What Stephen King Thinks About Stranger Things And IT: A Review

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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Stranger Things: A Love Letter to 80s Horror and King's Legacy

Stranger Things isn't just a nostalgic trip back to the 1980s; it's a carefully crafted homage to the era's horror landscape, heavily influenced by the works of Stephen King. The show's creators have openly acknowledged King's impact, and the parallels are undeniable.

Thematic Similarities to King's Works

Stranger Things shares numerous thematic similarities with King's novels, creating a powerful resonance for fans of both. The coming-of-age narratives, central to many King stories, are mirrored in the friendships and challenges faced by the young protagonists of Stranger Things. Both the show and King's novels frequently utilize small-town settings, imbuing them with a sense of claustrophobia and isolating the characters from outside help. This creates a breeding ground for suspense and allows the supernatural elements to loom larger. Childhood trauma and fear play pivotal roles in both narratives, shaping the characters' personalities and driving the plot forward.

• Examples from Stranger Things mirroring King's style:
  • Eleven's traumatic past and subsequent powers echo Carrie White's experiences in Carrie.
  • The mysterious disappearance of Will Byers mirrors the unsettling vanishings in many of King's stories, like It.
  • The small-town setting of Hawkins, Indiana, evokes the isolated communities in Stand By Me and The Shawshank Redemption.
  • The flawed, relatable heroes in Stranger Things are reminiscent of King's often-imperfect characters, like Bill Denbrough in IT.

King's Public Statements (if any) on Stranger Things

While there isn't a readily available, definitive public statement from Stephen King explicitly praising or criticizing Stranger Things, his silence speaks volumes. The sheer popularity of Stranger Things, a show undeniably inspired by his work and steeped in the atmosphere of his novels, suggests at least an implicit acknowledgment of the show's success. His continued influence on the horror genre is undeniable, and Stranger Things' homage to that legacy speaks for itself. The show's creators have openly cited King as an inspiration, further solidifying the connection.

Critical and Popular Reception of Stranger Things' Homages to King

Critics and audiences alike have lauded Stranger Things for its effective use of nostalgic elements and its skillful homage to King's style. Reviews often praise the show's atmosphere, suspense, and character development. While some critiques address the show's originality, arguing that it relies too heavily on King's tropes, the overwhelmingly positive reception and its massive popularity are testament to its success. Stranger Things consistently ranks among the most-watched shows on Netflix, demonstrating its widespread appeal and solidifying its place in pop culture history.

IT: The Source Material and its Adaptation Success

Stephen King's IT is a monumental work of horror literature, and its adaptation to the big screen has seen both critical and commercial success. The film adaptations, while taking creative liberties, capture the essence of King's chilling story.

King's Vision and the Film Adaptation

The IT film adaptations, particularly the 2017 version, strive to stay true to the spirit of King's original novel, while necessarily condensing and adapting the story for cinematic presentation. While King himself hasn't publicly commented extensively on every detail of the film adaptations, his general approval of the project is widely understood based on his involvement and the filmmakers' respect for his source material. The films successfully capture Pennywise's terrifying presence and the emotional core of the story.

Comparing the Horror Elements of IT and Stranger Things

Both IT and Stranger Things employ a blend of horror elements, but with distinct approaches. IT leans heavily into cosmic horror and body horror, using Pennywise's shape-shifting abilities and terrifying encounters to evoke fear. Stranger Things, while featuring supernatural elements and monstrous creatures, incorporates more psychological horror, focusing on the characters' fears and anxieties. Both utilize effective creature features, but Stranger Things tends towards a more suspenseful approach, building tension through atmosphere and mystery.

• Specific examples of similar horror techniques:
  • Both utilize childhood fears as a central element of the horror.
  • Both incorporate elements of suspense and jump scares.
  • Both use unsettling imagery and soundscapes to create a sense of dread.

The Enduring Legacy of IT

IT has had a lasting impact on horror literature and cinema. Its exploration of childhood trauma, the power of friendship, and the enduring nature of fear has resonated with readers and viewers for decades. Its influence can be seen in numerous subsequent horror works, including its stylistic resonance in the creation of Stranger Things. The enduring popularity of IT solidifies its place as a cornerstone of modern horror.

Conclusion: Stephen King's Influence on Stranger Things and the Success of IT Adaptations: A Final Verdict

Stranger Things and IT represent powerful examples of modern horror deeply influenced by Stephen King's legacy. While Stranger Things acts as a loving homage, drawing inspiration from the themes, atmosphere, and character archetypes of King's works, IT stands as a successful adaptation that captures the essence of the original novel. Although direct quotes from King regarding Stranger Things remain elusive, the show's success and clear debt to his style suggest an implied endorsement of this modern continuation of his legacy. Both Stranger Things and the IT adaptations have achieved remarkable success, demonstrating the enduring power and influence of Stephen King's contributions to the horror genre.

What are your thoughts on Stephen King’s impact on these works? Discuss the similarities between Stranger Things and IT, and leave a comment about your favorite Stephen King-inspired horror!