HBO’s upcoming series, It: Welcome to Derry, promises to delve into the haunting origins of Pennywise the Clown, portrayed by Bill Skarsgård, set in the tumultuous 1960s. But could it also serve as a hidden prequel to another iconic horror narrative: The Shining?
Set in 1962, this series occurs 27 years prior to the events depicted in the 2017 film IT and its 2019 sequel, IT: Chapter Two. The show will meticulously explore the dark history of Derry, Maine, unveiling the essence of Pennywise and highlighting how this malevolent figure influenced the town.
Recently released trailers have ignited fan speculation regarding the adaptation of some chilling episodes from Stephen King’s original narratives. Should the series garner enough acclaim for additional seasons, it may further detail Pennywise’s manifestations by looking back another 27 years into Derry’s unsettling history.
Connecting Threads: Dick Hallorann from The Shining
In addition to the return of Pennywise, a significant character from The Shining, Dick Hallorann, will also be featured prominently. Fans of horror cinema will recall Hallorann portrayed by Scatman Crothers in Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation, and later by Carl Lumbly in Doctor Sleep. Known as the talented chef at the Overlook Hotel, Hallorann shared telepathic powers similar to those of Danny Torrance.
In It: Welcome to Derry, actor Chris Chalk steps into the role of a younger Dick Hallorann. This version of Hallorann is pivotal as he is the founder of the Black Spot, a bar established by African American soldiers stationed at a nearby airbase, and he was present during its tragic destruction by a racist group.
Chalk shared insights with Entertainment Weekly, stating, “The beauty of Dick Hallorann is he is not gonna die in this show because he’s got to get to the Overlook. We already know who he is as an older man, where the shine is more controlled. No one knows this dude at this reference point. I got to create what I thought he was based on what was written.”
The exploration of Hallorann’s telepathic abilities will be crucial to the storyline, with Chalk noting that his character undergoes a significant struggle with these powers.“Dick will eviscerate anybody to get what he needs at this stage of his life. Not a lot of connections, not a lot of concern for anyone, children included. Just doesn’t care, ”he explained.
Chalk added, “It’s the time period. It’s already oppressive enough for Black people, so then a Black dude who can read everybody’s mind and see terrible things—forget about it! He’s really made his world very, very, very small.”
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