The IT Factor: Stephen King's Opinion On Stranger Things' Similarities

Rajiv Sharma

4 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Thematic Echoes: Shared Tropes and Storytelling Techniques

Both Stephen King's novels and Stranger Things share a common thread: the exploration of childhood innocence threatened by terrifying forces. This central theme is woven into a tapestry of shared storytelling techniques and similar character archetypes. The power of friendship against overwhelming odds is another recurring motif, evident in the camaraderie of the Losers Club in IT mirroring the bond between Eleven and her friends in Stranger Things. Furthermore, both consistently utilize the small-town setting as a microcosm of societal anxieties and hidden secrets.

• Shared Themes:

  • IT and Stranger Things both feature a monstrous entity threatening a small town's children.
  • Stand By Me (and its source material, The Body) echoes Stranger Things' coming-of-age narrative centered around a group of friends facing extraordinary circumstances.
  • The exploration of trauma and its lasting effects is a central theme in many of King's works, including It, and is a prevalent undercurrent in Stranger Things.

• Similar Character Archetypes:

  • The outcast child with unique abilities (Eleven and many of King's protagonists)
  • The brave leader (Mike Wheeler and Bill Denbrough)
  • The skeptical adult (Jim Hopper and many of King's adult characters who initially dismiss the supernatural)

• Storytelling Approaches:

  • Both leverage slow-burn suspense, gradually unveiling mysteries and building tension over time.
  • Both use a blend of horror, adventure, and coming-of-age elements.

Specific Inspirations: Direct References and Homages in Stranger Things

While direct quotes from Stephen King about Stranger Things are scarce, the show's creators have openly acknowledged their debt to his work. The influence is evident in various aspects of the show. The monstrous entities in both universes – Pennywise and the Demogorgon/Mind Flayer – share a similar level of dread and otherworldly horror.

• Potential Inspirations:

  • The Upside Down's parallel dimension shares similarities with the otherworldly realms in many of King's novels.
  • The show's use of atmospheric dread, suspenseful pacing, and symbolic imagery directly mirrors King's signature style.
  • Specific plot elements and character motivations may draw inspiration from various King novels, although concrete proof remains elusive.

• Stylistic Elements:

  • The show’s use of suspense, punctuated by moments of intense horror, is classic King.
  • The effective use of symbolism and recurring motifs creates a rich and layered narrative reminiscent of King's work.

Beyond the Surface: Deeper Connections and Interpretations

Beyond the obvious thematic and stylistic similarities, Stranger Things and Stephen King’s works share a deeper exploration of universal anxieties. Both tap into fundamental human fears – the fear of the unknown, the vulnerability of childhood, and the darkness lurking beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary towns.

• Nostalgia and Coming-of-Age: Both leverage nostalgia to create a sense of unease, contrasting the idyllic setting with the lurking horrors. The coming-of-age narratives in both showcase the transformation children undergo when confronted with extraordinary circumstances.

• Supernatural as a Metaphor: The supernatural elements in both serve not simply as monsters, but as metaphors for deeper human emotions – fear, trauma, and the struggle for survival.

• Cultural Impact: Both Stephen King's novels and Stranger Things have had a profound cultural impact, influencing generations of writers, filmmakers, and viewers with their unique blend of horror, suspense, and emotional depth.

The "IT" Factor: The Overarching Influence of King's Masterpiece

The similarities between IT and Stranger Things are particularly striking. Both feature a terrifying entity preying on children in a seemingly idyllic small town. The coming-of-age narratives, centered on a group of friends confronting unimaginable evil, are strikingly parallel.

• Monster Comparisons: Pennywise's manipulative nature mirrors the Mind Flayer's control and manipulation. Both entities exploit the vulnerabilities of their victims, preying on their deepest fears.

• Parallel Narratives: Both stories are structured around childhood confrontations with evil, followed by adult returns to the scene of the trauma.

• Overarching Themes: Both explore facing fear, confronting childhood trauma, and the enduring power of friendship.

Conclusion: Exploring the Lasting Legacy of Stephen King's Influence on Stranger Things

The thematic and stylistic connections between Stephen King's works and Stranger Things are undeniable. From shared tropes and character archetypes to similar storytelling techniques and underlying anxieties, the influence of King's masterful storytelling is evident throughout the Netflix series. King's lasting legacy on the horror genre and Stranger Things' remarkable success are intrinsically linked.

Delve deeper into the world of horror and explore the fascinating similarities between Stephen King’s iconic works and the captivating world of Stranger Things. Discover the "IT" factor that binds these masterful creations together!