The IT: Welcome to Derry episode 3 trailer reveals a significant Stephen King movie connection, tying the prequel series closer to King’s broader universe. Set 27 years before the original IT movie, this season explores events in Derry while introducing familiar faces and references to King’s works.
Familiar Characters and Easter Eggs from Stephen King’s Universe
Beyond direct links to the IT novel and films, Welcome to Derry features Dick Halloran, portrayed by Chris Chalk, a character originally from The Shining. The series includes numerous Stephen King Easter eggs that deepen the viewer’s connection to the wider King mythology. One notable reference occurs when Hank Grogan, played by Stephen Rider, is asked while imprisoned,
Do you know what they do to kiddy-killers in Shawshank?
This line points to the famous location from King’s novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, later adapted into an acclaimed film.
Plot Developments in Episode Three
Hank Grogan faces accusations for the deaths seen at the end of episode one, prompting Lilly Bainbridge (Clara Stack) to seek help from Will Hanlon (Blake Cameron James), relying on his scientific skills to prove Hank’s innocence. Meanwhile, Dick Halloran is taken on a military operation to locate a weapon, but he experiences haunting visions involving a carnival barker whose repeated phrase, Step right up, grows increasingly unsettling. The trailer concludes with Halloran seemingly encountering Pennywise, portrayed by Bill Skarsgård, marked by the creature’s glowing eyes.
Anticipation Builds for Upcoming Episodes
This latest preview expands the narrative by linking IT: Welcome to Derry with other beloved Stephen King stories while advancing character arcs and mysteries. The intertwining references to King’s past works emphasize the layered storytelling approach, promising that the series will continue to explore both familiar and new angles within Derry’s dark history.
