Did Man of Steel Inspire Eleven’s Sacrifice in Stranger Things 5?

The closing moments of the much-discussed fifth series of Stranger Things have prompted a flurry of speculation among viewers. Some particularly attentive fans have pointed out a curious parallel: the scene in which Millie Bobby Brown’s character, Eleven, gives herself up during a violent storm bears a notable resemblance to a key sequence from Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. In that film, Jonathan Kent, played by Kevin Costner, meets his end in a tornado, choosing to sacrifice himself for the greater good.

Social media has been abuzz with comparisons, with one post declaring, “Zack Snyder is the blueprint ….. #StrangerThings5 🤝 Man Of Steel 🔥🔥”. The similarities between the two scenes have not gone unnoticed, sparking debate over whether the Duffer Brothers may have drawn inspiration from Snyder’s blockbuster, which grossed $667 million worldwide and featured a cast including Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, and Michael Shannon. While it’s impossible to say for certain if the resemblance is intentional, the emotional weight of both moments is undeniable.

Creative Influences Behind the Series

Although the creators of Stranger Things have never explicitly cited Snyder as an influence, they have openly acknowledged the impact of a range of iconic filmmakers and writers on their work. The show has often been described as reminiscent of Harry Potter, though this comparison remains a matter of debate. Matt and Ross Duffer themselves have credited the likes of Steven Spielberg, John Carpenter, and Stephen King as major sources of inspiration.

Ross Duffer once explained,

I think it’s almost divided, in a way, into thirds. I mean, it’s very simplified. Because the teens are almost in that, whether it’s Carpenter, King or Wes Craven. It’s like they’re in that Halloween mode where they’re having sex and getting into trouble and there’s obviously darkness that comes with that that’s symbolised by this monster.

He continued,

With the kids it’s more, yes there’s the Spielberg stuff, but that’s where it gets a little confusing, because part of it is the Spielberg stuff like E.T., and because with adults, we really wanted that Close Encounters feel with Joyce and stuff, or Jaws, where it’s like these people that don’t really believe in the extraordinary coming encounter with that, and that’s where you get the sense of wonder with the Christmas lights and all that, which is what we really wanted.

From direct nods to King’s novels to the atmospheric tension reminiscent of Carpenter’s films, the Duffer Brothers have woven together a tapestry of influences to create something that feels both familiar and fresh.

Speculation on the Future of the Franchise

With the dust barely settled on the final episode, speculation is already rife about what might come next for the Stranger Things universe. Fans have been quick to ask about the possibility of sequels or spin-offs, eager to see whether the world of Hawkins will expand further.

Rumours have circulated regarding a potential spin-off titled The Montauk Project, fuelled by hints such as Joyce and Hopper’s move to Montauk. However, the show’s creators have clarified that this was never part of their plans, attributing the theory to overzealous interpretation by the audience. Nevertheless, they have hinted in interviews that new projects set within the same intellectual property are in development, though these would feature a different cast and storyline, largely separate from the original narrative.

Series and Film at a Glance

Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder, boasts a cast including Henry Cavill and Amy Adams, and achieved a box office total of $667 million. Its Rotten Tomatoes scores stand at 57% from critics and 75% from audiences.

Meanwhile, Stranger Things has completed five series, created by Matt and Ross Duffer, and stars Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, and Gaten Matarazzo among others. The show enjoys an IMDb rating of 8.6/10 and Rotten Tomatoes scores of 90% and 83% from critics and viewers respectively. The series is currently available to stream on Netflix.

Would you prefer to see the franchise return with a fresh story, or are you content to let the finale settle for now? Share your thoughts below.