HBO's 'It: Welcome to Derry' Unveils a New Dimension to the Stephen King Universe
The highly anticipated prequel to the 2017 and 2019 film adaptations of Stephen King's iconic novel, 'It', is set to premiere on HBO. This series, titled 'It: Welcome to Derry', promises to delve deeper into the intricate web of King's interconnected stories, known as the 'macroverse'. One intriguing aspect of this prequel is the exploration of the character Dick Hallorann, who is deeply intertwined with both 'The Shining' and the town of Derry.
Dick Hallorann, a central figure in 'The Shining', is portrayed by Chris Chalk in 'It: Welcome to Derry'. The character's presence in Derry is shrouded in mystery, as he was never explicitly mentioned in the original 'It' novel. During a New York Comic Con panel, Chalk revealed that explaining Hallorann's role in Derry often sparks curiosity among fans, especially those who haven't read the book. This character's backstory is a fascinating one, as he originated in King's 1977 novel 'The Shining', forming a unique bond with Danny Torrance due to their telepathic abilities.
In 'It', released in 1986, Hallorann is depicted as a member of the Derry community during the era when 'Welcome to Derry' is set. This portrayal offers a fresh perspective on the character, diverging from his mentor-like role in 'The Shining' and Stanley Kubrick's adaptation. The show's creators, Andy and Barbara Muschietti, who also directed the 'It' films, aim to expand the narrative, as Andy Muschietti stated, 'What I want the audience to feel is that everything they know about It is just the tip of the iceberg.'
Dick Hallorann's connection to Derry goes beyond the pages of King's novels. He co-founded the town's Black Spot bar, a pivotal location in the story. The bar's tragic fate at the hands of a white supremacist group sets the stage for Hallorann's involvement in rescuing survivors, including Will Hanlon, the father of Mike Hanlon, a member of The Loser's Club in 'It'. This sequence, known as the Black Spot, is a significant part of the new series, reflecting the racial tensions in Derry and the use of fear as an intimidation tactic by local residents.
Chris Chalk offers a unique take on Hallorann's character, describing a younger, more flawed version of the character. He explains, 'Dick thinks all of these [Derry residents] are corny. He doesn't respect a single one of them, and that's the journey of Dick.' This Dick Hallorann is far from the nurturing figure seen in 'The Shining'. Instead, he is grappling with internal struggles, a stark contrast to the mentor he became in the Overlook Hotel. Chalk's portrayal highlights Hallorann's fear of losing control, a central theme in 'It' that is explored through Pennywise, played by Bill Skarsgard.
The premiere episode of 'It: Welcome to Derry' is set to air on HBO on October 26, 2025, marking a significant addition to the Stephen King universe and offering fans a deeper exploration of the interconnected stories that have captivated audiences worldwide.
