While ‘Stranger Things’ stealing the hearts of millions of viewers, only a few might be aware that the Netflix series has possibly been drawn out from a real-life conspiracy theory about the government.

Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer, who came up with the widely popular series, has not confirmed such speculation but has never denied it either. This real-life conspiracy theory talks about the government conducting experiments on humans, which took place in the early ’80s.

This experiment was supposedly named The Montauk Project, and, interestingly, Montauk was the original name for ‘Stranger Things.’

In April 2015, a number of news outlets, such as Entertainment Weekly, reported that Netflix would be airing a series titled ‘Montauk’ this year. Such report included the following plot: “The show will take place in 1980 Montauk — Long Island’s most eastern point, known for its wineries and beach homes — and chronicle the search for a young boy who has mysteriously gone missing. The case involves ‘top secret government experiments, terrifying supernatural forces, and one very strange little girl.'”

Eventually, they settled to ‘Stranger Things,’ which was reportedly a disappointment for the Duffer brothers.

One of the websites that supported the possibility of the Netflix series being based on the conspiracy theory is the Crystal Links, which delved into the existence of mind control experiments and the kidnapping of boys to be tortured and have their minds re-programmed.

“Many were supposedly killed during the process and buried on the site. Others were released with programming as mind-slaves with alternate personalities to be sleeper cells who could be activated to perform missions,” the website added.

In comparison to ‘Stranger Things,’ viewers have seen Eleven having flashbacks that are likely to be attributed to mind control. While it has not been disclosed as to how Eleven was dragged into what is happening at the Hawkins Laboratory, many have concluded that the kidnapping of Will served one purpose, and that is for him to take part in the experiments.

‘Stranger Things’ season 1 showed more than a few scenes of Eleven being subjected to torture by “the bad people”- the main reason why she was trying to escape.

In addition, one of the scenes showed Millie Bobby Brown’s character killing a monster before seemingly dying.

Associated with the Montauk Project, a story points out that one of the subjects created a small monster using his mind as he and the other participants of the experiments underwent training to make the most of their minds for telekinesis. Such talent was also demonstrated by Eleven on ‘Stranger Things.’

While it remains uncertain how the Duffer brothers will carry on with the story, it is relevant to note that a number of the Montauk Project participants were killed while others were released back into their communities, forming another group known as the Illuminati.

For a closer look at the speculation of ‘Stranger Things’ being based on the Montauk Project, the video can be viewed below.