Fear Street‘s credits give “special thanks” to one of Stranger Things‘ creators, the Duffer Brothers, at the end of Part 1: 1994, and there’s a good reason why. 1994 serves as the first entry of the Netflix movie trilogy based on the novels by author R.L. Stine. Unlike his Goosebumps series, which toned down the horror for young readers, Fear Street was aimed at teens and young adults with gorier subject material and more mature storylines. Director Leigh Janiak takes that sense up a few notches with her adaptation of Stine’s fictional series while using other beloved horror franchises as inspiration.
Matt and Ross Duffer, better known as the Duffer Brothers, also have a history of using horror titles from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s as inspiration for their work. Stranger Things, alone, honors horror filmmakers like George A. Romero, John Carpenter, Steven Spielberg, and Wes Craven throughout the show’s first three seasons. There have also been clear influences from popular authors, specifically Stine. The twin brothers and creative partners have shown no hesitation in adding nostalgic aspects to their projects, and it makes sense why Janiak did the same with Fear Street.
Since the Fear Street trilogy trailer was released ahead of 1994, connections between the new Netflix movies and Stranger Things were pointed out. There are a few undeniable links to the two franchises, including cast members, settings, and clear horror references. Though Fear Street isn’t directly connected to Stranger Things, the two titles share a strong link: Leigh Janiak and Ross Duffer. The Fear Street trilogy helmer and Stranger Things co-creator have been married since 2015, explaining why Janiak included a thank you to Ross and other family members in 1994’s credits.
Janiak was actually working on 1994 and the Fear Street sequels when the Duffer Brothers were busy with Stranger Things season 3. Though they didn’t assist creatively on each other’s projects, the couple allowed some healthy competition, according to Janiak (via The Wrap). The filmmaker confirmed that she and her husband noticed clear parallels to their projects, including the neon-filled malls, which were the setting of violent events. Janiak also noted how seeing Maya Hawke’s performance as Robin in Stranger Things season 3 allowed her to cast Hawke to play Heather in Fear Street, predicting the young actress would be a breakout star. Duffer’s connection to Sadie Sink also presumably led to another chared cast member in Fear Street.
Based on Janiak and the Duffer Brothers’ shared interest in creating live-action period horror projects, it makes sense why there would be connections between Fear Street and Stranger Things. Jankiak and Ross are undeniably united in their love for Stine’s work and content from relatable creators. Their shared interest and similar visions are probably what made Janiak and Ross Duffer a perfect match. If Ross ever branches away from his twin brother in the future, he already has a viable creative partner thanks to his marriage. Maybe one day they can fully collaborate rather than playfully compete against one another.
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