First published 2018
Gina McIntyre takes readers behind the cameras of Netflix's breakout series Stranger Things through its first two seasons. The book opens with commentary from creators Matt and Ross Duffer, who explain their vision for the supernatural thriller set in 1980s Indiana. McIntyre conducts exclusive interviews with the cast, including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and David Harbour, revealing their experiences bringing these beloved characters to life. The author explores the show's development from earliest drafts to Netflix pitches, documenting the creative decisions that shaped Hawkins and the mysterious Upside Down. Production designers, composers, and visual effects artists share insights into crafting the show's distinctive aesthetic. McIntyre examines the cultural references that influenced the series, from Stephen King novels to classic horror films. The book includes practical elements like a map of Hawkins marked with Upside Down locations and Eleven's Morse code disk for decoding hidden messages. McIntyre concludes with a preview of season three, offering fans a glimpse into the show's future direction.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, fantasy, horror
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful
Tropes: found-family, mystery
Setting: Hawkins, Indiana, Upside Down
Period: 1980s
224 pages · Hardcover · Random House Worlds