After five seasons, Stranger Things is coming to an end - but another portal is already opening as the creators behind the show, twin brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, share with the BBC that a spin-off series is already in development.
It's early days but we're excited about it, says Matt Duffer. It's new characters and a new mystery, so it's different, but it will be in the same world as Stranger Things. The pair feel there's more to explore, but they emphasize that the original story is a self-contained arc. According to Ross Duffer, it's definitely the end for these characters. The final scene of the series was meticulously planned from the start, providing a clear direction throughout the seasons.
Season five, set during the autumn of 1987, sees Hawkins, Indiana, grappling with the aftermath of the opening of the Rifts, while the main cast faces a military quarantine and a new threat in Vecna.
The Duffer brothers had always envisioned a conclusion after four or five seasons, though they admit its surreal ending. The cast shares similar sentiments, reflecting upon their journey from an independent production to a major Netflix hit. Joe Keery, who portrays Steve Harrington, reminisces about the uncertainty after season one and recognizes the magnitude of the show's evolution over time.
As they wrap their final season after an extensive filming period, there's a lingering sense of nostalgia. Millie Bobby Brown recalls the emotional weight of filming the finale and the strong friendships the cast has built. For Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin, there’s a mix of anxiety and excitement about transitioning to new projects. He describes the process as a blessing amidst the uncertainty of stepping into the unknown.
The series has left an undeniable legacy, transforming a group of fresh faces into household names, while fostering a dedicated global fanbase as they grew alongside it. Caleb McLaughlin hopes the show's lasting impact will ensure it remains a classic that people continue to enjoy for years to come. Although the final day of shooting brought deep emotions, he fondly recalls the shared moments with the cast, reminiscent of the first season.
New projects are on the horizon, with Netflix promising an animated follow-up and more details of the Duffer brothers' spin-off still under wraps. As for the current cast, while their chapter in Stranger Things comes to a culmination, they remain open to future collaborations. Our part of the Stranger Things story is done for now, says Matarazzo, hinting that a reunion may be possible in the future.
The first four episodes of season five will be available in the US from November 26, with subsequent episodes arriving by Christmas and the finale on New Year’s Eve.
