Prepare to have your mind blown: HBO's upcoming series, "It: Welcome to Derry," isn't just a prequel; it's a hidden doorway connecting the terrifying world of Pennywise to another iconic Stephen King masterpiece, "The Shining." But here's where it gets controversial... this connection hinges on a character you might already know and love, Dick Hallorann.
Most fans remember Hallorann as the kind-hearted head chef of the Overlook Hotel, who uses his telepathic abilities to protect young Danny Torrance. But what if I told you his story started in the sinister town of Derry?
In "It: Welcome to Derry," Chris Chalk (known for his roles in "Gotham" and "Perry Mason") steps into the shoes of a younger Dick Hallorann. This isn't the wise mentor we remember; this is a man grappling with his own demons, long before he ever set foot in the Overlook. As Chalk himself put it, "Dick is in Derry because Dick f****d up, and that's the truth."
What exactly did Hallorann mess up? Well, you'll have to watch to find out! But trust me, it's a game-changer.
For those who haven't delved into the depths of Stephen King's "It" novel, Hallorann's presence in Derry might seem like a stretch. But any real fan will surely know that the character is mentioned in the original "It" novel. As Chris Chalk jokingly pointed out at New York Comic Con, querying his presence in Derry is akin to admitting you haven't truly explored the source material.
Hallorann's origins are rooted in King's 1977 novel, "The Shining," where he forms a powerful bond with Danny Torrance. Famously portrayed by Scatman Crothers in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film adaptation, Hallorann served as Danny's guide and protector. However, "It," published in 1986, reveals that Hallorann was a resident of Derry during the time frame of "Welcome to Derry." This makes him a significant figure in the new series, offering a fresh perspective on the character.
Andy and Barbara Muschietti, the masterminds behind the "It" films, are at the helm of "Welcome to Derry." Their mission? To expand the universe they've already created and reveal the interconnectedness of Stephen King's vast literary landscape. 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."
And this is the part most people miss... Hallorann's connection to Derry isn't just a cameo; it's a crucial element of the town's history and the overarching narrative of good versus evil.
Over the years, Hallorann has been brought to life by various actors, including Melvin Van Peebles in ABC's 1997 "The Shining" miniseries and Carl Lumbly as a ghostly apparition in the 2019 film "Doctor Sleep." "Welcome to Derry" will introduce us to the fourth on-screen iteration of Hallorann.
One pivotal event in Hallorann's Derry past is his co-founding of the Black Spot, a bar that becomes a target of racial hatred. When a white supremacist group burns it down, Hallorann uses his "Shining" abilities to rescue survivors, including Will Hanlon, the father of future Losers' Club member, Mike Hanlon. This sequence, already confirmed to be part of the new series, highlights the racial tensions simmering beneath Derry's surface.
Chalk's portrayal promises a Hallorann unlike any we've seen before. He's described as cynical, jaded, and far from the nurturing figure we associate with the Overlook Hotel. "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," Chalk explained. This Hallorann is battling his own inner demons, struggling with control, and facing his deepest fears.
The inclusion of Hallorann in "Welcome to Derry" isn't just fan service; it's a strategic move to explore the core themes of fear, prejudice, and the battle against inner darkness. With Pennywise returning (played by Bill Skarsgard), alongside the exploration of racial tensions within Derry, Hallorann serves as a vital lens through which to examine these complex issues.
"Welcome to Derry" premieres on HBO on October 26, 2025.
But here's a thought: Could Hallorann's experiences in Derry, particularly the trauma of the Black Spot incident, be a catalyst for his later empathy and wisdom at the Overlook Hotel? Is this series setting him up to be a tragic hero who learns from his mistakes? What do you think? Will this prequel deepen your appreciation for both "It" and "The Shining," or do you believe some connections are best left unexplored? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
