11 Weird "Stranger Things" Facts

Inspired by Eleven

Since its debut in 2016, Netflix's Stranger Things has become a cultural phenomenon, blending '80s nostalgia, horror, and coming-of-age themes in a captivating way. Inspired by Millie Bobby Brown's character on the show, Eleven, these 11 Stranger Things facts offer a collective glimpse into the creative process that has made the series such a resounding success.

As the Duffer brothers continue to expand the Stranger Things universe, fans can look forward to even more mind-bending revelations and surprises in the seasons to come.

1. Netflix Bought the Show Within 24 Hours

Stranger Things has captivated audiences worldwide, but did you know that Netflix snatched up the show within just 24 hours of hearing the pitch? Matt and Ross Duffer (aka The Duffer Brothers), the creative minds behind the series, collaborated with producer and co-director, Sean Levy, to present their idea for a genre-bending, '80s-inspired show to the streaming giant.

Impressed by the Duffers' vision, Netflix quickly greenlit an 8-episode debut season, recognizing the potential for a runaway success.

2. Boys Auditioned by Reenacting Stand by Me

The Duffer brothers conducted a massive casting call, sifting through over 900 boys and 300 girls to find the perfect ensemble for Stranger Things. Rather than revealing the full plot, the creators had the young actors audition with dummy sides, or scenes unrelated to the show's actual storyline.

For the boys, this meant reenacting scenes from the classic Stephen King adaptation, Stand by Me, a film that shares Stranger Things' themes of youth, friendship, and coming-of-age.

3. Millie Bobby Brown Shaved Her Head Because of Imperator Furiosa

Millie Bobby Brown, the talented actress who portrays the enigmatic Eleven, had to make a significant sacrifice for her role: shaving her head. Although this was not initially discussed during her Skype audition, the Duffer brothers informed the 12-year-old that the transformation was necessary.

To convince Brown, they showed her a photo of Charlize Theron's character, Imperator Furiosa, from 2015's Mad Max: Fury Road, helping her visualize the powerful, shaved-head look that would define her character.

4. Steve Harrington's Character Arc Was Tweaked

In many '80s movies, the local bully often remains a one-dimensional antagonist until the very end. However, the Duffer brothers opted to take a different approach with Steve Harrington, played by Joe Keery.

Impressed by Keery's likable personality, the creators decided to tweak Steve's character arc, transforming him from a stereotypical jerk into a more developed, redeemable love interest for Nancy. This decision showcases Stranger Things' depth in subverting traditional tropes and adding nuance to its characters.

5. The Demogorgon Wasn't Completely CGI

The Demogorgon, the fearsome creature from the Upside Down, was a truly terrifying presence on the Stranger Things set. While the monster's design incorporated modern CGI, the production team also utilized practical effects, employing a body-based performance artist named Mark Steger to portray the Demogorgon in a partially animatronic suit.

The result was so convincing that even the young twins who played Holly were initially terrified of the creature, until the crew compared it to a Pixar monster to help calm their nerves.

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7. A Fake Trailer Was Cut to Test the Soundtrack

The Duffer brothers didn't just focus on the visual aesthetic of Stranger Things; they also put a great deal of thought into the show's musical identity. Wanting to differentiate the score from the traditional orchestral accompaniment found in Spielberg's work, the creators opted for a synth-based soundtrack that would highlight the series' 1980s setting and style.

To test this idea, they put together a fake trailer, using scenes from over 25 of their favorite movies, and set it to dark, John Carpenter-esque drones, ultimately landing on the final sonic identity of Stranger Things.

6. '80s Influences Galore

Stranger Things is a love letter to the 1980s, with the Duffer brothers drawing inspiration from a diverse array of artists and filmmakers from that era. From the horror sensibilities of John Carpenter to the coming-of-age narratives of Stephen King to the cinematic style of Steven Spielberg, the show's creators paid homage to the decade's most iconic works.

They even asked the cast to watch films like Stand by Me (1986), Poltergeist (1982), and The Goonies (1985) to immerse themselves in the cultural zeitgeist of the time. Additionally, the show's digital cinematography was layered with a scanned grain in post-production to lend it the feeling of vintage film stock.

8. Gaten Matarazzo's Voice Changed During Filming

Working on a television show can be a lengthy process, and when child actors are involved, unexpected changes can occur. This was the case for Gaten Matarazzo, who portrays the lovable Dustin Henderson. During the filming of Stranger Things, Matarazzo was going through puberty, and his voice changed significantly.

The production team had to resort to "dubbing," or re-recording additional dialogue, to ensure that Dustin's voice matched the scenes that had already been shot. Fortunately, the time jump between seasons allowed the show to accommodate Matarazzo's vocal transformation.

9. Conspiracy Theorists Surmise Real-Life "Elevens" Might Exist

Stranger Things was originally titled, Montauk, a reference to the real-life Camp Hero in Montauk, New York, which has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories. Allegedly, this military base has hosted secret government projects involving everything from time travel to psychological warfare, concepts that bear a striking resemblance to the show's narrative.

Conspiracy theorist Preston Nichols, author of the Montauk Project book series, even claims to have repressed memories of his own involvement with these supposed experiments, which seem to parallel the show's depiction of the Upside Down and its inhabitants.

10. There's a 30-Page Explanation of the Upside Down

The Upside Down, the eerie, twisted dimension that serves as the backdrop for much of Stranger Things, has captivated audiences with its unique visual flair and sense of mystery.

While the debut season left many questions unanswered, the Duffer brothers revealed that they have a 30-page document that delves deep into the lore and mechanics of this otherworldly realm, including the origins of the Demogorgon.

Future seasons promise to unveil more information about this dark and monstrous dimension, leaving fans eager to uncover the full extent of the Upside Down's secrets.

11. Eggo Sales Soared (Thanks to Eleven)

Remember Eleven's love for Eggo waffles? Well, it turns out this wasn't just a random food choice. After the show's release, Eggo reported a significant sales increase, proving the power of product placement and Eleven's undeniable influence!

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