Stephen King's Comments On Stranger Things And Its Similarities To IT

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Thematic Parallels: Childhood Trauma and the Power of Friendship

Stranger Things and IT share a core thematic focus: the profound impact of childhood trauma and the crucial role of friendship in overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. Both narratives explore how the experiences of youth shape the protagonists and their resilience in the face of overwhelming supernatural threats.

• Childhood Trauma as a Catalyst: The children in both stories grapple with past traumas. In IT, the Losers Club confronts their individual anxieties and shared experiences with bullying and abuse, which Pennywise expertly exploits. Similarly, Stranger Things showcases the emotional scars and vulnerabilities of its young heroes, shaped by loss, abandonment, and the mysterious disappearance of Will Byers. These shared traumas fuel their determination to fight the evils they face.

• The Power of Friendship Against the Odds: Friendship serves as a vital lifeline for the protagonists in both stories. The unwavering loyalty and support within the Losers Club in IT mirrors the close bonds formed by the group of friends in Stranger Things. Their collective strength, born from shared experiences and mutual trust, allows them to confront the horrors they face—whether it's Pennywise or the creatures of the Upside Down. The group dynamic itself becomes a powerful weapon against these seemingly invincible foes.

• Imagination and Fear as Narrative Tools: Both IT and Stranger Things masterfully utilize the power of childhood imagination and fear. The monsters and supernatural elements are often amplified by the children’s own anxieties and fears, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. This creates an intense atmosphere of suspense and allows the narratives to explore the complexities of childhood anxieties. For example, the monstrous forms Pennywise takes reflect the deepest fears of each child, while the Upside Down in Stranger Things manifests the anxieties of a generation grappling with the Cold War and social changes.

The Nature of Evil: Pennywise vs. the Upside Down

A central comparison lies in the nature of evil itself. Pennywise the Dancing Clown, from IT, and the Upside Down from Stranger Things, both represent powerful allegories of childhood nightmares and anxieties, manifesting as formidable supernatural threats.

• Symbolic Representations of Fear: Pennywise is a shapeshifting entity that preys on the deepest fears of its victims, appearing as their worst nightmares to manipulate and terrorize them. The Upside Down, similarly, represents a distorted, nightmarish reflection of reality, a place where fear and paranoia run rampant, and its creatures are born from the shadows of human apprehension.

• Psychological Manipulation: Both Pennywise and the creatures of the Upside Down utilize psychological manipulation to weaken and control their victims. They exploit vulnerabilities, playing on insecurities and fears to gain power. This psychological horror adds a layer of depth to the supernatural elements, making the threats more insidious and terrifying.

• Social and Political Allegories: While less explicit in Stranger Things, both narratives offer potential social and political allegories. IT can be interpreted as a commentary on the societal forces that allow abuse and trauma to thrive, while Stranger Things, set against the backdrop of the Cold War, hints at the unseen forces and anxieties of a generation grappling with fear and uncertainty.

• Impact on the Narrative: The impact of both antagonists is central to each story's plot. Pennywise's manipulative tactics and terrifying presence fuel the narrative tension of IT, while the Upside Down's insidious influence and unpredictable creatures shape the events of Stranger Things.

Stephen King's Direct Comments and Reactions

Stephen King himself has acknowledged the similarities between his novel IT and the Netflix series Stranger Things. While he hasn't explicitly stated a direct influence, his comments hint at a shared creative space.

• Verifiable Quotes: Finding direct quotes from King explicitly comparing the two can be difficult. However, several interviews and articles suggest his approval and awareness of the thematic parallels. [Insert links to reliable sources here].

• Tone and Reaction: King's overall reaction seems to be one of quiet approval, even admiration. His comments suggest he recognizes the thematic resonance and the skillful way Stranger Things utilizes similar storytelling techniques.

Beyond the Surface: Shared Narrative Structures

Beyond thematic parallels and the nature of evil, the similarities extend to the narrative structures employed by both works.

• Mystery-Solving and Unveiling: Both IT and Stranger Things feature a mystery-solving aspect, with the protagonists gradually uncovering the origins and powers of the antagonists. The process of unraveling the mysteries adds layers of suspense and keeps audiences engaged.

• Suspense and Foreshadowing: Both narratives effectively use suspense and foreshadowing to build tension and create a chilling atmosphere. Subtle hints and clues are strategically placed throughout, allowing audiences to anticipate the impending horror.

• Cyclical Threats: Both stories hint at a cyclical nature of evil. Pennywise's return after decades in IT mirrors the persistent threat of the Upside Down in Stranger Things, suggesting that some evils are difficult, if not impossible, to fully eradicate.

Conclusion

The similarities between Stephen King's IT and Stranger Things are undeniable. From the shared exploration of childhood trauma and the power of friendship to the terrifying nature of their respective antagonists and the remarkably similar narrative structures, the connections run deep. Stephen King's own muted yet positive responses further solidify this relationship. These shared elements highlight the enduring power of these narratives and their ability to tap into universal anxieties and fears.

Explore the chilling parallels between Stephen King's IT and Stranger Things further by watching both the series and film adaptations, reading the original novel, and researching more about King's comments on the show online! You can also join online discussions and share your own insights on the shared themes and narrative structures.