The Ringer-Verse Ringer-Verse Recommends: November 2025 (Featuring 'It: Welcome to Derry')
Nov 25, 2025
Zach Dionne, a Stephen King expert and writer, joins the discussion to delve into 'It: Welcome to Derry' and the overwhelming presence of King adaptations in Hollywood. They explore the show's craft, the thrilling danger of revealing Pennywise's origins, and the balance of horror aesthetics. Dionne shares insights on adapting King's vast work, emphasizing fidelity and the unique voice of filmmakers. They also rank upcoming adaptations for 2025 and unveil underrated gems worth watching, all while celebrating King's lasting legacy in film and TV.
01:08:25
Pennywise Origin Expands The Myth
- It: Welcome to Derry expands Pennywise lore by exploring origins and cycles rather than keeping it mysterious.
- Zach and Ben find this expansion rewarding though it risks reducing the entity's scariness.
Ancient Origins Make Pennywise Bigger
- Both hosts appreciate the cosmic/ancient angle for Pennywise, linking it to comet/alien origins and indigenous history.
- They warn too much explanation can undercut the entity's terror but enjoy the deeper mythology.
Childbirth Memory Heightens Horror Reaction
- Ben shares being in the delivery room and how childbirth imagery influenced his reaction to the show's gore.
- That personal experience made some early scenes feel especially intense for him.
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Intro
00:00 • 1min
Welcome and King conversation setup
01:00 • 2min
Initial impressions of It: Welcome to Derry
03:19 • 1min
Series setting, premise, and 1962 timeframe
04:44 • 1min
Pennywise origin and lore debate
06:00 • 2min
Childbirth imagery and horror intensity
07:41 • 2min
Writing strength, effects, and practical vs CGI
09:52 • 1min
Child cast, time jumps, and production choices
11:21 • 3min
1962 aesthetics and Cold War framing
13:55 • 1min
Military knowledge and story logistics
15:09 • 3min
Portrayal of the entity and Dick Halloran's role
18:30 • 2min
King's interconnectivity on screen
20:19 • 4min
Ranking 2025 King adaptations
24:17 • 2min
King's prolific output and adaptation appetite
26:07 • 5min
What makes a good King adaptation
31:29 • 2min
Balancing fidelity and filmmaker voice
33:58 • 4min
Stephen King adaptation Mount Rushmore
37:50 • 3min
Underrated King adaptations to watch
41:04 • 3min
King works still ripe for adaptation
43:57 • 2min
Hopes for The Dark Tower adaptation
45:31 • 4min
Closing It talk and Zach's plugs
49:40 • 34sec
Ad break
50:14 • 3min
Strength of the Few recommendation
52:51 • 1min
Batman/Deadpool crossover comic pick
53:57 • 2min
Jujutsu Kaisen Madulo shout
56:26 • 32sec
The Seance of Blake Manor game recommendation
56:58 • 5min
Jurassic World Chaos Theory pick
01:02:15 • 1min
Host wrap-up and listener recommendation
01:03:42 • 4min
Outro
01:07:57 • 54sec
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Shawshank
Stephen King
Stephen King's 'The Shawshank Redemption' is a compelling novella that tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a successful banker wrongly convicted of murdering his wife.
Sentenced to life in Shawshank Penitentiary, Andy faces brutality and despair, yet he maintains hope and resilience.
He forms a deep bond with Red, a fellow inmate, and together they navigate the harsh realities of prison life.
The story explores themes of hope, friendship, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit.
'The Shawshank Redemption' is celebrated for its powerful narrative and inspiring message of redemption.
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Apt Pupil
Stephen King
'Apt Pupil' tells the story of Todd Bowden, a bright and seemingly all-American teenager, who discovers that his neighbor, Arthur Denker, is a former Nazi war criminal.
Instead of turning him in, Todd becomes obsessed with Denker's past and demands that he recount his experiences in detail.
As their relationship deepens, both Todd and Denker descend into darkness, engaging in acts of manipulation, violence, and moral depravity.
The novella explores themes of evil, corruption, and the seductive power of violence.
Through its disturbing and suspenseful narrative, King creates a chilling portrayal of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of ordinary lives.
#12341
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Different Seasons
Stephen King
Different Seasons is a collection of four novellas by Stephen King, each with a distinct tone and character set.
The stories include 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption', 'Apt Pupil', 'The Body', and 'The Breathing Method', offering a departure from King's typical horror genre with more dramatic narratives.
These novellas have inspired films like 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'Stand By Me'.
#8035
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
The Mist
Stephen King
In 'The Mist', Stephen King crafts a terrifying tale of a small town in Maine shrouded in an unnatural mist.
The story follows David Drayton and his son Billy as they take refuge in a supermarket, only to discover that the mist conceals deadly creatures.
As tensions rise, the group must confront not only the external horrors but also the internal threat of a religious zealot, Mrs. Carmody, who preaches sacrifice as a means to appease God's wrath.
#2628
• Mentioned in 14 episodes
Misery
Stephen King
In 'Misery', bestselling novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a car accident by Annie Wilkes, his self-proclaimed number one fan.
However, Annie's obsession turns violent when she discovers that Paul has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain, in his latest book.
Annie keeps Paul captive in her isolated house, forcing him to write a new novel, 'Misery’s Return', to bring the character back to life.
The novel explores themes of captivity, writer's block, and the dark side of fandom, as Paul struggles to survive Annie's brutal and unpredictable behavior.
#14329
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Doctor Sleep
Stephen King
Doctor Sleep is a 2013 horror novel by Stephen King, serving as the sequel to his 1977 novel 'The Shining'.
The story follows Danny Torrance, now an adult, who is haunted by the ghosts of the Overlook Hotel.
Danny, who has suppressed his psychic abilities through alcoholism, eventually finds redemption through Alcoholics Anonymous and uses his powers to comfort dying patients, earning him the nickname 'Doctor Sleep'.
He must protect a young girl named Abra Stone, who possesses even stronger psychic abilities, from the True Knot, a cult that preys on children with 'the shining' to remain immortal.
The novel explores themes of addiction, redemption, and the struggle against supernatural forces.
#1099
• Mentioned in 28 episodes
It
Stephen King
Published in 1986, 'It' is a horror novel by Stephen King that follows the experiences of seven children in Derry, Maine, as they are terrorized by an evil entity known as 'It'.
The story alternates between two periods: 1958, when the children first encounter 'It', and 1985, when they reunite as adults to confront the monster once more.
'It' takes on various forms to exploit the fears of its victims, most commonly appearing as the clown Pennywise.
The novel explores themes of childhood trauma, the power of memory, and the enduring impact of evil on the lives of its victims.
It is known for its detailed world-building and the vivid depiction of the fictional town of Derry, where the story unfolds.
#27347
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Dolores Claiborne
Stephen King
Dolores Claiborne, de Stephen King, es una novela de suspense psicológico que narra la historia de Dolores, una mujer acusada de asesinar a su empleadora.
A través de flashbacks, se revela la compleja relación entre Dolores y su abusivo marido, y cómo este abuso la llevó a cometer el crimen.
La novela explora temas de violencia doméstica, abuso y la lucha por la supervivencia.
King crea una atmósfera de tensión y misterio que mantiene al lector en vilo hasta el final.
La obra destaca por su caracterización de Dolores, una mujer compleja y llena de matices, que lucha por liberarse de su pasado traumático.
La novela es un ejemplo del talento de King para combinar el terror psicológico con una profunda exploración de la condición humana.
#3239
• Mentioned in 11 episodes
Pet Sematary
Stephen King
Pet Sematary, written by Stephen King, is a horror novel that delves into the darker aspects of human nature, exploring themes of grief, loss, and the consequences of tampering with the natural order of life and death.
The story follows Dr. Louis Creed, who moves his family from Chicago to Ludlow, Maine, where he takes a job as the director of the University of Maine's campus health service.
After their cat, Church, is killed by a truck, Louis's elderly neighbor, Jud Crandall, introduces him to an ancient Indian burial ground behind the 'pet sematary' where local children bury their pets.
Despite warnings, Louis buries Church there, and the cat returns to life but is fundamentally different.
The novel takes a darker turn when Louis's young son Gage is killed by a truck, and Louis considers using the burial ground to bring him back, despite the dire consequences that have been hinted at through the story of Timmy Baterman.
The book is a profound exploration of the human fear of death and the devastating repercussions of attempting to defy it.
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Duma Key
Stephen King
The book follows Edgar Freemantle, a man who survives a severe construction accident that results in the amputation of his right arm and significant memory loss.
On the advice of his psychologist, Edgar relocates to Duma Key, an island off the Florida coast, where he begins to sketch and paint as a form of therapy.
As Edgar's art grows more powerful and eerie, he uncovers a dark history involving Elizabeth Eastlake, an elderly heiress suffering from dementia, and a malevolent entity known as Perse, who commands a ship of damned souls.
The narrative explores themes of creativity, memory, and the supernatural, highlighting the strength of human friendships in battling profound evil.
#2040
• Mentioned in 17 episodes
The Running Man
ben benson
#52474
Under the Dome
Stephen King
The novel follows the town of Chester's Mill, which is suddenly and mysteriously cut off from the outside world by an invisible, semipermeable barrier known as the Dome.
As resources dwindle and panic sets in, a power struggle ensues between Dale Barbara, a young Iraq veteran, and Big Jim Rennie, a corrupt politician who seeks to exploit the situation for his own gain.
The story unfolds over eight days, from October 21 to October 28, 2017, as the townspeople face numerous challenges and try to uncover the source of the Dome before it's too late.
#7437
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
Stand By Me
Stephen King
Stand By Me, a coming-of-age novel by Stephen King, tells the story of four boys who embark on a journey to find the body of a missing boy.
The novel explores themes of friendship, loss, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
King's masterful storytelling creates a sense of suspense and mystery, while also capturing the emotional complexities of adolescence.
The novel's exploration of the power of friendship and the challenges of growing up has resonated with readers for decades.
The film adaptation of the novel further cemented its place in popular culture.
#24298
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Institute
Stephen King
Twelve-year-old genius Luke Ellis is abducted after his parents' murder and taken to the Institute, a clandestine facility exploiting children with telepathic and telekinetic powers.
As Luke uncovers the organization's brutal experiments and mysterious 'Back Half' program, he allies with other captive children to resist their captors.
The novel explores themes of institutional cruelty, survival, and the ethical limits of using extraordinary abilities for perceived global security.
#1052
• Mentioned in 29 episodes
The Shining
Stephen King
In 'The Shining,' Stephen King tells the story of the Torrance family—Jack, Wendy, and their young son Danny—who move into the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies.
Jack, a recovering alcoholic and aspiring writer, takes the job as the hotel's winter caretaker to overcome his personal demons and reconnect with his family.
However, the hotel, with its dark and violent history, exerts a malevolent influence on Jack, exploiting his weaknesses and threatening his family.
Danny, who possesses psychic abilities known as 'the shining,' is particularly vulnerable to the hotel's supernatural forces.
As the winter isolates them, the family faces terrifying events that culminate in a tragic confrontation with the hotel's evil presence.
#1170
• Mentioned in 26 episodes
Carrie
Stephen King
Set in Chamberlain, Maine, 'Carrie' by Stephen King tells the story of Carietta 'Carrie' White, a 16-year-old girl who is ridiculed and bullied by her peers and abused by her ultra-religious mother, Margaret.
Carrie discovers she has telekinetic powers after a humiliating incident in the school locker room where she gets her first period.
The story unfolds through multiple narratives, including newspaper reports, court transcripts, and personal memoirs, detailing Carrie's transformation from a shy and isolated girl to a force of vengeance.
After being humiliated at the school prom, Carrie unleashes her powers, causing widespread destruction and death in the town.
The novel explores themes of ostracism, bullying, and the psychological trauma experienced by its characters.
#6648
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
Fairy Tale
Stephen King
#
The Monkey
Stephen King
Stephen King's "The Monkey" is a short story about a cursed toy monkey that causes a string of horrifying deaths.
The story explores themes of childhood trauma, fate, and the consequences of unchecked curiosity.
The novel features memorable characters, including the twin brothers who must confront the monkey's malevolent power.
King's masterful storytelling creates a chilling atmosphere of suspense and dread.
The novel's exploration of childhood trauma and the supernatural has made it a classic of the horror genre.
#1550
• Mentioned in 21 episodes
The long walk
Christobel Mattingley
While detailed plot information is not available, Christobel Mattingley's works often focused on themes relevant to children, such as personal growth, social issues, and environmental concerns.
'The Long Walk' likely follows this pattern, offering a story that resonates with young readers.
#6219
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
The Green Mile
Stephen King
The Green Mile is a serial novel by Stephen King that tells the story of Paul Edgecombe, the supervisor of the death row block at Cold Mountain Penitentiary, known as 'The Green Mile' due to the green linoleum floor.
The narrative switches between Paul's time as an old man in a nursing home in 1996 and his experiences in 1932.
The story centers around John Coffey, a giant of a man convicted of raping and murdering two young girls, who possesses inexplicable healing and empathetic abilities.
As the story unfolds, Paul and the other guards discover the truth about John's gift, which challenges their beliefs and leads to a series of dramatic and tragic events.
The novel explores themes of compassion, justice, and the supernatural, and is an example of magical realism.
#10003
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
The Tommyknockers
Stephen King
Stephen King's 'The Tommyknockers' is a science fiction horror novel that explores themes of alien invasion and the loss of individuality.
The story follows a group of people in a small town who discover a mysterious object that alters their minds and bodies.
The object, an alien artifact, unleashes a wave of paranoia and violence.
The novel delves into the psychological effects of alien influence and the disintegration of community.
The novel's exploration of the dangers of unchecked power and the fragility of human identity creates a disturbing and thought-provoking narrative.
We all pod down here. You'll pod, too. Recommends returns for a Thanksgiving feast! First, Ben brings on Zach Dionne to talk about 'It: Welcome to Derry,' Hollywood's obsession with Stephen King (including several new adaptations in 2025), the dos and don'ts of adapting King, the historical highs and lows, and the future of King's work on-screen. After that, other Ringer-Verse hosts and friends salute unsung releases to complete another expanded installment of the monthly roundup of fandom favorites from TV, anime, movies, video games, books, comics, and beyond that were released recently but not yet covered in-depth on a full-length episode.
(00:00) Intro
(02:38) 'It: Welcome to Derry' with Zach Dionne
(19:17) Bigger Stephen King discussion
(49:22) Van's recommendation
(50:20) Steve's recommendation
(51:30) Daniel's recommendation
(53:58) Chuck's recommendation
(54:30) Matt's recommendation
(59:48) Jomi's recommendation
(61:16) Listener recommendation
Host: Ben Lindbergh
Guests: Zach Dionne, Jomi Adeniran, Steve Ahlman, Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Matt James, and Daniel Chin
Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman
Social: Jomi Adeniran
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