Completely new mythology without familiar faces: The Duffer brothers reveal what the “Stranger Things” spin-off is really about. All details.
The successful universe of “Stranger Things” continues to expand. While the main series is scheduled to end with the fifth season, the Duffer brothers are working on two spin-offs in parallel. Although only a few details are known so far, statements from the series creators now provide clues as to the direction in which the journey is heading. You can find out what fans can expect – and what not – here.
No Montauk, no familiar faces
In an interview with Deadline, Ross Duffer explained that the finale of the main series will contain a subtle reference to the new spin-off. At the same time, however, he made it clear that previous fan theories are in vain: “I can say that this is not about Hopper mentioning Montauk. There will be no Montauk spin-off.” The so-called Montauk Project is a conspiracy theory that claims the US government conducted secret experiments in Montauk, Long Island, in the 1970s-1980s. The theory served as a source of inspiration for “Stranger Things”; The series was initially developed under the working title “Montauk”. The reference to the character Jim Hopper is simply “a wink to the die-hard fans who know that the series started with Montauk.” Duffer also ruled out possible well-known characters: “Of course it’s not about Holly and the children or something like that. It’s something much smaller.”
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A completely new mythology
Instead, the makers are pursuing a new conceptual beginning. Matt Duffer describes it as a “new decade, new city, new characters, new mythology.” Neither Hawkins nor the Upside Down nor the 80s will be the setting for the spin-off. Although the series is connected to the “Stranger Things” universe, it deliberately feels different. These are new plots. Although these would follow on from the main series and clarify some questions left unanswered in the finale, they ultimately told “their own story and their own mythology”. The big question from fans: Could Eleven’s fate be revealed?
The original characters deserved endings
The Duffer brothers also emphasized this approach to “Pedestrian TV”. The new project is “very different, but still clearly ‘Stranger Things'”. At the same time, they made it clear that the journey of the well-known characters was complete: “We wanted it to be the end of the journey of these characters. They deserve a real ending.” Ross Duffer continued: “When you reach adulthood, you have reached the end of the story.” – Is there a hint for the spin-off here and will it again be about children as the central figures of the new mythology? When asked if a cameo from well-known Stranger Things characters would be possible, Matt replied: “It would be difficult – but maybe we could find a way.” An exact start date is still pending, currently the earliest date is 2026.
The Duffer brothers announce the first information about the spin-off:
Cartoon Nostalgia: “Tales From ’85”
In addition to the live-action spin-off, an animated series is also being created. The Duffers already spoke to “Filmstarts” about the animated series “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85,” which is based on classic Saturday morning cartoons. “It’s reminiscent of the cartoons from our childhood, like ‘The Real Ghostbusters’ or the ‘Beetlejuice’ series,” says Ross Duffer. The action takes place between the second and third seasons. The series will appear on Netflix in 2026 – there is currently no exact date.