"Stranger Things" Main Series Concludes, Spin-off Confirmed
The Netflix series "Stranger Things" is concluding after five seasons. Creators Matt and Ross Duffer have confirmed a spin-off series is under development. Matt Duffer stated the spin-off will feature new characters and a new mystery, set within the existing "Stranger Things" world. Ross Duffer clarified that the original series' story arc was intended as self-contained and marks the conclusion for the current characters. The final scene of the original series was planned from its inception.
Fifth Season Details
The fifth season is set in autumn 1987. The narrative involves Hawkins, Indiana, and the impact of the Rifts. The main group of characters is tasked with locating and eliminating Vecna. Concurrently, the town of Hawkins is under military quarantine, and a search for the character Eleven is ongoing. The Duffer brothers, who were in their early thirties when the show began, had originally anticipated a run of four to five seasons for the series.
Production and Cast Perspective
"Stranger Things" commenced as a horror narrative set in a small town and subsequently became a globally recognized Netflix production. Actor Joe Keery, who portrays Steve Harrington, described the first season as having the characteristics of an independent film, in contrast to later seasons which he characterized as large-budget productions. The final season's filming process extended for one year. Natalia Dyer, who plays Nancy Wheeler, commented on the cast's off-camera relationships mirroring those of their on-screen characters. Charlie Heaton, who portrays Jonathan Byers, stated that the events within the show and the show itself significantly impacted the cast members' lives.
Cast Welfare and Production Environment
The Duffer brothers reported feeling a responsibility for the younger cast members during production. They observed that the presence of multiple young actors provided a support system for individuals during various challenges. Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike Wheeler, noted that navigating adolescence simultaneously with participation in a prominent television series presented difficulties. Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo concurred with this observation. Unconfirmed reports by The Mail on Sunday regarding a harassment and bullying claim by Millie Bobby Brown against co-star David Harbour have circulated.