The Duffer Brothers Clear The Air About Their ‘Eight Blockbuster Movies’ Promise For Stranger Things’ Final Season, And I’m Actually More Excited Now

The eager anticipation for Season 5 of Stranger Things persists, as we’re looking at a 2025 schedule for its release on Netflix. However, even with this confirmation, there’s still quite a bit of time – nearly an entire year – to endure the lengthy hiatus. But let’s not wallow in despair that would make the Upside Down seem cheerful! I must say, I’m quite invigorated by the Duffer Brothers‘ hint about “eight blockbuster films in production.

Matt and Ross Duffer received the Variety Showrunner Award at SCAD TVfest in Atlanta for their multi-faceted roles as creators, writers, directors, executive producers, and showrunners of the Netflix series that gained global acclaim. This recognition came a week after Ross made an exciting announcement at a Netflix event (via EW), describing the show as being comparable to “eight blockbuster movies” and expressing his amazement with “It’s pretty, pretty insane.

Regarding the extended length of certain Season 4 episodes, especially the finale of Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 2, it’s understandable that fans might anticipate the final season’s episodes to be feature film-length. During their acceptance speech for the SCAD TVfest award, presented by cast member Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas), the creators, the Duffer brothers, explained that their comment about potential blockbuster-length episodes was more of a catchy phrase rather than a definite plan. They admitted that they do tend to write lengthy episodes. Matt Duffer further clarified:

Ross and I appreciate extended movies more than shorter ones. We’re captivated by the visual effects, yet it’s always about the character development that truly matters. As for television, despite our film background, I find it offers a unique blend: we get to witness grandiose special effects and dramatic sequences, but also have ample time to delve into the characters’ lives. This way, when they encounter situations with these effects, you become emotionally attached to their outcomes. Unlike some films, you don’t lose interest or tune out during these scenes. In essence, good TV keeps you fully engaged in the storyline.

Despite the fact that blockbuster movies are entertaining and some might enjoy watching eight consecutive films, the Duffer Brothers aim for something different with the final season. Although they anticipate that the creation of special effects will consume much time in 2025, what truly matters to them is the audience’s deep emotional investment in the characters of a long-running TV series.

Indeed, it’s remarkable that many shows don’t require a decade to air five seasons, and this fact left the Duffers astonished. For instance, the actress who plays Eleven is now married with a growing list of projects featuring Millie Bobby Brown, and even I was taken aback by how mature Caleb McLaughlin appeared during his speech at the SCAD TVfest before presenting the Showrunner Award. It’s worth noting that he is 23 years old, which is several years beyond the age of his Stranger Things character. Matt Duffer further added:

It’s striking how easily one can overlook it until revisiting Season 1 or including flashbacks, at which point one exclaims, “Wow!” They are small characters, but now they feel like family to us. We’ve grown with them throughout the show, and this familial connection has been a unique and special aspect of it. I wonder if it’s because there are so many of them, or if it’s simply their remarkable development as individuals that makes me so proud. Despite the potential dangers of fame for children, I am incredibly pleased with how they have turned out as people.

The Duffer Brothers aren’t revealing much about Season 5, but their hint about flashbacks to Season 1 has piqued my interest! It might not be a lot, but it’s something, and I’m even more eager for the final season now that they’ve confirmed it won’t feel like eight feature films. Remember, this is a TV show, and fans haven’t stuck around for four seasons just for extended episodes. In fact, many consider the first two seasons to be the best, and those were less cinematic compared to the later ones.

Furthermore, the brothers have shared that they initiated work on “digital visual effects” as early as January. Remarkably, things are progressing so well that they’re currently running ahead of schedule, which is not common for them. This could mean that the final season might be ready by July, coinciding with the nine-year anniversary of Season 1, or perhaps by November, symbolizing when the first season was set, or even on New Year’s Day at 12:01 a.m. Regardless, it appears that their aim for a 2025 release is achievable.

Currently, enthusiasts have the opportunity to re-experience the initial four seasons, which are available for streaming on Netflix. Given the extended length of the fourth season’s episodes, viewers can now savor their rewatching experience at a relaxed pace, avoiding the need for binge-watching and thus escaping potential spoilers in the process!

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2025-02-06 15:37