Fans are still reeling from the release of the second volume of Stranger Things 4 on 1 July 2022. The series has seen record viewing on Netflix, which places it in line with blockbuster series like Star Wars. Interestingly, both franchises have characters that are comparable to one another.

Whether it’s mysteriously empowered ladies like Eleven and Rey, or stylish mavericks along the lines of Steve Harrington and Han Solo, Stranger Things and Star Wars fans can connect through the characters’ attributes. Since Stranger Things 5 will take a while to premiere, it’s worth examining the details behind the show’s characters and comparing them to the Star Wars cast.

Joyce Byers: Obi-Wan Kenobi

Split images of Joyce Byers in Stranger Things and Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars

There are quite a few similarities between the two characters, with Joyce’s reservations about Will and Jonathan paralleling Obi-Wan’s fears in Star Wars about Anakin. The two characters are essentially thrust into the parenting role without being fully equipped to do so, but they try their best.

They can be reluctant to step up but give their full commitment once they do so, with Joyce’s rescue of Jim Hopper being similar to how Obi-Wan saved Leia. Joyce and Obi-Wan are also wiser than most largely because their experiences molded them into having such knowledge about how the world works.

Mike Wheeler: Lando Calrissian

Split images of Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things and Lando Calrissian in Star Wars

Fans have heard a mix of funny and inspiring quotes from Mike in Stranger Things, the majority of which have come when he’s under pressure. He’s someone who takes time to pluck up the courage to act, even getting into fights with his friends because he’s so stubborn.

Similarly, Lando didn’t stick up for his allies against Darth Vader, only to come to their aid when he felt the guilt of his actions. Lando isn’t the bravest or most confrontational, with his development coming from events around him rather than through his own decisions. Just like Mike has a notable but occasionally turbulent friendship with Lucas, so does Lando share one with Han Solo.

Dustin Henderson: Poe Dameron

Split images of Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things and Poe Dameron in Star Wars

Having completely unique mindsets, carrying rebellious streaks, and uttering one-liners galore, Dustin and Poe are pretty much the same people in different universes. Fans have enjoyed Dustin’s many quotes in Stranger Things over the years, as the character has an opinion about everything.

Poe is also highly opinionated, feeling he’s right all the time, even arguing with his superiors in the Resistance. Where Poe has a bromance with Finn, Dustin has one with Steve - both duos carry a blend of hilarity and genuine emotional connection. Dustin and Poe are also unapologetically themselves, not caring about what anyone thinks about them.

Nancy Wheeler: Padmé Amidala

Split images of Nancy Wheeler in Stranger Things and Padme Amidala in Star Wars

Most fans of Stranger Things feel that Nancy is the smartest character, although she’s had to do a lot to prove it. She’s been underestimated due to the times she lives in, but Nancy always comes up with creative ways to skirt around it. Similarly, Padmé had to come up with a decoy of herself so she could conduct her investigations around the galaxy.

Padmé became a senator so she could make a difference and have her voice heard, while Nancy has taken up the role of a journalist to fulfill the same goal. The two characters have also been in romances that appear to be doomed to fail, yet their tenacity of spirit keeps them hoping for the best.

Jim Hopper: Qui-Gon Jinn

Split images of Jim Hopper in Stranger Things and Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars

Anakin would never have become Darth Vader had he grown up under Qui-Gon’s fatherly care. In the same vein, Eleven wouldn’t have been able to be a normal girl without Hopper taking care of her. Qui-Gon and Hopper are the fatherly figures who are instrumental in making people feel safe.

Qui-Gon had the Chosen One in Anakin that he took under his wing, while Hopper also had the powerful Eleven who he taught to be in touch with her emotions. Hopper and Qui-Gon can go a bit overboard in their protectiveness, but it comes down to their devotion toward their loved ones.

Lucas Sinclair: Finn

Split images of Lucas Sinclair in Stranger Things and Finn in Star Wars

Lucas has always had something of an identity crisis, wanting to fit in at school and being unsure of his place with his friend group. It took fighting off Jason and his cronies for Lucas to feel he was worthy of his role in life. Similarly, Finn was unhappy as a Stormtrooper and became part of the Resistance to find out who he really was.

Finn was brave enough to fight Kylo Ren, displaying the same gutsiness that Lucas displayed in his fight against Jason. Lucas and Finn also have something of a one-sided devotion toward Max and Rey, wanting to be there for the ladies but not knowing quite what to say. Lucas and Mike’s dynamic is also similar to Finn and Poe’s.

Will Byers: C-3PO

Split images of Will Byers in Stranger Things and C3PO in Star Wars

It might sound comedic to compare these two, but they have surprisingly similar characteristics. Will and C-3PO are generally nervous and confused, yet they also partake in their allies’ battles and desperately want to fit in. They are never the leaders, always following the others’ guidance.

C-3PO was looked after by the whole group, with the character finding comfort in fitting in with them. Will has also been an outcast with everyone apart from his family and friends, who all reassure him that they will never leave Will on his own.

Max Mayfield: Leia Organa

Split images of Max Mayfield in Stranger Things and Leia Organa in Star Wars

Max and Leia are fierce individuals who prefer to take care of their problems themselves. They are usually loners until people around them prove their worth to them. Max and Leia can be distant toward their love interests, with Lucas and Han wanting their ladies to connect with them better.

Neither of the two is easily impressed by heroic figures, with Leia not caring about Luke or Han’s accomplishments and Max simply rolling her eyes when Dustin or Lucas tried to impress her. Max and Leia do value their friends, although they don’t make this known all too much because they don’t want to get overly attached.

Steve Harrington: Han Solo

Split images of Steve Harrington in Stranger Things and Han Solo in Star Wars

Steve and Han carry a maverick mentality, have a preference for showing off, are a hit with the ladies, and take on cynical mindsets. They can easily feel lost when something doesn’t go their way and rely on their friends to give them a purpose in life.

Where Steve relied on Dustin and Robin, Han did the same with Luke, Chewbacca, and Lando. The pair also lean toward romantic interests that seem unattainable, as Steve’s dynamic with Nancy is about as complex as Han’s was with Leia. They are also the go-to action guys in their groups who aren’t afraid to get into the thick of it.

Eleven: Rey

Split images of Eleven in Stranger Things and Rey in Star Wars

Eleven and Rey are introduced as exceptionally talented and powerful individuals who need the guidance of parental figures. Eleven finds such a person in Hopper, along with her friends shaping her into becoming a normal person. Rey’s mentors included Han, Luke, and Leia, and her dynamic with Finn and Poe also made her feel more than a nobody.

The two heroes had to take time away from their loved ones to fully tap into their powers, which was preceded by a long time when they went through depression and an identity crisis. Eleven faced the main antagonists in the Mind Flayer and Venca, while Rey faced Kylo Ren and Palpatine.

NEXT: 10 Quotes That Prove Steve Was The Smartest In Stranger Things