Duffer Brothers Reveal Early Details on ‘Stranger Things’ Spinoff
The Duffer Brothers are working on a live-action Stranger Things spinoff that will explore new parts of the Upside Down.
The show will be separate from any animated projects and will introduce fresh characters and locations.
Finn Wolfhard, who stars in the original series, gave some early details about the spinoff in an article published on August 5. He described it as “like David Lynch’s ‘Twin Peaks.’ Sort of an anthology and different tones but similar universe or same universe. I think set in different places and all tied together through this mythology of the Upside Down. Don’t even talk about Hawkins. Don’t have any mention of our characters.”
Wolfhard also suggested that there could be labs in many places, not just Hawkins. “If there was one in Hawkins, there’s one in Russia. Where else could they be?”
Matt Duffer explained that the show will not try to build a huge, complicated mythology. “It’s so different than something like ‘Star Wars. It doesn’t really work like that.” Instead, it will focus on the style of Stranger Things fans know: kids, adventures, and sci-fi/fantasy. Ross Duffer added that the spinoff will feel almost like an anthology.
“There’s going to be connective tissue, but you’re almost anthologizing in a way. Because we’re not ‘Star Wars.’ We can’t be like, ‘Oh, now we’re on this planet.'” Matt agreed, saying, “You’re just too boxed in. It starts to get frustrating from a storytelling perspective.”
The Duffers started developing the spinoff while working on Stranger Things 5. Matt said the process has been exciting. “You’re starting with new characters — it’s like a clean slate. You’re not tied up into any knots. There’s something refreshing about it.” He also said that Netflix has been patient during the process.
“The hope is you’re not just doing something to just do it. And Netflix has been surprisingly patient, although I think now, I feel that patience wearing thin a little bit with the show coming to an end. But they’re understanding.”
Ross Duffer confirmed that the brothers will be deeply involved in shaping the spinoff but won’t serve as showrunners. They are moving into a new phase of their careers under a Paramount deal, writing and directing new projects.
Netflix’s chief creative officer, Bela Bajaria, also spoke about the spinoff. She said she knows the Duffers want to honor the show.
“It’s not just the idea of doing another one.” Bajaria added that the concept has been kept secret. “They’ve been thinking about this for a long time. So I’m excited about what it’s going to be, but I don’t know what that is yet!” She joked about the timing, saying, “I’d always love more ‘Stranger Things.’ When they’re ready, we’ll be ready.”
The spinoff does not have a release date yet, but fans can expect it to explore new stories in the Upside Down while keeping the adventurous spirit of the original series.
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