The latest trailer for IT: Welcome to Derry episode 3 unveils a strong link to one of Stephen King's favorite adaptations of his work. Set 27 years before the events of the original IT movie, the series explores the eerie town of Derry, filled with references to King's universe.
Among familiar faces, the show features Dick Halloran (Chris Chalk), a character known from The Shining, along with numerous Stephen King Easter eggs. The trailer introduces a chilling moment involving Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), who, after being arrested, faces the question:
“Do you know what they do to kiddy-killers in Shawshank?”
This alludes to Shawshank, the titular prison in King's 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, later made into an acclaimed film.
During Halloran’s mission, he is haunted by visions of a carnival barker repeating the phrase:
“Step right up.”
This eerie refrain grows more menacing as the trailer progresses, adding to the suspense.
Author's summary: The episode 3 trailer deepens the series' ties to Stephen King's universe, blending suspenseful new plot twists with iconic references like Shawshank and The Shining.