The show heavily features 1980s pop culture, and viewers have been discussing some of the references, particularly how well-known they were outside of the US. A prime example is Nancy Wheeler’s dramatic transformation in the final episode – she goes from a quiet, unassuming character to a confident, action-oriented hero with a big, 80s hairstyle. While the show’s creators clearly drew inspiration from Sigourney Weaver’s character Ellen Ripley in Alien, some fans believe another figure also influenced Nancy’s powerful portrayal in the finale.
Ellen Ripley is often considered the original strong female action hero, especially after her portrayal in the 1986 film Aliens. Because Aliens came out during the same period as the events in Stranger Things, Nancy Wheeler likely took inspiration from Ripley when she fearlessly takes charge during the final fight with Vecna.
The connection became clear when Nancy faced the Mind Flayer, with the scene mirroring Ripley’s confrontation with the Xenomorph in Alien 3. Though that film came out later, the influence is obvious. Many fans, however, believe Nancy’s heavily armed approach was actually inspired by Sylvester Stallone.
Is ‘Rambo’ Really Nancy’s Inspiration?
Sylvester Stallone famously played Rambo in several films during the 1980s. While many compare Nancy to Ellen Ripley as a strong role model, some on X (formerly Twitter) are suggesting she really embraced a “Rambo”-like approach during the last hour of the show, meaning she became fiercely independent and took matters into her own hands.
Nancy’s all-out battle against the Mind Flayer feels like the intense action scenes that Sylvester Stallone was famous for. But Linda Hamilton, who will guest star in Season 5 of Stranger Things, played another character with a similar fierce energy: Sarah Connor from the Terminator movies. Nancy’s powerful transformation is definitely reminiscent of Sarah Connor’s fighting style.
The creators of the show frequently nod to classic movies – like the Ghostbusters costumes in Season 2 and the *E.T.inspired bike chase in Season 1 – but also weave in more subtle references to films and shows from that time period. Nancy’s character, particularly in the later episodes with Natalia Dyer, seems to draw inspiration from several action movie heroines, blending elements of many different iconic figures.
Subscribe to our newsletter for pop-culture homages
Want more informed takes on characters’ cinematic inspirations? Subscribe to our newsletter for curated analysis of pop-culture homages, fan theories, and the creative threads behind shows like Stranger Things – one place for thoughtful context.
Now that the show has finished, some of the creative decisions and influences remain a mystery. While the creators, the Duffer brothers, have shared a lot of information, it’s probably a good thing they haven’t revealed everything. Part of the fun for fans is speculating and discussing theories online, and that would disappear if all the answers were given away.
Read More
- Clash Royale Best Boss Bandit Champion decks
- Vampire’s Fall 2 redeem codes and how to use them (June 2025)
- Mobile Legends January 2026 Leaks: Upcoming new skins, heroes, events and more
- M7 Pass Event Guide: All you need to know
- Clash Royale Furnace Evolution best decks guide
- Clash of Clans January 2026: List of Weekly Events, Challenges, and Rewards
- Best Arena 9 Decks in Clast Royale
- World Eternal Online promo codes and how to use them (September 2025)
- Clash Royale Season 79 “Fire and Ice” January 2026 Update and Balance Changes
- Best Hero Card Decks in Clash Royale
2026-01-03 23:47