HBO’sITprequel,Welcome to Derry, will feature Derry residents from theITbook, including one fan-favorite character from another bestselling Stephen King novel. Although mostStephen King booksare hits, few are as pervasive as the 1986 bookIT. The movie adaptations ofITandIT: Chapter Twotook the world by storm, allowing fans to fall in love with the Losers Club and Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise. Luckily, fans will get a prequel to the story withIt: Welcome to Derry,which explores the origins of Pennywise and his previous terror of Derry, Maine.
HBO has remained tight-lipped about the characters in the new show, but we finally know at least one fan-favorite Stephen character will appear. AtSan Diego Comic-Con’sIt: Welcome to Derrypanel, whereScreen Rantwas present,the Muschiettis confirmed that Dick Hallorann fromThe Shiningwould be a character in the first season, played by Chris Chalk. Hallorann does have a small role in the IT book. Luckily, Andy Muschietti said that he would have a bigger role inIt: Welcome to Derry.
What Dick Hallorann’s Appearance Means
It: Welcome To Derry Will Connect To The Larger Stephen King Universe
As mentioned, Dick Hallorann fromThe Shiningis a minor character in anITinterlude, working as a cook at The Black Spot. Since the first season ofIt: Welcome to Derrycenters on the tragedy at The Black Spot, it makes sense that they would include him. However, it’s exciting to receive actual confirmation that they will connect theITprequel to the larger Stephen King universe.
Additionally, Dick Hallorann’s appearance in the prequel is bound to make Stephen King fans happy since he’s a fan favorite. The character appears in multiple books by the author, which is a high honor in itself. He has a caring and kind demeanor that makes him absolutely lovable. Plus, he puts the well-being of others ahead of himself. Because of the love for the character,It: Welcome to Derrywill be held to high standards when it comes to getting Dick right.
Our Take On Dick Hallorann Appearing in HBO’s IT Prequel
Another Major Stephen King Character Needs To Appear Too
While Dick Hallorann appears in theITbook, the Muschiettis just as easily could have removed the character to maintain focus on the Hanlons. Only fans of the book would have noticed the change, and it wouldn’t have impacted the story all that much. However, the fact that they chose to include Dick Hallorann makes me hopeful thatIt: Welcome to Derrywill include even more connections to the bigger Stephen King universe.
The first trailer for the show already mentioned “the turtle,” but I figured that was just an Easter egg. Since they’re tying the story into The Shining, I’m hopeful that theITprequel will also connect it with Maturin fromThe Dark Tower. Although he’s called “The Turtle” instead of Maturin in theITbook, the two characters are one and the same. He plays a big role in the novel, so it would be great to see him onscreen inIt: Welcome to Derry.
