The idea for "Stranger Things" originated with the Duffer Brothers (Matt and Ross Duffer), who aimed to create a show that blended investigative drama with supernatural elements, all infused with a strong sense of 1980s nostalgia. They were particularly interested in exploring the concept of a missing child and expanding it into a serialized television format, drawing inspiration from the 2013 film Prisoners.
Here are some of the key influences that shaped "Stranger Things":
* 1980s Pop Culture: The show is a deliberate homage to the films, music, and general atmosphere of the 1980s. The Duffer Brothers have often said their pitch was "What if Steven Spielberg directed a Stephen King book?"
* Steven Spielberg: Spielberg's films, especially "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," were major inspirations, particularly for the childlike wonder, adventure, and the dynamic of the kids being pursued by government agents. "The Goonies" also influenced the group dynamic of the young friends.
* Stephen King: King's horror novels heavily influenced the show's tone, themes, and characters. Specific inspirations include:
* "Firestarter": The character of Eleven, with her telekinetic powers and being pursued by a shadowy government agency, is strongly reminiscent of Charlie McGee from "Firestarter."
* "It": The camaraderie of the young friends and their confrontation with a supernatural evil echoes the "Losers' Club" from "It."
* Government Conspiracies: The idea of hidden government experiments and a dark underbelly beneath a seemingly normal town is a recurring theme in King's work.
* John Carpenter: Carpenter's horror films, like "Halloween" and "The Thing," contributed to the show's horror elements and synth-heavy soundtrack.
* Conspiracy Theories and Cold War Experiments: The Duffer Brothers were inspired by real-world conspiracy theories, particularly "The Montauk Project," which involved rumored secret government experiments. The show's original working title was "Montauk."
* Video Games: The Duffer Brothers have also cited video games like "Silent Hill" (for the Upside Down's aesthetic) and "The Last of Us" (for its storytelling) as influences.
Essentially, "Stranger Things" is a carefully crafted blend of these influences, creating a unique and nostalgic experience that resonated with audiences.