The Secrets of Stranger Things
Eleven was almost a boy
In the early drafts by the Duffer Brothers, the main character was written as a different gender. By changing Eleven into a girl, the series gained a stronger emotional layer: apparent fragility versus extreme power, as well as themes of motherhood, friendship, and identity.
The Upside Down came before the story
Unlike the usual process, the creators first developed the universe: physical rules, climate, creatures, and the limits of the Upside Down. This made everything feel more real and consistent throughout the seasons.
Hawkins is a fictional town
Although it looks like a typical 1980s American town, Hawkins does not exist. Filming took place in several cities in Georgia, chosen for their urban aesthetics and forests that matched the show’s mysterious tone.
The Demogorgon was almost abstract
The creature was inspired by sharks and carnivorous plants, with the initial idea of being less human and more unsettling. The final version received a more “monstrous” look to create stronger visual impact and fear.
Inspired by real experiments
The Hawkins Laboratory was inspired by Project MKUltra, a real CIA program that investigated mind control using controversial methods. This makes the series even more disturbing by blending fiction with historical facts.
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