IT: Welcome To Derry Episode 3 Trailer Introduces Connection To Stephen King's Favorite Movie Adaptation Of All Time

IT: Welcome to Derry Episode 3 Trailer Reveals Link to Stephen King's Favorite Adaptation

A familiar Stephen King setting makes a return. Warning: spoilers ahead for episodes 1 and 2 of IT: Welcome to Derry.

The trailer for episode 3 reveals a major connection to one of Stephen King’s most beloved film adaptations. The first season of this prequel series takes place 27 years before the events of the original IT movie. In addition to its clear ties to King’s world, the series features Dick Halloran (Chris Chalk) from The Shining and is filled with numerous Easter eggs referencing King’s works.

In a key trailer moment, the imprisoned Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider) is taunted with the question:

“Do you know what they do to kiddy-killers in Shawshank?”

This line is a direct nod to Shawshank Prison, the central location from King’s 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, which inspired the acclaimed film adaptation.

Hank, framed for the murders from episode 1, becomes the focus of his daughter Lilly Bainbridge (Clara Stack) and Ronnie Grogan (Amanda Christine), who seek to prove his innocence. They enlist the help of Will Hanlon (Blake Cameron James), relying on his scientific expertise to uncover the truth.

Meanwhile, Halloran is drawn into a military search for a lost weapon, yet he’s plagued by haunting visions of a carnival barker repeating the phrase:

“Step right up.”

The line recurs with growing menace throughout the trailer, amplifying its eerie tone and deepening the connection between King’s worlds.

Author’s Summary

The trailer for episode 3 of IT: Welcome to Derry hints at a dark tie to Shawshank Prison, expanding Stephen King’s universe through new twists and familiar terror.

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Screen Rant Screen Rant — 2025-11-02

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