For the Duffer Brothers, the Subsequent on Netflix 2025 occasion was a platform to debate the tip of their Emmy-winning international hit collection “Stranger Issues,” and the start of the following chapter of their partnership with the streaming service.
After the presentation started with a clip reel teasing how Season 4 villain Vecna and the Upside Down have invaded the characters’ hometown of Hawkins, Indiana, the filmmaking pair got here onto the Egyptian Theatre stage in Hollywood to share some behind the scenes particulars in regards to the present’s ultimate season.
“That is our largest and most bold season but. It’s like eight blockbuster films,” mentioned Ross Duffer. “On the similar time, we expect it’s our most private story. It was tremendous intense and emotional to movie—for us and for our actors,” mentioned Matt Duffer.
With each the introduction they acquired from Netflix Chief Content material Officer Bela Bejaria, and their very own presentation, there was an emphasis on how “Stranger Issues” has been a decade lengthy journey for the Duffer Brothers. “There was so a lot crying,” mentioned Matt, discussing the ultimate days of manufacturing on Season 5. “The present means a lot to all of us, and everybody put their hearts and souls into it. And we hope — and imagine — that keenness will translate to the display.”
Although Netflix has but to announce a launch date for the ultimate season of “Stranger Issues,” the present’s creators did tease the play “Stranger Issues: The First Shadow,” opening on Broadway in March 2025 after an Olivier-winning run in London, as “a mega episode of the present unfolding reside earlier than your eyes.” The piece, written by longtime “Stranger Issues” author Kate Trefry and directed by Stephen Daldry, is an origin story in regards to the man who would change into Vecna.
Whereas there are much more “Stranger Issues” associated initiatives within the works for after the TV collection ends, the Duffers weren’t but able to announce something particular, simply an assurance that they are going to be deeply concerned in no matter might come. “It’s essential to us that something with the ‘Stranger Issues’ title on it’s of the best high quality and never repetitive — that it has a cause to exist and all the time blazes its personal path,” mentioned Matt.
On the similar time, the 2 brothers did joke about how “The Boroughs,” one of many new reveals they’re producing for 2026 underneath their Upside Down Photos banner, shares DNA with their beloved sci-fi collection. “It’s a couple of group of misfits who battle an otherworldly evil. Solely not like ‘Stranger Issues,’ it’s set in a retirement group, in order that’s one thing completely different,” mentioned Matt. “This time our misfits are somewhat on the older aspect. They trip golf carts, not bikes.” The collection will star Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Invoice Pullman.
In the meantime the final title the Duffers teased has younger actors Camila Morrone and Adam DiMarco taking the lead recent off their breakout roles in “Daisy Jones & The Six” and “The White Lotus,” respectively. “‘One thing Very Dangerous is Going to Occur,’ [is] a collection that follows a bride and groom in a chaotic, anxiety-filled week main as much as their wedding ceremony. It dives into the horror and dread that usually comes with making a lifelong dedication to somebody — one thing that anybody who’s ever been in a relationship can undoubtedly relate to,” mentioned Ross.
Whereas the present’s creator Haley Z. Boston is a relative newcomer, very similar to the Duffer Brothers had been after they acquired the greenlight on “Stranger Issues,” it is going to be directed by Weronika Tofilska, who was just lately nominated for an Emmy for her work on Netflix’s “Child Reindeer.”