IT: Welcome To Derry Episode 3 Trailer Connects to Stephen King's Favorite Adaptation
The trailer for IT: Welcome to Derry episode 3 reveals a strong link to one of Stephen King's most beloved movie adaptations. Set 27 years before the original IT film, this prequel explores the town of Derry with numerous references to King’s works.
Stephen King Easter Eggs and Characters
Alongside familiar connections to IT’s films and novel, the series introduces Dick Halloran (played by Chris Chalk), a character from The Shining. The trailer is rich with subtle nods and Easter eggs related to King’s universe.
Reference to Shawshank Redemption
In the episode 3 trailer, after Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider) is arrested, he is asked,
“Do you know what they do to kiddy-killers in Shawshank?”
This is a direct reference to Shawshank, the prison from King's 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, famously adapted into a critically acclaimed film.
Plot Developments
- Hank Grogan is framed for deaths that occurred at the end of episode 1.
- Lilly Bainbridge (Clara Stack) teams up with Ronnie Grogan (Amanda Christine) to prove Hank's innocence.
- They seek help from Will Hanlon (Blake Cameron James), who uses his scientific skills to assist them.
Halloran's Ominous Visions
Meanwhile, Dick Halloran is taken into the air to search for a weapon sought by the military. He is haunted by persistent visions of a carnival barker repeatedly saying,
“Step right up.”
This phrase becomes an unsettling motif throughout the trailer, hinting at darker events to come.
Author's summary: The episode 3 trailer deepens IT: Welcome to Derry’s ties to Stephen King’s universe, weaving in Shining and Shawshank Redemption references while advancing the mystery and suspense.