Imagine a world where your favorite horror stories aren't just standalone tales—they're all secretly connected in a vast web of terror and humanity. That's the thrilling promise of HBO's It: Welcome to Derry, and it's about to blow your mind with its ties to Stephen King's universe.
As a precursor to the blockbuster films It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019), this new HBO series bridges the gaps left by those iconic movies. It's essential viewing for anyone who loves Stephen King's books, diving deep into what fans call the 'macroverse'—think of it like a giant puzzle where all his stories interlock in unexpected ways. For instance, take Dick Hallorann, the wise head chef from The Shining who senses young Danny Torrance's psychic gift, or 'Shining.' But here's where it gets controversial: Hallorann isn't just a cameo; his roots run deep in Derry, the cursed town at the heart of It. In this 1962-set series, he's portrayed by Chris Chalk, the actor who brought life to Lucius Fox in Gotham and Paul Drake in the short-lived Perry Mason reboot.
And this is the part most people miss—why is Hallorann showing up in Derry? True aficionados might recall him from King's original It novel, and actor Chris Chalk has a playful way of calling out the uninitiated. During a panel at New York Comic Con, as reported by Entertainment Weekly, he quipped, 'When folks ask that, I say, "You skipped the book! Not a real fan, huh?"' It's a fun nod to how the stories overlap, but it also hints at deeper layers that casual viewers might overlook.
Hallorann first appeared in King's 1977 novel The Shining, where he mentors Danny amidst the horrors of the haunted Overlook Hotel. Scatman Crothers brought him to life in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film adaptation, playing that supportive role. Fast-forward to 1986's It, and we discover Hallorann was an active part of Derry's community during the era of Welcome to Derry. This means the series will feature a radically different take on the character—one that's far from the polished mentor we know.
But does reimagining Hallorann as a flawed, younger man change how we see Stephen King's heroes? The show, directed by Andy and Barbara Muschietti (the team behind the It films), aims to expand the narrative. Andy shared with SFX Magazine, 'I want viewers to realize that what they've seen in It is only the surface of something much larger.' We're talking a richer exploration of King's interconnected universe, with local Derry ties like Hallorann's story shining through.
Hallorann hasn't stayed the same across adaptations. Melvin Van Peebles took on the role in ABC's 1997 The Shining miniseries, while Carl Lumbly depicted his spirit in 2019's Doctor Sleep, which reconciled Kubrick's vision with King's. Now, HBO gives us a fourth Hallorann, tying into It's lore. As book readers know, he became integral to Derry's history by co-founding the Black Spot bar, a haven for the town's Black community. When white supremacists torch the bar, Hallorann uses his psychic powers to save lives, including Will Hanlon—father of Mike Hanlon, who later joins the Losers' Club in It.
Before Welcome to Derry premiered, spoilers revealed the Black Spot incident would be adapted, aligning with the show's focus on Derry's racial divides. Check out the trailer for glimpses of this tension. It underscores Hallorann's prominence, and now, with Chalk's insights, we know what to expect.
Here's the controversy that might divide fans: Is Hallorann's rougher edge a refreshing update or a betrayal of his classic kindness? At NYCC, Chalk described his young Hallorann as 'rough around the edges,' disdainful of Derry's quaint folks, saying, 'Dick thinks they're all corny. He respects none of them—that's his journey.' He contrasts this with the familiar nice guy: 'The Dick you know is super nice... Good luck with this one.' Chalk hints at Hallorann's presence in Derry stemming from a mistake: 'Dick is here because Dick messed up, plain and simple. Watch the show and it'll click.' This version wrestles with inner demons, far from the nurturing figure in The Shining. As Chalk explains, he's 'at a point where he struggles with his inner self, his spiritual side, and his greatest fear is himself and losing control.'
Fear is central to It, embodied by Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård reprises the role), but also through Derry's racial strife, where locals weaponize terror. Hallorann offers a perfect lens for this, making his inclusion in the prequel a no-brainer for the Muschiettis.
What do you think—does exploring a more troubled Hallorann add depth to King's world, or does it risk overshadowing his heroic legacy? Could this portrayal spark debates about how we adapt beloved characters? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree, disagree, or have a different take?
Catch the premiere episode on HBO this October 26, 2025. To help beginners, remember: Stephen King's 'macroverse' is like a shared reality where characters pop up in multiple stories, adding layers of connection and intrigue—just imagine if familiar faces from your favorite movies kept showing up in new adventures!
