After experiencing the emotional rollercoaster of “The Rightside Up,” the Stranger Things finale left us with one stunning visual: the end credits transformed beloved characters into art echoing the iconic Dungeons & Dragons manuals. This homage perfectly captured the essence of the show, but surprisingly, it wasn’t the original vision of the Duffer Brothers.
Initially, they found inspiration in another fantasy epic known for its lengthy conclusions: Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. As Matt Duffer shared, “We were heavily influenced by Return of the King and its epilogue.” He revealed, “I’m such a fan that I’ve binge-watched all the extended editions in one sitting. When done that way, the epilogue feels just right.”
This epilogue spans nearly 45 minutes, and you can definitely feel the influence of Tolkien’s world here.
Matt further elaborated, “We adored the credits at the end of Return of the King. The initial idea was simple illustrations.” After discussions with Imaginary Forces, the creativity took an exhilarating turn. They proposed making it appear as though it came from Will’s sketchbook, eventually transforming it into the homage to D&D we see in the finale.
The result? A visual feast for fans. “What’s fascinating about D&D manuals is the colorful images and the evolution of illustration styles over the years,” Matt noted. They even brought back some original 1980s illustrators, enriching the finale’s nostalgic feel. “We wanted it to feel finite,” he added, “to convey a strong sense of ‘The End.’”
Ross Duffer joined in, emphasizing the importance of honoring every actor, including those whose names couldn’t be listed, like Joseph Quinn (Eddie) and Shannon Purser (Barb).
Interestingly, the credits sparked a fan theory. Could it be that Stranger Things was a role-playing game all along, crafted by Mike (Finn Wolfhard)? If you’re intrigued, the Dungeons & Dragons universe currently has Netflix tie-in editions for your next tabletop session.
How Did the Duffer Brothers Decide on the End Credits Style?
The Duffer Brothers were inspired by cinematic endings, particularly how Return of the King captured the essence of finality. They initially leaned towards simple illustrations but were encouraged to adopt the vibrant style of D&D manuals, which beautifully encapsulated the journey of the show.
What Elements Made the End Credits Stand Out?
The art style within the credits featured a mixture of colorful illustrations and nostalgic elements, imbuing the finale with depth. Collaborating closely with original illustrators from the 1980s provided an authentic feel that resonated with fans and celebrated the show’s history.
Were There Any Subtle Tributes in the Credits?
Absolutely. The credits not only honored the main cast but also paid homage to characters like Eddie and Barb, who had a significant impact on the storyline, showing respect to all involved in the journey.
Is There a Deeper Message Behind This Creative Choice?
Many fans speculate whether Stranger Things itself was merely a game being played out. The end credits invite this discussion, blurring the lines between reality and role-playing, leaving viewers pondering the real story behind the scenes.
Watching the journey of Stranger Things culminate in such a creative way is rewarding. The blend of classical fantasy influences and modern storytelling resonates deeply with fans of all ages. What did you think of the final credits? Share your thoughts in the comments below!