An upcoming show based on a renownedStephen Kingnovel has confirmed its connection to one of his most acclaimed 31-year-old horror movies. Although subtle links between several King’s stories have previously been noticed, this new revelation seems intentional and adds an intriguing piece of lore to the upcoming show’s overarching narrative.
2025 has already been a great year forStephen King adaptationson both the big and small screens. While many movies, likeThe MonkeyandThe Life of Chuck, based on his stories have earned high critical acclaim, even shows, likeThe Institute, have been appreciated for presenting compelling takes on his work.
While only time will tell whether this trend will continue for the rest of the year, an upcoming TV adaptation of Stephen King’s most popular work already seems to be showing immense potential. As its trailers suggest, it not only looks absolutely terrifying but also cross-references to another famous and acclaimedStephen King movie.
IT: Welcome To Derry’s Trailer Confirms The Inclusion Of The Shawshank State Prison
The Prison Is The Primary Setting For The Shawshank Redemption
In a brief sequence fromIT: Welcome To Derry’s trailer, viewers may notice that it features a bus that has “Shawshank State Prison” written on it.This is a direct reference to Stephen King’sThe Shawshank Redemptionand its movie adaptation, both of which primarily take place in the titular prison facility.
Given howThe Shawshank Redemptionis one ofStephen King’s few non-horror stories, many viewers might find it strange thatIT: Welcome to Derryincludes its central prison. Some might even question why a horror show would even bother drawing connections to a non-horror movie’s setting.
The prison is one of the many narrative devices that have appeared in multiple Stephen King stories, suggesting that its appearance in the upcoming show is just a fun nod to a recurring element from King’s line of work.
However,this reference likely means nothing because even in Stephen King’s original novel,It, the Shawshank Prison has been mentioned quite a few times. The prison is one of the many narrative devices that have appeared in multiple Stephen King stories, suggesting that its appearance in the upcoming show is just a fun nod to a recurring element from King’s line of work.
Andy & Red Are Still In Shawshank During IT: Welcome To Derry Season 1’s Timeline
The Show’s Timeline Aligns With The Movie’s
After seeing the Shawshank Prison bus inIT: Welcome to Derry’s trailer, it becomes hard not to think about Morgan Freeman’s iconic line from the 1994 film: “I didn’t think much of Andy Dufresne the first time I saw him.” Interestingly,IT: Welcome to Derry’s timeline seems to align with that of the highly acclaimed film.
The show is set somewhere in the 1960s, and Tim Robbins' Andy does not escape the facility until 1975. This would mean that Andy and Red are both in Shawshank Prison during the events of theStephen Kingshow. Although this is a fun bit of trivia,IT: Welcome to Derrywill likely have no other connections withThe Shawshank Redemption.
It: Welcome to Derry
IT: Welcome to Derry serves as a prequel to the IT films, exploring the origins of Pennywise the Clown. Set in the 1960s, this installment dives into the backdrop of Derry, unveiling the dark history and circumstances surrounding the infamous creature.
The Shawshank Redemption
Cast
The Shawshank Redemption follows Andy Dufresne, a banker sentenced to life in Shawshank prison for the murder of his wife and her lover. While incarcerated, he befriends fellow inmate Red and uses his financial skills to assist the corrupt warden, all while maintaining his hope and integrity.
