While Eleven from Stranger Things wasn't explicitly designed to be a traditional "super soldier" in the military sense, her origins and training share some thematic similarities with the concept.
Here's why:
- Project MKUltra Connection: Eleven's mother, Terry Ives, was a participant in Project MKUltra, a real-life CIA program known for its mind-control experiments. In the show, Dr. Brenner exploited Terry's exposure to these experiments, leading to Eleven being born with powerful psychokinetic and telepathic abilities.
- Raised as a Weapon: Eleven was taken from her mother at birth and raised in Hawkins National Laboratory under Dr. Brenner's control. She was subjected to cruel experiments and rigorous training aimed at honing her psychic abilities for potential use as a weapon or for espionage.
- Exceptional Powers: Eleven possesses extraordinary powers, including telekinesis (moving objects with her mind), telepathy (reading minds and communicating mentally), and the ability to open and close gates to the Upside Down. These abilities far exceed normal human capabilities.
- Government Interest: The government, particularly figures like Colonel Sullivan in later seasons, views Eleven as a dangerous weapon that needs to be controlled or eliminated.