WITH Ono: Welcome to Derry is set to debut on HBO and HBO Max, you might be wondering what to watch before the prequel. Yes, it's worth revisiting the book by series co-creator Andy Muschietti. This And It: Chapter 2 movies. Surprisingly, this isn't the most important Stephen King adaptation to check out before jumping into this terrible new series.
Bye Welcome to Derry is a prequel to This films, there are also Easter eggs and references to other corners of King's universe. However, the most important one is much more than just a quick reference guide. Instead, it is one of the show's main characters.
Chris Chalk (English)Gotham) Dick Hallorann plays herea name that King fans are likely familiar with, although not from any adaptation This. Instead, Hallorann is the main character in Shineboth King's original story and Stanley Kubrick's film, in which he is played by Scatman Crothers. In this story, Hallorann introduces us to the concept of the Shining, the telepathic abilities he shares with the young Danny Torrance in this film.
This isn't just a gimmick for an HBO show. Hallorann appears several times in King's novels. IN This (book) he plays a minor role in the story of Derry, told in flashbacks. (He also appears in Doctor Sleepdirect sequel to King Shinewhich was adapted into a film by Mike Flanagan, where the character is played by Carl Lumbly.)
What is a creative team Welcome to Derry did honor how Halloran is drawn at King's This novel while expanding it to make it an integral part of the story. Unlike the wise middle-aged chef, ShineHalloran in Ono: Welcome to Derry is a young army chef who is not yet aware of his abilities. He was tasked by the military to hunt down the entity known as It, pushing the limits of his abilities. This is in stark contrast to the Dick we knew from his role in the Overlook Hotel in Shinewhich happens approximately 44 years later. (We carried out mathematical calculations and Thiscontinuity, Shine takes place in 2006. Danny Torrance is the Gen Z of this world.)
You could even say that King planned it that way. This was originally published in 1986, almost ten years after its release Shine novel (1977) and six years after Kubrick's film was released in 1980. King knew how Halloran's life would end and used it to sketch out the character's backstory.
I'm watching Shine before you plunge into Welcome to Derry offers a similar experience. This makes every scene that Halloran appears in that much more meaningful as it not only gives more insight into the character but is also a great illustration of how powerful he is. We know that evil forces primarily torment children, so seeing an adult with Hallorann's powers tremble in fear hits that much deeper.
So if you're looking for a way to prepare for Welcome to DerryDebuts Sunday on HBO, miss it This And It: Chapter 2. Instead go to HBO Max and broadcast Shine. (Or read a book if you prefer.) But whatever you do, just don't watch the series created by King. mini-series adaptation Shine. It's horrible.
