Dive into a chilling revelation that shakes up everything you thought you knew about Stephen King's eerie universe – HBO's 'It: Welcome to Derry' isn't just a prequel; it's a gateway to untold connections that will leave fans reeling. As a direct precursor to the 2017 'It' film and its 2019 sequel 'It Chapter Two,' this series bridges the gaps in the original stories, offering essential viewing for anyone hooked on King's novels. But here's where it gets fascinating: the show explores the vast 'macroverse,' a web where all of King's tales intertwine in surprising ways, much like how a single thread can unravel an entire tapestry. For newcomers, think of it as King's literary multiverse – a shared world where characters from one book might pop up in another, creating layers of intrigue that deepen the horror.
One prime example shines a spotlight on Dick Hallorann, a figure immortalized as the wise head chef at the haunted Overlook Hotel in 'The Shining.' In this 1960s-set series, he's brought to life by Chris Chalk, the same actor who played a youthful Lucius Fox in Fox's 'Gotham' and Paul Drake in HBO's brief 'Perry Mason' reboot. Now, what's this iconic character doing in Derry, the cursed town at the heart of 'It'? True aficionados will recall Hallorann's nod in the original 'It' novel, and for Chalk, fielding questions about it has turned into a playful test of fandom. During a New York Comic Con panel, as reported by Entertainment Weekly, he quipped, 'When folks ask that, I just say, "Hey, you skipped the book! Not a superfan, huh?"'
Hallorann's story began in King's 1977 novel 'The Shining,' where he forms a profound connection with young Danny Torrance through their shared 'Shining' – a telepathic gift that lets them sense hidden dangers and emotions. Scatman Crothers brought him to the screen in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film adaptation, portraying him as a compassionate guide. Yet, in King's 1986 novel 'It,' we discover Hallorann's Derry ties during the era depicted in 'Welcome to Derry.' This makes him a central player here, presenting a fresh take that's worlds away from what we've seen. And this is the part most people miss: Hallorann isn't just passing through; he's woven into Derry's dark fabric.
Directed by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, the duo behind the 'It' movies, the show aims to unveil more than just surface scares. Andy shared with SFX Magazine that their goal is to make viewers feel like the films only scratched the surface, saying, 'I want the audience to sense that all they've experienced with 'It' is merely the tip of the iceberg.' This extends to the broader Stephen King-verse, but also zooms in on local ties, as seen with Hallorann's role. Over the years, Hallorann has been reimagined by different 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 balanced Kubrick's and King's visions. 'Welcome to Derry' introduces our fourth on-screen Hallorann, and for 'It' fans, his legacy in Derry is key – he co-founded the Black Spot bar, a haven for the town's Black community. When white supremacists burn it down, Hallorann leverages his Shining to save lives, including Will Hanlon, father of Mike Hanlon, who later joins the Losers' Club in 'It.'
News broke earlier that this Black Spot incident will be featured in the series, tying into its exploration of Derry's racial strife, as teased in the trailer. It underscores Hallorann's significance, and now, with Chalk's insight, we have a clearer picture. At the NYCC panel, he described his younger Hallorann as edgier and less polished: 'This Dick sees all these Derry folks as a bit phony. He doesn't admire any of them, and that's his path.' Chalk added, 'The Hallorann you know is incredibly kind... but good luck handling this one!' As for why he's in Derry before the Black Spot days, Chalk kept it cryptic: 'Dick's there because he messed up big time – that's the blunt truth. Watch the show, and it'll click.' This portrayal shows a Hallorann grappling with inner turmoil, far from the mentor who helped Danny in 'The Shining.' As Chalk explained, he's 'at a point where his connection to his inner self and spirituality is rocky, and his greatest dread is losing grip on himself.'
Fear, a cornerstone of 'It,' pulses through the series, embodied by Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård reprising his role) and amplified by Derry's racial tensions, where locals weaponize terror. Hallorann serves as the perfect lens for these themes, making his inclusion a masterstroke. Without him, the prequel would feel incomplete. But here's where it gets controversial: some might argue that reimagining Hallorann as a flawed, abrasive figure risks diluting the character's iconic warmth from 'The Shining,' potentially sparking debates on whether this darker take honors King's intent or pushes boundaries too far. After all, how do we reconcile a 'rough-around-the-edges' Hallorann with the soothing presence we've loved?
The premiere episode drops on HBO on October 26, 2025. What do you think – is this new take on Hallorann a bold evolution or a misstep in Stephen King's legacy? Do you see the racial themes in Derry as a fresh layer of horror, or does it overshadow the supernatural scares? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you're excited for the macroverse connections or have reservations about tweaking beloved characters!
