Netflix fantasy horror giant Stranger Things is yet to release its fifth and final season, but creators Matt and Ross Duffer are already addressing a future spin-off. There have been rumors in the past about a spin-off to the series, with the upcoming animated show Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 being the most promising expansion of the original so far. Now, as Season 5 approaches, the Duffers are making it clear that the show will have its own live-action follow-up, but it will “live in a bit of a different world.”
The Duffers sat down with Variety to talk about Stranger Things Season 5, and break down their remaining time at Netflix. The siblings will now head over to Paramount in order to continue their adventures as creators, officially severing the “crazy creative leash we have at Netflix.” Matt and Ross Duffer remained coy about the details of the final season, but they teased epic running times, while putting “100% energy in just making sure we land this plane.” They also took the time to address a possible spin-off to Netflix’s massively popular drama.
“It feels like a lightning-in-a-bottle situation. Which freaks us out, because it’s like, ‘Well, can we do that again?'” Matt said about what the future holds in terms of their creative drive. He also stated that they don’t wish to “increasingly expand what could become an insanely convoluted mythology.” Ross continued, saying that if there were a future in the Stranger Things universe it would “live in a bit of a different world,” with a strong “connective tissue” linking both shows.
Although they’ll be “heavily creatively involved,” Ross added that they will focus on “writing and directing something new in the meantime, helping shepherd it along.” After Stranger Things officially ends, the Duffers will land at Paramount to follow through with a new exclusive deal that will see them jumping to the big screen for film productions. Of course, they will still be involved in anything regarding Stranger Things as it’s their creation.
‘Deadpool’ Director Shawn Levy Wants to Launch the ‘Stranger Things Universe’ on Netflix
Shawn Levy, the film director behind Deadpool & Wolverine, has been part of Stranger Things since the beginning, having directed a handful of episodes. He’s currently serving as executive producer and had some say with regard to the spin-off. Ultimately, he wants to launch the “STU,” aka the Stranger Things Universe. And yes, we are going to use that.
“They’ve been very protective of spin-off talk, and I understand that the Matt-Ross bubble is sacred. I’m excited to extend the storytelling life of Stranger Things — I’m not going to call it a ‘universe,’ because that would be obnoxious. The STU? Too soon? Sh*t, I know you’re going to use that!”
Naturally, if there’s a party that’s interested in expanding the Stranger Things universe, that’s Netflix. The show has one of the strongest followings in all of modern TV, and fans have consistently proven that they’re very patient. Matt says Netflix has also shown patience leading up to the finale: “I feel that patience wearing thin a little bit, with the show coming to an end. But they’re understanding.”
Netflix CCO Bela Bajaria also showed her support for anything that might come in the future: “I’d always love more Stranger Things. When they’re ready, we’ll be ready.” Judging from everyone’s comments, a Stranger Things spin-off is only a matter of time. And dependent on the reception to the upcoming finale, of course.
- Release Date
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2016 – 2025
- Network
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Netflix
- Writers
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Kate Trefry, Jessie Nickson-Lopez, Jessica Mecklenburg, Alison Tatlock
