As the highly anticipated fifth and final season of Stranger Things approaches, fans are rediscovering the hidden influences that shape the Netflix phenomenon. While the Duffer brothers have always drawn heavily from 1980s pop culture, one surprising inspiration continues to resurface in discussions about the show's distinctive tone - Chevy Chase's 1985 comedy Fletch.
The Unexpected Connection Revealed
The fascinating link between Hawkins and the classic detective comedy first came to light back in 2018 during an interview David Harbour gave to Variety. The actor who portrays Chief Hopper revealed that the Duffer brothers maintained very specific cinematic references for each season, using them as tonal anchors throughout their creative process.
According to Harbour, Fletch was among the films prominently displayed on the writers' room inspiration board. He explained that the movie's distinctive looseness - particularly its approach to detective storytelling with a casual shrug - directly influenced how Hopper moved through various scenarios in Season 3.
How Fletch Transformed Hopper's Character
The impact of this creative choice became most evident during Stranger Things' third season. Viewers witnessed a different side of Hopper as he went undercover, delivered quick-witted lines, and navigated situations without the dramatic weight typically associated with his character.
These character beats drew clear parallels to Chevy Chase's performance in Fletch - that unique blend of casual delivery, slightly messy execution, and sharp timing that effectively advances the plot. Harbour emphasized that this wasn't accidental but represented a deliberate tonal choice made alongside several other films the Duffers referenced for that particular season.
Visual Easter Eggs and Cultural Grounding
The Fletch influence extended beyond character development into visual storytelling. Sharp-eyed fans spotted the film's title displayed on the marquee at the Starcourt Mall multiplex, positioned alongside other 1985 releases like Back to the Future and Cocoon.
While these references might seem minor, they underscore how consistently the show turns to 1980s pop culture for grounding and authenticity. The placement serves as both an Easter egg for knowledgeable viewers and a testament to the creators' commitment to period accuracy.
Despite these clear touchpoints and references, the creative team never pursued casting Chevy Chase himself. There were no discussions about bringing the actor to Hawkins for a cameo appearance. The Fletch references were intended to remain as creative cues - part of the internal rulebook guiding the show's development rather than setup for on-screen appearances.
As production continues on the second half of Season 5, Stranger Things maintains its successful formula blending nostalgia, scattered influences, and selective callbacks. Fletch remains among these influences, continuing to shape the show's tone from a distance rather than through direct on-screen representation.
