27 Interesting Facts About the Shawshank Redemption That Will Leave You Wanting More

By Emily Thompson
July 15, 2024
10:41 GMT-0830

Welcome, Shawshank fans! If you’ve ever been captivated by Andy Dufresne’s journey and his friendship with Red, you’re in for a treat. “The Shawshank Redemption” is not just a movie; it’s full of hidden details, fascinating stories, and remarkable trivia that deepen our love for this classic.

In this article, we’ll uncover 27 intriguing facts about the film. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the Shawshank family, these facts will leave you wanting more. Dive in and discover the secrets behind one of the most beloved movies of all time!

The Movie’s Origins and Development

1. The Movie is Based on a Novella by Stephen King

The film “The Shawshank Redemption” is based on Stephen King’s novella “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption,” published in 1982 in his short story collection “Different Seasons.” Two other stories from this collection, “Stand By Me” (1986) and “Apt Pupil” (1998), were also made into films.

2. Stephen King Never Cashed Darabont’s Check

Stephen King sold the rights to his novella for $1,000 to Frank Darabont. He never cashed the check, instead framing it and sending it back to Darabont with a note: “In case you ever need bail money. Love, Steve.”

3. The Title Was Shortened from the Novella

The original novella was titled “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption.” It was shortened for the film to avoid confusion, as some thought it was a biopic about Rita Hayworth.

4. Frank Darabont Wrote the Script in Eight Weeks

Darabont wrote the script in eight weeks and dropped “Rita Hayworth” from the title to avoid confusion. The movie was shot in just 33 days.

Casting Choices and Trivia

5. Morgan Freeman Wasn’t the Only Option for Red

In the novella, Red is a white Irishman with red hair. Actors like Clint Eastwood and Harrison Ford were considered for the role, but Frank Darabont always envisioned Morgan Freeman for the part.

6. Tom Hanks Missed the Chance to Play Andy Dufresne

Tom Hanks was offered the role of Andy Dufresne but turned it down due to scheduling conflicts with “Forrest Gump.” He later worked with Darabont on “The Green Mile,” another King adaptation.

7. The Mugshot of a Young Red Isn’t Morgan Freeman

When you see a young Red in the mugshots, it’s actually Morgan Freeman’s son, Alfonso Freeman. He even has a small part in the movie, shouting ‘Fresh fish!’ with the other inmates.

Columbia Pictures

8. Frank Darabont’s Hands and Feet Make a Cameo

In close-up shots of Andy’s hands loading the revolver and carving his name into the wall, you’re not seeing Tim Robbins’ hands. Those are actually the hands of Frank Darabont, the director, who wanted to make sure these scenes were perfect.

Columbia Pictures

Filming Challenges and Behind-the-Scenes Facts

9. The Baseball Throwing Scene Took 9 Hours to Film

The scene where Red is throwing a baseball while talking to Andy took nine hours to film. Morgan Freeman kept throwing the ball the entire time, and his arm was in a sling the next day.

Columbia Pictures

10. A Maggot That Had Died of Natural Causes Was Used

The American Humane Society oversaw the filming and objected to using a live maggot in one scene. The crew had to find a maggot that had died naturally to complete the scene.

11. Clancy Brown Refused Guidance from Real Prison Guards

Clancy Brown, who played Captain Hadley, was offered the chance to work with real prison guards to perfect his character but declined. He didn’t want to give real guards a bad name since his character was so evil.

12. Morgan Freeman Recorded His Voiceover Before Any Film Was Shot

Morgan Freeman’s voiceover was originally recorded before filming started. On set, his voiceover was played back to guide the actors. However, due to poor audio quality, he had to re-record it all later.

Locations and Iconic Scenes

13. Though the Movie is Set in Maine, It Was Not Shot There

While the story is set in Maine, the movie was mostly filmed in Mansfield, Ohio, at the Ohio State Reformatory. The scenes set in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, were actually shot in St. Croix.

14. The Iconic Rock Wall and Tree from the Movie No Longer Stand

In the film, Andy leaves a note under an oak tree for Red. This tree, known as “The Shawshank Tree,” became a tourist attraction but was struck by lightning in 2011 and finally brought down by strong winds in 2016. The rock wall was sold piece by piece on eBay by the farmer who owned the land.

Columbia Pictures

15. Change of Plans for a Filming Location

The final scenes of Andy and Red in Zihuatanejo were filmed in the United States Virgin Islands because the real Zihuatanejo had become too developed.

Mahaux Charles/AGF/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Post-Release and Cultural Impact

16. It May Have Been a Commercial Flop, But the Oscars Gave It Some Love

Initially, “The Shawshank Redemption” made only $16 million, less than its $25 million budget. However, after receiving seven Oscar nominations, it got a re-release and eventually earned $58.3 million worldwide.

17. It Was the Most-Rented Movie of 1995

Despite its poor box office performance, “The Shawshank Redemption” became the most-rented movie of 1995. Warner Home Media sent out 320,000 VHS copies across the United States, making it a hit in home rentals.

18. The Shawshank Redemption Has an IMDb Rating of 9.3/10

IMDb users consistently rank the film highly, solidifying its status as a beloved classic with a 9.3/10 rating.

19. The Shawshank Redemption Has Numerous Memorable Quotes

The film is filled with powerful lines like “Get busy living or get busy dying” and “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”

20. You Can Buy Shawshank Souvenirs

In Ohio, where the movie was filmed, local businesses sell Shawshank-related products like “Red” wines and Redemption pies, boosting the local economy.

Pinterest

21. The Trailways Coach is Still Up and Running

The bus Red boards at the end of the film is a 1960 GM PD-4104. It was restored and is now part of the Capital Trailways fleet in Montgomery, Alabama. Some fans have even had the chance to ride in it.

Columbia Pictures

Deleted Scenes and Alternative Ideas

22. Deleted Scenes Added Depth to the Plot

Several scenes were cut from the film, including one where the inmates find Brooks’ pet crow dead and give it a burial. Another cut scene showed Tommy’s wife visiting him, encouraging him to turn his life around.

23. Andy Could Have Avoided Prison

If Andy had kept the gun he threw in the river, ballistics tests would have proven it wasn’t the weapon used to kill his wife and her lover, possibly keeping him out of Shawshank.

24. Frank Darabont Had a Different Idea for the Ending

Darabont originally wanted the film to end with Red on the bus searching for Andy. The studio insisted on a happier ending with Red and Andy reuniting, so Darabont shot the scene from a distance.

Symbolism and Hidden Meanings

25. Red’s Past is More Detailed in the Novella

In the film, Red briefly mentions he committed murder. The novella provides more details, explaining that Red is serving three life sentences for killing his wife, his neighbor’s wife, and his neighbor’s son by tampering with the car brakes.

26. Red’s Name Has Symbolic Meanings

Red’s full name, Ellis Redding, has symbolic meanings. Ellis means benevolent/kind, and Redding means counsel/advice, fitting his role as Andy’s advisor and friend.

27. Using the Film “Gilda” Worked Out Well

In the novella, prisoners watch “The Lost Weekend.” Darabont used “Gilda” in the movie, a famous Rita Hayworth film, which turned out to be a perfect fit due to its significance to the story.

Feel inspired? Share these fun facts with your friends and see who loves “The Shawshank Redemption” as much as you do! Don’t forget to comment your favorite fact below!