Stephen King On The Stranger Things/IT Connection

Kenji Nakamura

5 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Shared Thematic Elements in Stranger Things and IT

The Power of Childhood Friendship and Trauma

Both Stranger Things and IT center on the unwavering bonds of childhood friendship, forged in the crucible of shared trauma. These friendships are not just plot devices; they are the very heart of the narratives, providing strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable horror.

• Stranger Things: The bond between Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will is tested repeatedly, yet their loyalty endures, shaping their individual journeys and ultimately helping them confront the Upside Down. The trauma of Will's abduction and Eleven's laboratory experimentation profoundly impacts their experiences with the supernatural.

• IT: The Losers Club, facing the horrors of Pennywise and the prejudice of Derry, finds solace and strength in their friendship. Each member carries the scars of childhood trauma, fueling their determination to defeat IT and conquer their personal demons. This childhood trauma, a hallmark of King's work, shapes their adult lives and their approach to battling Pennywise.

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Small-Town Settings and the Sense of Isolation

The unsettling atmosphere of both Hawkins, Indiana, and Derry, Maine, is pivotal to the horror. These small-town settings amplify feelings of vulnerability and isolation, making the supernatural threats even more terrifying.

• Hawkins, Stranger Things: Hawkins' seemingly idyllic façade hides a dark underbelly, a sense of unease permeating its quiet streets and suburban homes. The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Will and the unsettling presence of the Upside Down heighten the town's inherent creepiness.

• Derry, IT: Derry, a town steeped in history and haunted by its dark secrets, is almost a character in itself. Its decaying infrastructure and pervasive sense of unease mirror the internal struggles of the Losers Club, intensifying the horror of Pennywise's presence. The town's history of violence and oppression adds another layer of psychological horror, a hallmark of Stephen King's small-town settings.

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Exploration of Fear and the Supernatural

Both Stranger Things and IT masterfully utilize supernatural entities to tap into primal fears. The specific monsters differ, but the underlying strategy of using fear to propel the narrative is strikingly similar. The influence of King's unique approach to fear is undeniable in Stranger Things.

• Stranger Things: The Demogorgon, the Mind Flayer, and other creatures from the Upside Down prey on the characters' deepest fears, creating suspense and dread. The creators leverage the uncanny and the unknown, mirroring King's ability to create chilling horror through subtle suggestion and impactful visuals.

• IT: Pennywise, the shape-shifting entity that preys on children's deepest fears, is the embodiment of King's ability to tap into primal anxieties. Its capacity to morph into the things the children fear most amplifies the horror, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic monsters in horror literature.

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Stephen King's Direct and Indirect Influence on Stranger Things

Stylistic Choices and Narrative Techniques

Stranger Things directly echoes King's writing style in several key aspects. The nostalgic 80s setting, suspenseful pacing, and well-developed characters all reflect King's signature style.

• Stylistic Similarities: The show utilizes a similar blend of suspenseful pacing and heartfelt character moments, reflecting King’s ability to blend horror with strong emotional cores. The show also incorporates many nostalgic 80s elements, mirroring the often nostalgic settings found in King's works.

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Thematic Resonance and Homages

While not always explicit, there are subtle homages and thematic resonances that point towards King's influence on Stranger Things.

• Potential Homages: The overall themes of childhood trauma, the power of friendship, and confronting one's deepest fears directly mirror many of King's works. The show also shares King's penchant for exploring the dark side of seemingly ordinary small towns and utilizing strong female characters who often become crucial in the fight against evil.

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Conclusion

The strong thematic and stylistic connections between Stranger Things and Stephen King's IT are undeniable, highlighting King's profound and lasting influence on contemporary horror. From the power of childhood friendships battling trauma to the chilling atmospheres of small-town settings and the masterful exploration of fear, the Stephen King Stranger Things IT connection runs deep. Delve deeper into this fascinating relationship by exploring King's extensive bibliography, reading articles detailing the show's creation, or watching documentaries analyzing its inspirations. Discover more about the influence of Stephen King on Stranger Things and IT. The legacy of King continues to inspire and terrify, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape of horror.