other King works have also appeared in films like Misery and Dolores Claiborne, further intertwining these narratives.
Through Welcome to Derry, the Muschiettis are set to continue this tradition, crafting a cohesive cinematic universe where these tales coexist within the same timeline. As they explore Derry’s chilling past and the origins of its notorious clown, fans can expect a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
With its blend of horror and mystery, It: Welcome to Derry promises to captivate both loyal fans of Stephen King and newcomers alike. As the premiere date approaches, audiences are eager to witness how these beloved stories will intertwine and expand the lore surrounding one of horror’s most enduring characters.
