'Stranger Things 5' Ties to 'A Wrinkle in Time' Unpacked

The acclaimed series 'Stranger Things 5' incorporates significant plot elements inspired by Madeleine L'Engle's 'A Wrinkle in Time.' Young Holly Wheeler, now a central character, frequently reads the classic novel, which becomes her primary lens for understanding the encroaching darkness of the Upside Down and the villainous Vecna. This literary connection replaces the show's earlier reliance on Dungeons & Dragons as a thematic touchstone.

References to 'A Wrinkle in Time' are pervasive. Holly refers to Vecna as 'Mr. Whatsit,' a nod to the book's mystical characters. The terrifying planet Camazotz, corrupted by the 'Black Thing,' directly mirrors the show's depiction of the Upside Down's pervasive evil. These parallels offer a new layer of depth to the series' unfolding narrative.

Furthermore, the novel may foreshadow future plot developments. The concept of 'tessering' from the book, a method of interstellar travel, finds a potential echo in the show's exploration of wormholes. This scientific concept, taught by Mr. Clarke, bears a striking resemblance to Will Byers's cryptic drawings, hinting at an intricate connection between the show's fantastical elements and the profound themes of 'A Wrinkle in Time.'