Episode 3 of It: Welcome to Derry raises the tension even higher, tying directly to two of Stephen King’s most iconic stories. The new trailer deepens the eerie tone of the prequel series, offering a seamless bridge between the worlds readers know from King’s novels.
The show continues to expand on the legend of Pennywise, portrayed by Bill Skarsgård, adding layers of mystery to his past and the cursed town’s history. As one review notes:
“The show widens the story of the titular town (and clown), alongside the brutal, uncompromising violence it inflicts on the entire cast.”
Director Andy Muschietti keeps horror fans engaged with an effective mix of jump scares, bloody visuals, and Easter eggs that nod to Stephen King’s interconnected universe. However, the Episode 3 trailer raises the stakes even more by referencing two beloved King novels.
Fans of King’s work will recognize Dick Hallorann, played by Chris Chalk, who later appears as the head chef at the Overlook Hotel in The Shining. There, he encounters the young Danny Torrance and notices the boy’s psychic “shining” abilities.
In the latest teaser, the military becomes aware of Hallorann’s extraordinary talents and attempts to use them to locate the mysterious entity known as Pennywise. Another clear nod surfaces with a direct reference to The Shawshank Redemption, connecting Derry’s dark secrets to yet another corner of King’s universe.
The third episode’s trailer masterfully expands the It prequel, weaving in chilling ties to both The Shining and The Shawshank Redemption, enriching Stephen King’s vast horror mythology.