Dive into a chilling web of connections that could redefine your favorite Stephen King tales—because HBO's It: Welcome to Derry isn't just a prequel; it's a gateway to the eerie threads linking his entire universe!
As a precursor to the 2017 film It and its 2019 sequel It Chapter Two, this HBO series bridges significant narrative gaps, making it essential viewing for die-hard fans of Stephen King's books. And this is the part most people miss: it plunges deeper into what fans call the 'macroverse'—that's King's expansive interconnected world of stories, where characters and events from one novel subtly influence others, creating a rich tapestry of horror. For instance, think of it as a literary puzzle where every piece fits together in unexpected ways, and Welcome to Derry promises to reveal those hidden links. One standout example is the character Dick Hallorann, famous as the head chef at the haunted Overlook Hotel in The Shining, but with deep roots in the cursed town of Derry. In this 1962-set series, he's brought to life by Chris Chalk, an actor you might recognize from his roles as a young Lucius Fox in Fox's Gotham or as Paul Drake in HBO's short-lived Perry Mason reboot.
But here's where it gets controversial: What on earth is Dick Hallorann up to in Derry? True aficionados of King's work will recall that the character pops up in the original It novel, and for Chalk, fielding questions about it has turned into a playful test of fan loyalty. During a New York Comic Con panel, as reported by Entertainment Weekly, he quipped, 'When folks ask me that, I just say, "You haven't cracked open the book! Are you really a big fan?"'
To help newcomers understand, let's break this down: Hallorann first appeared in King's 1977 novel The Shining, where he shares a profound telepathic bond with young Danny Torrance, helping him navigate the horrors of the Overlook. In Stanley Kubrick's iconic 1980 film adaptation, he's embodied by the legendary Scatman Crothers, serving as a wise mentor. Fast-forward to King's 1986 novel It, and we discover Hallorann's ties to Derry during the era Welcome to Derry explores, positioning him as a key figure in the new series. This version paints a starkly different picture from what fans are used to—more raw and less polished.
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Indeed, Hallorann is woven into Derry's dark history. The show, directed by Andy and Barbara Muschietti (the duo behind the two It films), aims to build on their previous storytelling. As Andy shared with SFX Magazine, 'I want viewers to realize that everything we've seen in It is merely the surface of a much larger iceberg.' That means not only exploring the broader Stephen King universe but also zooming in on local connections, with Hallorann's character as a prime example. Over the years, Hallorann has been portrayed by various actors: Melvin Van Peebles in ABC's 1997 The Shining miniseries, and Carl Lumbly as his ghostly form in the 2019 Doctor Sleep film, which cleverly blends Kubrick's and King's visions. Now, HBO delivers a fourth on-screen iteration. For It enthusiasts, recall that Hallorann etched himself into Derry's lore by co-founding the Black Spot bar. When a racist mob destroys it, he uses his 'Shining' powers—essentially telepathy and extrasensory abilities—to save survivors, including Will Hanlon, father of Mike Hanlon, who later joins the Losers' Club in It.
Before Welcome to Derry aired, reports confirmed that the Black Spot incident would be adapted in the series, aligning with its emphasis on Derry's racial tensions, as teased in the trailer. This not only highlights Hallorann's importance but also sets up intriguing explorations of prejudice and fear. But here's where it gets controversial: By spotlighting these themes, does the show risk oversimplifying complex social issues in a horror context, or does it add depth to King's narratives? Many might argue it enhances the storytelling, but others could see it as a bold, potentially divisive choice.
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At the NYCC panel, Chris Chalk offered insights into his portrayal of a younger, edgier Hallorann. 'This version shows a rougher side,' Chalk explained, 'where Dick views Derry's folks as out of touch and holds little respect for them—that's his journey.' He added, 'The Hallorann you're familiar with is incredibly kind... but good luck dealing with this one!' As for what drew him to Derry beforehand, Chalk kept it cryptic: 'Dick's here because he messed up big time—that's the honest truth. Watch the show, and it'll click.' This iteration depicts Hallorann grappling with personal demons, far from the supportive guide in The Shining. As Chalk described, 'He's at a point where his relationship with his inner self and spiritual side is turbulent, and his greatest fear is losing control to himself.'
Given that fear is the beating heart of It, Hallorann's inclusion fits seamlessly. The series tackles the theme through Pennywise, reprised by Bill Skarsgård, as well as Derry's societal tensions, where locals wield fear as a weapon. Hallorann serves as a perfect lens for these ideas—almost as if the Muschiettis couldn't have excluded him without leaving a glaring hole. To illustrate, imagine fear not just as a monster under the bed, but as internalized struggles and external prejudices that shape lives, much like Hallorann's arc.
Mark your calendars: The series premieres on HBO on October 26, 2025. Does this fresh take on Dick Hallorann revolutionize your view of Stephen King's interconnected worlds, or do you prefer his more heroic portrayals? And what about the show's handling of racial themes—does it spark important conversations, or does it lean too heavily on controversy for effect? We'd love to hear your thoughts—agree or disagree, share in the comments below!
