Stranger Things” costume designer confirms iconic '80s movie that inspired key season 5 look

Stranger Things Season 5 Features a Look Inspired by Josh Brolin in The Goonies

The final season is leaning even harder into the 80s — and one classic movie is getting a stylish shout-out.

As Stranger Things gears up for its massive Season 5 finale, fans have already started spotting clever homages sprinkled throughout early footage and on-set glimpses. But one detail has quickly risen above the rest: a character sporting a look directly inspired by Josh Brolin’s iconic style in the 1985 adventure classic The Goonies.

And for fans of both the show and the film that helped define a generation, this is the crossover energy they’ve been waiting for.

A Perfect 80s Callback

Josh Brolin’s character in The Goonies, Brand Walsh, became an instant teen movie icon — headband, layered athletic gear, sleeveless sweatshirt, the whole “cool older brother who lifts weights in the living room” vibe.

Season 5 pays direct tribute to that aesthetic with a look that feels like it leapt straight off the VHS cover. From the retro workout gear to the quietly confident attitude, the homage is unmistakable — and fans online are already celebrating it as one of the best pop-culture winks the show has ever pulled off.

Why This Reference Matters

How Josh Brolin ruined Spielberg's famous ship scene in The Goonies

Stranger Things has always thrived on its authentic 1980s nostalgia. With each season, the show pulls from the movies, fashion, and music that shaped the decade. But The Goonies isn’t just any 80s film — it’s a symbol of adventure, childhood courage, and tight-knit friendships… themes that mirror Stranger Things at its core.

This nod to Brolin feels meaningful for a few reasons:

It honors one of the most beloved teen adventure films of all time.

It reinforces the show’s roots in youthful wonder and danger.

It signals that Season 5 is returning to classic 80s storytelling — camaraderie, treasure-hunt energy, and epic quests.

And for longtime fans, that’s a very good sign.

Fans Are Already Sharing Their Reactions

Social media lit up the moment images surfaced:

“Stranger Things going full Goonies in the final season? YES PLEASE.”
“This is the most 80s thing they’ve ever done — and I love it.”
“The headband! The shirt! The vibe! They nailed it.”

Some fans are even speculating that the visual nod could hint at a bigger tonal shift — perhaps Season 5 will blend emotional stakes with classic adventure energy in a way only Stranger Things can.

The Duffer Brothers Love a Good Easter Egg

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The creative team behind Stranger Things has never been shy about weaving 80s film DNA into the show — everything from E.T. to Aliens to Nightmare on Elm Street has been lovingly referenced.

A Goonies-inspired look is more than fan service. It’s a reminder that the heart of Stranger Things has always been:

kids facing something impossible

small-town secrets

danger hiding in every corner

and friendships that never break

Just like The Goonies, this final season seems poised to bring those themes home in a huge way.

The Perfect Blend of Nostalgia and New Storytelling

As Season 5 builds toward its explosive conclusion, every detail — from music choices to wardrobe — is helping shape the emotional finale fans have waited years to see.

If the Goonies reference is any indication, the show is preparing to merge nostalgia, tension, heart, and adventure into a send-off worthy of the series’ legacy.