Stranger Things creators still have the same favourite scene even after multiple seasons

Stranger Things has become one of the most renowned shows on Netflix. The series has given fans several memorable moments over the seasons. From scary encounters in the Upside Down to emotional character development, the show has delivered consistent entertainment.

Yet despite all these iconic sequences, the creators still hold one particular moment closest to their hearts. This moment comes from the very start of the show. Ross and Matt Duffer, who are the masterminds behind this brainchild, have revealed their top favourite scenes.

And to the surprise of fans from the later seasons, there were huge budgets and more elaborate set pieces. Instead, it's a fundamental scene from the pilot episode. As the final season approaches, Matt Duffer recently shared this special insight with Variety.

The sequence features the young child actors playing Dungeons and Dragons in Mike's basement. This opening scene set the tone for everything that followed.

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The basement scene that started it all for Stranger Things

The Duffer Brothers have never wavered in their favourite pics. Matt Duffer explained why this sequence remains so crucial to them. He described the experience of filming it for the first time. It was the moment when their vision came to reality. The pressure and anxiety of bringing the story of Stranger Things to life must have been massive.

They had invested years developing the concept and pitching to several networks. Netflix finally gave them the green light. But even then, there were no guarantees of winning.

As Stranger Things season 5 draws near, co-creator Matt Duffer tells Variety that his favorite moment from the show is still the first scene.

"The first scene we shot, which was the scene with the kids playing Dungeons and Dragons in the basement — that's the first time we had them in a room, in a set, performing a scene from the show with cameras running. Just watching that come together was a massive, massive relief. Even though it was 10 years ago, I'll never forget that moment."

The basement sequence introduced audiences to the core groups, which included Dustin, Mike, Will, and Lucas. These characters would become beloved by millions worldwide. The natural chemistry between the young stars was evident from the beginning. Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, and Caleb McLaughlin brought their characters to life with accuracy.

The Duffer brothers knew they had discovered something unforgettable. The sequence captured the innocence of childhood bonds. It demonstrated these kids enjoying a simple game together before their lives transformed forever.

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A moment of relief for the creators of Stranger Things

For the Duffer Brothers, this first filming day represented more than just filming a scene, as it was a milestone. It was a validation of their whole creative process. They had spent several hours refining their vision and writing scripts.

They had poured their hearts into casting the right group of young actors. But until the cameras rolled, everything remained skeptical. Seeing the kids interact with ease in character brought immediate relief.

The stress and doubt melted away in that basement setting. The sequence also displayed the show's eccentric blend of genres. It blended science fiction, horror, and coming-of-age drama. The Dungeons and Dragons game was not just a simple activity.

It established the fantasy elements that would come together throughout the story. The kids' enthusiasm for the game mirrored their later determination to save their friend. Their teamwork in the game predicted their real-life collaboration against supernatural dangers.

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Why this moment still matters in Stranger Things

The opening established the heart of Stranger Things. The series has always been about loyalty and the importance of friendship. It's about ordinary kids encountering extraordinary circumstances. The Dungeons and Dragons game served as a witty metaphor. It foreshadowed the forthcoming adventure in their life. The game's antagonist, the Demogorgon, would soon appear in their actual lives.

The connection between reality and fantasy becomes a recurring theme throughout the show. Ten years have passed since that main moment. The series has turned into a cultural phenomenon.

The young cast members have evolved and grown up on screen. The production values have increased dramatically. Yet the Duffer brothers still look back at that first moment with fondness.

It represents the start of something extraordinary. That basement sequence proved their concept could work. It validated their creative direction and casting choices.

Stranger Things forever transformed television and the creators' lives with one basement sequence.