11. The role of “Barb” was Shannon Purser’s first big role.
Shannon Purser told “Esquire” that being Barb was by far the biggest thing she’s ever done – and, while her character was killed off early on, she has turned into a cultural icon because everyone wants justice for Barb.
12. The Christmas lights were used by Nancy and Jonathan in the original script, not Joyce.
Originally, Nancy and Jonathan used the Christmas lights – but, a writer pitched the idea to have Joyce use them to communicate with Will in the upside down and it’s easily become a symbol of the show – and, really good meme material.
13. Hopper only wears a hat to pay tribute to Indiana Jones.
Apparently, David Harbour is a huge Indiana Jones fan and wanted his character to wear a Jones-inspired hat in the show. He apparently even asked the Duffer brothers if he could have a “giant boulder roll after him,” in the show – just like Indiana Jones.
14. Joyce’s hairstyle comes from Meryl Streep inspo. in the movie “Silkwood.”
Her short, messy hairstyle was inspired by another film, much like her epic performance on the show which was inspired by several other films – like Ellen Burstyn in “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.”
15. Steve Harrington was supposed to always be a huge d*ck.
The Duffer brothers original wrote Steve’s character to be a huge douchebag the entire series. But, Joe Keery is such a likable and charming guy, they decided to have a change of heart in Steve’s storyline.