Duffer Brothers Reveals How ‘Prisoners’ Inspired ‘Stranger Things,’ Say They Were Initially Rejected By 15 To 20 Networks

In case you haven’t heard, yes, Netflix‘s “Stranger Things” is well-deserving of the hype, and so much more than just its loving homage to sci-fi and fantasy films of the ’70s and ’80s (though it’s certainly that too). It’s a missing-persons mystery, a story about the relationship between parents and children, a look at coming-of-age, and a tale with a big scary monster at the center. And somehow, it all works wonderfully when you put it together. But you might be surprised to hear that Matt and Ross Duffer, the writers, creators and directors of the series, were initially inspired by Denis Villeneuve‘s 2013 drama “Prisoners.”

“We thought, ‘Wouldn’t that movie have been even better in eight hours on HBO or Netflix?'” Matt told Rolling Stone. “So we started talking about a missing-person story.”

“It was great seeing those characters in that tone on the big screen, but we thought it needed more,” Ross added. “It was taking that idea of a missing child and combining it with the more childlike sensibilities that we have. You know, can we put a monster in there that eats people? Because we are nerds and children-at-heart, we thought it was the best thing ever.”

And while audiences think so too, the brothers tell the magazine they struggled to find a home for “Stranger Things,” getting rejected by 15 to 20 networks, before finally landing at Netflix, who they initially avoided, thinking the service only wanted to work with high profile names like David Fincher. But luckily, they found a great place for the series, and didn’t have to change anything about their concept, even though other networks had their own ideas about what the show should be.

“You either gotta make it into a kids show or make it about this Hopper [detective] character investigating paranormal activity around town,” was some of the advice they received, and it was dispiriting. But the duo stuck to their guns, even when things looked grim.

“There was a week where we were like, ‘This isn’t going to work because people don’t get it,'” Matt said.

Luckily, a lot of people not only “get it,” but love it and the big question is whether or not Netflix will renew “Stranger Things” for a second season. Keep your fingers crossed, and if they do, the Duffers have a few ideas ready to go.