Stranger Things, the breakout Netflix series that’s quickly gaining cult-like status, is returning for its second season this fall. And to kick things off, Netflix is going retro, referencing classic movies that influence the modern series.
As Patrick Coffee writes in AdWeek, “the art team at the show has paid homage to each film’s original poster art while placing the Stranger Things cast members in its universe.”
A recreation of that unforgettable Drew Barrymore file “Fire Starter” takes the creepy to a whole different level. And we’re scared senseless all over again looking at their reinterpretation of the iconic “Jaws” poster. Did I actually just feel my pulse rate go up?
It’s a good move, Netflix. If their goal is to widen Stranger Things’ appeal to a broader audience, it’s working. I haven’t been following the show, but I’m already looking forward to this season.
“It’s the attention to detail that really makes these faux posters stand out. From the taglines to the fonts, these are faithful tributes to films that have long served as touchpoints for the very sort of viewers who would obsess over Stranger Things,” Coffee notes.
There are some powerful ideas here for the magazine industry too. This kind of look back creates nostalgia and brings back good memories for so many, and can serve to cement current content with past experiences. Think modern recreations of classic ads, or reenactments of iconic black and white photos that resonate today – retro media is on a rebound thanks to an overabundance of “new,” and consumers just might be poised to dip a toe into the “way back.”
Netflix nailed it with this one.