The Duffer Brothers credit classic 80s films for inspiring their global phenomenon “Stranger Things.” As the show heads into its final episodes, its creators Matt and Ross Duffer trace the story’s roots to their childhood love of Steven Spielberg movies and Stephen King novels. These stories shaped the show’s mix of wonder and horror.
The influence of these blockbusters is a direct line to how the Duffers now create the show’s big reveals and emotional moments.
The Original Pitch Was an Ode to Childhood Classics
When the Duffer Brothers first pitched “Stranger Things,” they knew they wanted to capture a specific feeling. The show was a tribute to their own suburban 1980s childhood in North Carolina, and to the movies, books, and games that defined it .
To make this clear to studios, they created a unique pitch. It wasn’t just a typical script. They put together a booklet that looked like the cover of a classic Stephen King paperback novel . The title was presented in the now-iconic red font, inspired by King book covers. They even edited a mock trailer by cutting together clips from about 20 different films that inspired their vision .
Early rejections from networks centered on the main cast being kids. Some executives wanted the story to focus more on the adult police investigation. The Duffers refused to change this core element, believing the kids’ perspective was what made the story special .
Steven Spielberg and Stephen King Are the Show’s “DNA”
The Duffer Brothers have always been open about their main influences. They see the story’s DNA as a near-even split between the wonder of Steven Spielberg’s films and the supernatural horror of Stephen King’s books .
From Spielberg’s films like “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “The Goonies,” they took the sense of childhood adventure, bike-riding friendships, and ordinary families facing the extraordinary . The character dynamics and the small-town setting owe a lot to these films.
From Stephen King’s stories like “It,” “Firestarter,” and “The Shining,” they drew the themes of psychic children, small-town horrors, and a looming supernatural threat . The show’s very first logo was modeled directly on the cover of King’s “Firestarter” novel .
“It’s the best thing ever,” Matt Duffer said about receiving praise from these icons. “Whenever you are doubting yourselfโฆ that’s the ultimate armor. These people we grew up idolizing.”
This blend creates the show’s unique toneโwhere moments of genuine terror exist alongside deep friendships and nostalgic wonder.
A Failed Pitch Led to Their Own Original Story
Interestingly, “Stranger Things” might not exist if the Duffers had succeeded with an earlier dream. They desperately wanted to direct the film adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” . They even tried to pitch their take to Warner Bros., but were turned down because they were not established directors at the time .
Looking back, they see this rejection as a lucky break. “I’m glad we didn’t end up getting an IP like that,” Ross Duffer said. He compared it to Steven Spielberg not getting to direct a James Bond film, which led him to create “Indiana Jones” instead .
This pushed them to create their own original world. “We’re inspired by all these stories,” Ross explained. “And what if we do our own version?” . That version became “Stranger Things,” which in turn helped renew audience interest in kids-versus-monster stories, contributing to the successful 2017 “It” movie remake .
Pop Culture Is a Character in the Show
The inspirations aren’t just background for the creators; they are tools for the characters. In the world of “Stranger Things,” the kids use “Dungeons & Dragons“ to understand and name the otherworldly threats they face . Movies like “Ghostbusters” and “The NeverEnding Story” give them courage and costumes at critical moments .
This extends to the music and toys of the era. Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” becomes a lifeline for Max in season four . In the final season, set in 1987, characters find references in “G.I. Joe” and “Rainbow Brite” .
“We liked the idea of using pop culture or toysโฆ in a way that we would use it when we were kids,” Ross Duffer said. “It’s always fun for us, and it makes it feel more real.”
The Final Season Brings Big Answers and Influences Full Circle
As the series concludes, the Duffer Brothers’ blockbuster inspirations continue to guide major story reveals. Season five finally explains the central mystery of the Upside Down, revealing it to be a wormhole connecting dimensions . This long-planned explanation was visualized with a simple hourglass shape to make the complex idea clear to the audience .
Even the logic for who discovers this truth is character-driven. Gaten Matarazzo’s character Dustin was chosen to explain the wormhole theory because, as Matt Duffer said, “He’s our smartest character” .
The final episodes also feature dramatic, movie-inspired set pieces. One key scene involving a melting laboratory was conceived to force characters into a life-or-death conversation. The Duffers cited references like the confessional scene on the crashing plane in “Almost Famous” .
Also Read: Pluribus Season 2 Update: Vince Gilligan Gives Details on Timeline and Story
