Stranger Things cast auditioned using lines from classic Stephen King film Stand by Me

The creators of Stranger Things relied on an unexpected source when casting the show’s now-iconic young actors.

According to new insights shared about the series’ early development, Matt and Ross Duffer had the boys auditioning for the Netflix hit read lines from the 1986 film Stand by Me, the classic Stephen King adaptation based on his novella The Body. The goal was to find young performers capable of delivering emotional depth, natural chemistry and a sense of childhood camaraderie central to both stories.

Stranger Things Season 1 follows Lucas, Mike and Dustin as they search for their missing friend Will Byers, ultimately teaming up with Eleven as the supernatural mystery deepens. Much like Stand by Me, the narrative hinges on friendship, nostalgia and the resilience of kids confronting danger. By using scenes from the Stephen King film during auditions, the Duffers were able to identify actors who could authentically portray those bonds.

Wil Wheaton, who starred as Gordie Lachance in Stand by Me, has spoken positively about the parallels between the two projects. He noted that both casts were made up of largely unknown young actors who rose to stardom through their performances. He also praised the Duffer brothers for capturing the same emotional honesty and ensemble energy that defined Rob Reiner’s adaptation.

The connection extends to Stephen King himself, who has openly expressed his admiration for Stranger Things. The Duffers have exchanged emails with the legendary author, calling the correspondence “surreal” and acknowledging how deeply his work shaped their creative vision.

The shared DNA between Stand by Me and Stranger Things continues to resonate with fans, reinforcing the series’ roots in classic storytelling and heartfelt coming-of-age themes.