Fans of Stranger Things may be preparing to say goodbye to Hawkins, but the beloved Netflix franchise is far from finished. Creators Matt and Ross Duffer have officially confirmed that a live-action spin-off is in the early stages of development, promising a fresh era for the series with entirely new characters and a different timeline.
The announcement comes as Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 finally lands on Netflix, sending the fandom into a frenzy. While the remaining episodes will bring the story of Hawkins and the Upside Down to a close, the Duffer Brothers are already laying the groundwork for a new chapter in the Stranger Things universe.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Ross Duffer revealed that the spin-off concept has been in their minds for years. He clarified that the upcoming project will not revisit the central characters or events of the original series, but will instead explore an entirely different decade, offering fresh perspectives while staying rooted in the established lore.
“We’re still in the early stages of shaping this live-action spin-off,” Ross explained. “It’s the end of the journey for Hawkins, but the new story will remain connected to the Stranger Things world. Different characters, different time period, but the DNA of the show will be there.”
Although the Duffer Brothers will not be acting as showrunners for the spin-off, they plan to remain heavily involved in crafting its vision. Matt Duffer added that this new project has been creatively invigorating, allowing them to experiment with brand-new mythology and narrative styles.
Interestingly, the spin-off might arrive sooner than their upcoming film projects under their deal with Paramount. “We’re further along with the spin-off than any movie idea,” Ross confirmed, while Matt emphasized that their current focus remains squarely on expanding the Stranger Things universe before moving on to other ventures.
For fans concerned about tone and quality, the Duffers assure that while the setting and cast will change, the storytelling essence that made Stranger Things a cultural phenomenon will remain intact.
With the conclusion of Hawkins’ tale on the horizon, this upcoming live-action series promises to push the boundaries of the franchise in bold and unexpected directions — ensuring that the magic, mystery, and thrill of Stranger Things will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
