IT: Welcome to Derry Episode 3 Trailer Reveals a Major Stephen King Connection
A familiar Stephen King location resurfaces in the trailer for episode 3 of IT: Welcome to Derry. This prequel series is set 27 years before the events of the original IT movie, expanding on the dark history of Derry and weaving in threads from across King’s universe.
Link to King’s Favorite Adaptation
The trailer uncovers a striking reference to one of Stephen King’s most cherished film adaptations. After his arrest, Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider) is asked a chilling question:
“Do you know what they do to kiddy-killers in Shawshank?”
This mention of Shawshank directly ties the show to King's 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, which inspired the acclaimed movie adaptation.
Plot Developments in Episode 3
Hank, framed for the killings seen at the end of episode 1, becomes the target of Derry’s fear. Determined to prove his innocence, Lilly Bainbridge (Clara Stack) joins forces with Ronnie Grogan (Amanda Christine). They enlist Will Hanlon (Blake Cameron James), whose scientific knowledge might uncover the truth.
Halloran’s Return and Haunting Visions
Dick Halloran (Chris Chalk), known from The Shining, is drawn deeper into the supernatural events of Derry. Taken into the air to help the military locate a mysterious weapon, he experiences disturbing visions of a carnival barker repeating an eerie phrase:
“Step right up.”
This refrain echoes throughout the trailer, hinting at new horrors waiting beneath Derry’s surface.
Stephen King’s Universe Expands
The series continues to build a shared world rich with Easter eggs for longtime fans, blending familiar faces and haunting new stories from the master of horror’s imagination.
Author’s summary: Episode 3 of IT: Welcome to Derry deepens the story’s ties to Stephen King’s world, revealing a chilling link to The Shawshank Redemption amid new supernatural mysteries.