Stephen King's Comments On The Stranger Things/IT Connection

Hugo van Dijk

5 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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Thematic Parallels Between IT and Stranger Things

The thematic similarities between IT and Stranger Things are striking, suggesting a deep-seated influence. Both narratives tap into universal fears and anxieties, particularly those experienced during childhood. Key thematic elements shared by both works include:

• Child Protagonists Battling Evil: Both stories center on a group of children confronting a terrifying, otherworldly entity that preys on their fears. The Losers' Club in IT faces Pennywise, the malevolent shapeshifting clown, while the kids in Stranger Things battle the Mind Flayer and its Demogorgons. This shared focus on vulnerable children facing unimaginable horror creates a powerful emotional resonance with the audience.

• Small Town Setting as a Crucible of Horror: Derry, Maine in IT, and Hawkins, Indiana in Stranger Things, serve as more than just locations; they are characters in themselves. Both towns harbor dark secrets and act as breeding grounds for supernatural horror, enhancing the sense of claustrophobia and inescapable dread. The familiarity of these small-town settings creates a chilling contrast with the extraordinary events unfolding within them.

• Childhood Trauma, Loss, and the Power of Friendship: Both narratives explore the profound impact of childhood trauma and loss. The characters in both IT and Stranger Things grapple with personal tragedies and anxieties, ultimately finding strength and solace in their friendships. This emphasis on the power of camaraderie to overcome adversity underscores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable terror.

• Coming-of-Age in the Shadow of Evil: The journey of self-discovery and coming-of-age is interwoven with the supernatural horror in both IT and Stranger Things. The protagonists' battles against evil are mirrored by their internal struggles with identity, fear, and growing up. This intertwining of personal growth and terrifying external forces adds layers of complexity to both narratives.

• Specific Examples: The Losers' Club's bond mirrors the tight-knit friendship of Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will. The ritualistic nature of Pennywise's attacks echoes the Mind Flayer's manipulative control over its victims. The hidden, unsettling nature of both Derry and Hawkins contributes to the pervasive sense of unease that permeates both stories.

King's Public Statements on the Stranger Things/ IT Comparisons

While Stephen King hasn't explicitly commented on a direct "influence," his public statements and reactions suggest an acknowledgement of the similarities between Stranger Things and IT. While there are no widely publicized interviews where he directly addresses the connection in detail, his overall positive reception of the show and the genre speaks volumes. His social media presence often showcases appreciation for horror in general, leaving room for interpretation regarding this specific comparison.

• Analysis of Tone and Sentiment: King’s public persona often expresses support for successful horror adaptations and tributes to his works. While he hasn't issued a formal statement explicitly comparing the two, his general enthusiasm for the success of well-made horror suggests a positive, if indirect, response to the Stranger Things/ IT parallels.

• Interpretations: The absence of strong commentary could be due to various factors, including a desire to avoid over-analyzing the similarities or simply not deeming it worthy of direct comment. However, the many points of similarity suggest at least a tacit acknowledgement.

The Influence of IT on the Visual Style and Atmosphere of Stranger Things

Beyond thematic parallels, Stranger Things draws heavily from the visual style and atmosphere established in IT. The Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, clearly understood the power of creating a visually unsettling and suspenseful environment.

• Visual and Atmospheric Similarities: Both utilize a similar color palette, often employing muted tones and shadows to build suspense. The unsettling imagery, particularly in depicting the monstrous entities, shares a similar sense of dread and psychological horror. The use of lighting and cinematography to create a sense of claustrophobia and unease is remarkably similar in both.

• Depiction of Monstrous Entities: Both Pennywise and the Mind Flayer are terrifying figures who utilize psychological manipulation and fear to control their victims. Their appearance, while vastly different, shares a similar ability to warp into horrifying forms, triggering primal fears.

• 80s Nostalgia: Both IT (the novel and adaptations) and Stranger Things leverage 80s nostalgia to enhance their atmosphere and appeal. This shared aesthetic element further contributes to their shared feeling of eerie familiarity.

• Specific Visual Echoes: The use of shadowy figures, ominous lighting in dimly lit basements and sewers, and the overall feeling of a looming unseen threat are all visual cues borrowed from IT's visual storytelling. The depiction of the Upside Down in Stranger Things as a distorted and terrifying reflection of the real world mirrors the unsettling nature of Pennywise's alternate realities.

Conclusion:

This article explored the compelling parallels between Stephen King's IT and the popular Netflix series Stranger Things, examining thematic similarities, King's (indirect) public reaction, and the influence of IT's visual style on the show. The uncanny resemblance, whether intentional or not, highlights the enduring power and impact of King's work on the horror genre. Have your own thoughts on the Stranger Things/ IT connection? Share your opinions in the comments below! Let's discuss Stephen King's legacy and the enduring influence of his terrifying masterpiece, IT, on modern horror. Continue the conversation about the Stranger Things/ IT connection by sharing this article with fellow horror fans!