As a longtime fan, I’ve always been fascinated by the world-building in Stranger Things, especially the layers beyond the initial Upside Down. What’s really struck me, though, is how open the Duffer brothers and the cast have been about making the show. Honestly, the story of how this hit Netflix series came to be is almost as wild and unpredictable as the supernatural events within it – full of unexpected changes and plenty of challenges along the way.
With the final season of Stranger Things now out, it’s a good time to revisit the show’s production. While many happy accidents contributed to its popularity, creators Matt and Ross Duffer have also shared some decisions they regret. Here are eleven surprising facts about how the show came to be, from the initial casting and writing process to pitching the idea back in 2015.
11) The Series Was Originally Titled Montauk
The Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, initially developed a show called Montauk based on real conspiracy theories surrounding the Montauk Project in New York. As reported by Vulture, they later decided to set the story in a made-up Midwestern town to reach a wider audience and renamed it Stranger Things—a title likely influenced by Stephen King’s Needful Things—to better capture the feel of 1980s horror. Despite the change, a subtle nod to the original Montauk concept is included in the series finale.
10) The Show Faced (at Least) Two Copyright Lawsuits
During its five seasons, Stranger Things has faced accusations of plagiarism from filmmakers who claim the show borrowed ideas from their work. At least twice, these claims resulted in lawsuits. One involved an unproduced script called Totem, which featured a girl with special abilities, but the case was dismissed in 2023 because of insufficient proof. Another lawsuit, based on the concept of The Montauk Project, was also dropped when the filmmaker admitted their work wasn’t connected to the show’s creation, as reported by Variety.
9) The Duffer Brothers Regret Killing Chrissy
Chrissy’s death in the fourth season of the show upset many fans, especially because they were enjoying the developing connection between her character and Eddie. The show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, have also said they regret how things turned out. According to TVLine, they filmed the sweet scene of Chrissy and Eddie in the woods after they had already decided her character would die. Matt Duffer explained they didn’t realize how well actors Joseph Quinn and Grace Van Dien worked together until after filming the scene where Chrissy dies. He was surprised by their chemistry and said the forest scene ended up being surprisingly lovely.
8) This Bridgerton Star Nearly Became Robin
Before Maya Hawke became famous for playing Robin on Stranger Things, Nicola Coughlan, known for her role in Bridgerton, actually auditioned for the same part. Coughlan told BuzzFeed she came very close to landing the role, but ultimately didn’t get it, and readily admitted Hawke was a much better fit. While it’s fun to imagine Coughlan bringing her signature wit to the character, Hawke truly excels in the role. Hawke’s performance also created a charming, platonic connection with Steve, which became a key part of the show’s lighter, teen-focused storylines – a dynamic that might not have been as strong with Coughlan, who is primarily known for playing romantic leads.
7) We Almost Got A Season Set in the 2020s
Dan Cohen, an executive producer for Stranger Things, shared with Yahoo Entertainment that the creators, the Duffer Brothers, initially thought about setting each season in a different decade, beginning with the 80s and continuing through the present day. This would have allowed them to showcase various time periods, styles, and cultural moments. However, they ultimately decided against this idea, realizing the show’s core was the story of the kids and their experiences. Jumping between decades risked losing the emotional connection viewers had with the characters. By keeping the story within a relatively consistent timeframe, the show could maintain its unified look and nostalgic feel.
6) Before the Upside Down, There Was the “Nether”
Millie Bobby Brown shared on the Beyond Stranger Things aftershow that the creepy alternate dimension, now known as the Upside Down, originally had a different name. Early drafts of Season 1 called it “The Nether,” which sounded more gothic and literary. While “The Nether” was interesting, “Upside Down” creates a better balance between scary and fun, which suits the show’s young characters and their journey. Plus, “Upside Down” is simply easier for viewers to remember.
5) Sadie Sink Had to Beg for Her Part
When Sadie Sink auditioned for the role of Max, the show’s producers were initially hesitant. At 14, she was a bit older than the other young actors, and they weren’t sure she’d fit in with the group. However, as Sink explained to Fashion Magazine, she refused to give up. She asked for more chances to audition and was determined to prove she could bring something new to the role. Her persistence worked – after a successful chemistry test with Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin, she was offered the part immediately. Because of her determination, we got the Max we all love, and Sink quickly became one of the show’s brightest young stars.
4) Joe Keery Turned Steve From Jerk to Fan-Favorite
Steve Harrington became a fan favorite largely thanks to Joe Keery’s appealing personality. The show’s creators initially wrote Steve as a truly unlikeable character – even including a harsh scene with Nancy, as Keery later revealed. However, Ross Duffer told Variety that Keery’s charisma led them to rewrite the character, making him someone audiences could root for. Keery’s energy and ability to improvise not only shaped Steve’s lines but also his overall story, including his heartwarming friendship with Dustin.
3) Millie Bobby Brown Almost Refused the Buzzcut
Millie Bobby Brown was initially reluctant to shave her head for her role as Eleven, understandably so at just 11 years old. However, the Duffer Brothers convinced her by showing her a picture of Charlize Theron’s shaved head in Mad Max: Fury Road, explaining it as a powerful look. Brown immediately loved the idea, and even let out a fierce roar like Furiosa when she first saw herself with the new haircut—it was then she truly felt like Eleven.
2) The Script Was Rejected Nearly 20 Times
Before Stranger Things became a hit on Netflix, the Duffer Brothers received a lot of rejections – around 15 to 20, according to Rolling Stone. Studio executives doubted the show’s mix of horror, sci-fi, and young adult drama, and worried about appealing to a specific audience with its diverse cast. They suggested simplifying the series as either a show for children or a mystery focused on Hopper for adults. Fortunately, the Duffer Brothers didn’t give up on their original idea, and it eventually made it to the screen. Looking back now, it seems unbelievable that anyone would have passed on the story, considering how popular it became.
1) They Almost Killed off Eleven and Steve in Season 1
Originally, the creators of Stranger Things planned for Eleven to sacrifice herself to save Hawkins and for Steve to remain a typical villain who wouldn’t last long. However, the actors Millie Bobby Brown and Joe Keery impressed the Duffer Brothers so much with their performances that they changed the storyline. Brown brought a powerful energy to Eleven, and Keery added unexpected charm to Steve, leading the Duffers to keep both characters alive. This allowed Eleven to become the heart of the show and its main hero, and gave Steve the opportunity to develop into a more complex character. This willingness to adapt based on the actors’ contributions is a key reason why Stranger Things became such a huge success.
Have you seen the Stranger Things finale yet? If so, you can rate it here in the ComicBook forum!
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2026-01-06 22:15