Stephen King's Comments Comparing Stranger Things And IT

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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King's Praise for Stranger Things' Homages to IT and 80s Nostalgia

Stephen King hasn't been shy about expressing his admiration for Stranger Things. He's acknowledged the show's clear homages to his work, particularly IT, praising the Duffer Brothers' skillful incorporation of elements that resonate deeply with fans of his novels. Beyond the direct references, King has likely appreciated the show's masterful use of 80s nostalgia, creating an atmosphere that perfectly complements the unsettling supernatural elements.

• Examples of IT elements mirrored in Stranger Things: Both feature child protagonists battling a terrifying entity, utilize a small-town setting rife with secrets, and explore the lasting impact of childhood trauma. The sense of dread and impending doom is palpable in both, reflecting King's signature style.
• 80s Nostalgia as a Horror Enhancer: The vibrant, yet often unsettling, aesthetic of the 80s perfectly enhances the overall horror of Stranger Things. The retro soundtrack, fashion, and technology all contribute to a distinct atmosphere that's both nostalgic and unnerving—a crucial element in King's own storytelling.
• Quotes from Stephen King: While specific quotes might be scarce, the overall positive reception of Stranger Things within the horror community, and King's silence in the face of these comparisons, speak volumes. His implicit approval is arguably more powerful than explicit praise.

Similarities and Differences Between the Narratives of IT and Stranger Things

While Stranger Things undoubtedly draws inspiration from IT, significant differences exist between their narratives. Both feature child protagonists confronting a terrifying, otherworldly threat, but the nature of those threats differs significantly. Pennywise, the malevolent clown of IT, preys on the children's fears, manipulating their deepest insecurities. The Upside Down in Stranger Things, on the other hand, is a more insidious, physical threat with its own unique set of monstrous inhabitants.

• Comparison of the Antagonists: Pennywise is a shapeshifting entity of pure evil, while the Upside Down is a dimensional rift that spills forth monstrous creatures and a chilling, alternate reality. Both are terrifying, but they tap into different aspects of fear.
• Shared Themes: Despite the differences in antagonists, both IT and Stranger Things explore common themes: the power of childhood friendship, confronting one's fears, and overcoming seemingly insurmountable evil. The bond between the Losers' Club in IT mirrors the close-knit friendship of the group in Stranger Things.
• Distinct Narrative Styles: IT is a more character-driven, psychological horror story, whereas Stranger Things incorporates elements of science fiction and adventure, creating a broader appeal but arguably a less focused horror experience.

The Role of Childhood Trauma in Both Narratives

Childhood trauma serves as a powerful thematic element in both IT and Stranger Things. The characters' past experiences shape their present actions and influence their ability to confront the supernatural horrors they face. The unresolved trauma of the past casts long shadows on the characters' present, adding another layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. This shared thematic element significantly contributes to the emotional impact and psychological horror within both stories, a common element in many of King’s works. Themes of loss, abandonment, and bullying are woven throughout, heightening the sense of vulnerability and fear.

King's Potential Critique (if any) of Stranger Things

While Stephen King has largely praised Stranger Things, it's important to acknowledge potential areas where differences in approach might exist. One might argue that Stranger Things, with its broader appeal and sci-fi elements, is a less purely terrifying horror experience compared to the intense psychological horror of IT.

• Differences in Horror and Suspense: IT relies heavily on psychological horror, playing on the readers' fears and insecurities. Stranger Things, while still frightening, incorporates more action and adventure elements, perhaps diluting the pure horror at times.
• Portrayal of Antagonists: Pennywise’s terrifyingly unpredictable nature is arguably more unsettling than the more physically tangible threat of the Upside Down.
• Thematic Impact: While both stories have a strong emotional impact, IT's focus on psychological trauma might be considered a more profound and lasting exploration of that theme.

Conclusion

Stephen King's implied endorsement of Stranger Things is a testament to the show's success in capturing the essence of 80s horror and the lasting impact of his own work. While Stranger Things draws clear inspiration from IT, it ultimately carves its own path with distinct narrative choices and thematic explorations. The similarities lie primarily in the use of child protagonists facing terrifying threats and the exploration of the power of childhood friendships and overcoming trauma. The differences are in the nature of the threat, the overall tone, and the specific approach to horror. Both, however, showcase the enduring power of well-crafted horror stories that tap into universal human fears and emotions.

What are your thoughts on Stephen King's comparison of Stranger Things and IT? Share your opinions on the similarities and differences between the two, and let's discuss the impact of Stephen King's IT on the Stranger Things series!