By The expectation is high for Stranger Things to avoid concluding in the same manner as Game of Thrones. That other television sensation, which left numerous viewers disheartened, still resonates, and there’s a prevalent worry that Netflix’s nearly decade-long sensation could follow suit. Nevertheless, despite its challenges, The Duffer Brothers have often referred to the acclaimed HBO series as a blueprint of ice and fire in their approach to the intensifying narratives each season.
“In terms of television, we consistently looked to Game of Thrones and what [showrunners] Dan [Weiss] and David [Benioff] accomplished,” Matt Duffer shared with Variety. “They leveraged the success to amplify the show and develop it, and it snowballed. We consistently presented that example to Netflix as justification for why we should enhance the show: It would elevate the audience. At least, that was our pitch to them.”
Naturally, television wasn’t the sole source they consulted while portraying El’s journey over the last five seasons. Visionary figures like Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, and other icons from the 80s were frequently referenced, along with cultural icons appearing throughout. One director that the Duffers respected, however, was a filmmaker who faced a similarly turbulent beginning prior to their significant projects, much like themselves.
“M. Night Shyamalan was a significant influence. Like us, he had a film that was a total flop, and then he created The Sixth Sense, which turned into a massive success,” detailed Matt Duffer, referring to the 2015 film Hidden. “Yes, he continued to explore variations of the twist concept, but I believed he took a lot of pretty thrilling risks. He kept producing original films. I can’t say I was consciously considering it after Stranger Things, but he’s been such a substantial part of our lives that I’m certain it influenced us.”
We will see how events unfold when volume 1 of Stranger Things season 5 premieres on Netflix on November 26. For a recap on the series’ significant antagonist, refer to our guide on everything you need to know about Vecna.