Stephen King's Thoughts On Stranger Things And IT: A Comparison

Natalie Brooks

5 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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Thematic Echoes: Childhood Trauma and the Power of Friendship

Both IT and Stranger Things heavily feature the themes of childhood trauma, the power of friendship against overwhelming odds, and the terrifying effects of facing one's deepest fears. These core themes resonate deeply with audiences, making both stories enduringly popular.

• Childhood Trauma as a Catalyst: The protagonists in both narratives are shaped by their past experiences. The Losers Club in IT confronts personal traumas that manifest in their fears of Pennywise, while the kids in Stranger Things grapple with the disappearance of Will Byers and the subsequent encounters with the Upside Down, mirroring the emotional turmoil of childhood anxieties. The monsters serve as powerful metaphors for their internal struggles.

• Friendship as a Weapon Against Fear: The strength of the bonds between the friends is crucial to both stories. The Losers Club’s collective courage and unwavering loyalty are essential in their fight against Pennywise. Similarly, the unwavering friendship in Stranger Things provides the emotional support and bravery needed to navigate the dangers of the Upside Down. This emphasis on the power of friendship against overwhelming supernatural threats is a key thematic link between the two.

• Coming-of-Age in the Face of Horror: Both narratives are fundamentally coming-of-age stories, depicting the transition from the innocence of childhood to the harsh realities of confronting adult fears. The characters are forced to grow up quickly, facing unimaginable horrors that test their resilience and their sense of self. The supernatural elements serve as external representations of the internal challenges of adolescence.

Character Archetypes: The Underdog and the Unseen Evil

Both stories utilize classic character archetypes: the underdog heroes pitted against an unseen, almost mythical evil. This classic structure adds to their universal appeal.

• The Unlikely Heroes: In both IT and Stranger Things, the protagonists are initially portrayed as outsiders, "losers" who find strength and agency in their collective power. Their underdog status makes their eventual triumph all the more satisfying.

• The Embodiment of Primal Fears: The antagonists—Pennywise the Dancing Clown in IT and the Demogorgon in Stranger Things—are terrifying embodiments of primal fears, tapping into childhood anxieties about the dark, the unknown, and the monsters that lurk beneath the surface of reality. They are powerful symbols of the fears that plague children and adolescents.

• Mentors and Guides: Both narratives feature older characters who act as guides and mentors to the younger protagonists. These adults provide crucial support and wisdom, helping the children navigate the horrors they face. The parallel between the adult versions of the Losers Club in IT and the older characters who assist Eleven and her friends in Stranger Things highlights the importance of intergenerational support in overcoming adversity.

The Influence of Stephen King's Writing Style

Stranger Things undeniably embodies the atmospheric suspense and realistic portrayal of fear that defines much of King's work. The series cleverly incorporates elements that resonate with King's style.

• Slow-Burn Suspense: The deliberate pacing and build-up of dread in Stranger Things is reminiscent of King’s masterful storytelling. The series effectively uses foreshadowing and subtle hints to create a pervasive sense of unease, mirroring King's ability to cultivate tension.

• Blending the Mundane and the Horrific: The seamless blend of everyday life with the intrusion of the supernatural, a hallmark of King's writing, is effectively replicated in Stranger Things. The ordinary setting of a small town contrasts sharply with the extraordinary events, adding to the overall impact.

• Small-Town Isolation: Both IT and Stranger Things utilize small-town settings to heighten the sense of isolation and vulnerability. This claustrophobic atmosphere intensifies the sense of dread and amplifies the impact of the supernatural elements.

Adaptations and Interpretations: King's Potential Reaction

Considering King's generally positive stance towards successful adaptations of his work, it’s likely he would appreciate the thematic and stylistic parallels between Stranger Things and his IT.

• Faithfulness to the Spirit: Both adaptations capture the essence of King's themes—the power of friendship, the enduring nature of childhood trauma, and the fear of the unknown—even if they don’t adhere strictly to the plot points of the original novels.

• Cultural Impact and Success: The enduring popularity and cultural impact of both Stranger Things and IT would likely be favorably received by King. The success of both adaptations is a testament to the enduring power of the stories and themes he created.

• Nostalgia and Childhood Fear: Stranger Things's skillful incorporation of 80s nostalgia, a key element also present in the IT adaptations, perfectly aligns with the tone and atmosphere that King often evokes in his works, creating a familiar feeling of childhood fear and wonder.

Conclusion

The striking similarities between Stranger Things and Stephen King's IT are undeniable. From shared thematic elements and character archetypes to the palpable atmospheric tension and effective use of suspense, the influence of King's work on Stranger Things is clear. While we can only speculate about King's exact thoughts, the success of both adaptations, their thematic resonance, and their captivating portrayal of childhood fear suggest a strong likelihood of his approval. If you're a fan of Stephen King and his brand of horror, comparing and contrasting IT and Stranger Things provides a rich exploration of his lasting influence on popular culture. Dive deeper into the world of Stephen King, Stranger Things, and their captivating similarities!