We don’t know much about the origins of Demogorgon or the details of the Upside Down but we do know what goes on behind the scenes! From details about the stellar cast and best characters to truths about production of the hit TV show, here are 22 Stranger Things facts that are so surprising, they’ll turn your world Upside Down…

1. Millie Bobby Brown is British

There are a few facts about Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven) that some of you probably weren’t aware of. Did you know that she’s a British starlet, born and raised in Spain? When she was seven years old, her parents decided to apply her to acting school in LA. Since then, they’ve resided in the U.S. Bonus fact? Charlie Heaton who played Jonathon is British too!

2. She Actually Shaved Her Hair!

You’ve got to rate a 12-year-old who’s brave enough to shave her hair! Millie was nervous about getting the chop so the directors told her to “have the mind-frame of Charlize Theron in Mad Max”.

3. The Cast Can Sing!

Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin) and Millie Bobby Brown can sing! Millie regularly posts singing videos on YouTube while Gaten used to star in Les Miserables. Their voices are incredible – Gaten’s in particular will blow your mind!

4. Dustin Has a Disorder Called Cleidocranial Dysplasia

Gaten Matarazzo has a rare disorder called cleidocranial dysplasia which affects his teeth and bones. As a result of this condition, he wears fake teeth. Gaten has proudly used his celebrity status to raise awareness about his disorder. What’s crazy? Gaten’s condition apparently lost him 100 roles!

5. Auditioning for the Role of Eleven Was “Complicated”

You’d think auditioning for the role of Eleven would be simple considering she hardly speaks and just stares most of the time. In fact, it was “complicated” according to Millie. “I didn’t actually have to stare, I cried a lot in the audition. All I said was, ‘It’s behind you!’ and that was it. It was complicated, I auditioned multiple times. I auditioned once by myself, and then I auditioned on tape, I Skyped with the Duffers, and then I flew to L.A. and actually met Finn (Wolfhard) and the Duffers, and then I found out I had to cut all [my hair] off and I got the job.”

6. Steven Spielberg Inspired the Makers of the Show

It’s no surprise that the TV show is full of 80’s references! The show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers said they were inspired by the likes of Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, and John Carpenter when creating Stranger Things.

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7. The Cast & Crew Had to Watch 80’s Movies

Before starting the show, the kids and writers were asked to watch more classic films like The Goonies and Poltergeist – all movies that would inspire Stranger Things.

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8. The Main Title Was Inspired by 70’s and 80’s Movies

Stranger Things was very reminiscent of 70’s and 80’s movies, even down to the opening credits. Apparently the main titles were inspired by the work of Richard Greenberg, the designer behind titles like Alien, Superman, The Goonies, and The Dead Zone.

9. Stephen King Spotted Millie in 2014

Millie Bobby Brown’s talents were spotted early on by Stephen King! He was so impressed by her performance in Intruders that he tweeted about her back in 2014! Millie was always meant to shine!

Millie Brown, the girl in INTRUDERS, is terrific. Is it my imagination, or are child actors a lot better than they used to be?

— Stephen King (@StephenKing) September 28, 2014

10. 906 Boys and 307 Girls Auditioned for a Role

It took a lot of youngsters to find the right cast! 906 boys and 307 girls auditioned for a role in the hit TV-series! What a great casting they chose! What’s more interesting? In their auditions, the kids were told to read scripts from the classic 80’s movie, Stand by Me.

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11. Eleven’s Death Scene was the Funniest to Film

Apparently the funniest scene the group filmed was Eleven’s death scene. They couldn’t contain their laughter – much like us when scrolling through these hilarious Stranger Things jokes!

12. Gaten Actually Carried Millie in the Finale!

Can you believe Gaten really carried Millie in the season finale?! That little man has strength! Apparently Finn Wolfhard (Mike) couldn’t do it so Gaten offered his little helping hand!

13. There’s a 30-Page Document Dedicated to The Upside Down

Want to know more about the Upside Down? Ask The Duffer Brothers! They supposedly have a 30-page document that explains it all as well as the Demogorgon. As Ross Duffer explains, “we have all this stuff that we just didn’t have time for, or we didn’t feel like we needed to get into in season one… We have that whole other world that we haven’t fully explored in this season, and that was very purposeful.”

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14. Eleven Was Inspired by E.T

Apparently Eleven’s performance was inspired by E.T! Millie was told to act similar to the iconic character. That would explain her alien-like tendencies!

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15. Gaten Matarazzo’s Voice Change Disrupted Filming

Gaten Matarazzo’s voice changed so much during filming that they were unable to use him for additional dialogue recording (ADR) at the end of production.

16. Caleb McClaughlin Made Fashion Orders

Caleb McClaughlin, the actor who plays Lucas was very keen on nailing the 80’s outfit! He requested to wear a camouflage bandanna during the show – as seen in the final three episodes!

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17. The Kids Had Great Chemistry Before Filming the Show

The kids are great friends behind the scenes too! They quickly got to know each other and created a bond by texting each other in a group chat before filming. When it came to filming their first scene together (the Dungeons and Dragons scene), their chemistry was “electric”.

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18. Millie Bobby Brown Actually Floated in That Kiddie Pool

Eleven really did float in a kiddie pool – there were no special effects! The show’s runners followed Mr Clarke’s instructions precisely. Did you know that over 1,200 pounds of epsom salt were dissolved into that pool?! There was so much salt that Millie Bobby Brown “started getting dizzy”!

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19. The Makers Made Sure to Give the Show That Vintage Look

Want to know how they achieved that vintage look throughout the series? Stranger Things was shot on a digital cinema camera with an added layer of scanned film grain.

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20. This was Shannon Purser’s (Barb) First Acting Role

Stranger Things was Shannon Purser’s (Barb) first acting role! Let’s hope we see her return next season!

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21. The Actor Who Played Steve Had an Alternate Ending

Wondering what sent Nancy back into the arms of Steve? The Duffer Brothers revealed that they had no original plans to reconcile the two at the end of the series. The actor that played Steve was very “likable and charming” that they ended up tweaking his character and giving him an alternative ending!

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22. Little Holly is Played by Twins

Little Holly is played by twins Anniston and Tinsley Price. Most of Holly’s scenes were improvised too! According to The Duffer Brothers, “When Holly watches the family argue in in “Chapter One”… When she gets upset by Dustin and sinks into her chair in “Chapter Two”… When Joyce asks if she saw something in the wall and she confidently replies “yes”… None of that was scripted.”

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We’re sure there will be more strange and surprising facts about Stranger Things that’ll unfold as the seasons go by. Keep up with Tell Tales to stay updated!

For now, why not treat yourself to some awesome Stranger Things merchandise that all fans of the show should own?