When Stranger Things came out in 2016, no one would have imagined just how impactful the show would be on the success of Netflix. Since then, fans have anticipated each new season to see what adventures await Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven and the residents of Hawkins.
Season four finally arrived last week after the global pandemic halted production, surprising fans who quickly binged the series with the revelation that it would be split in two volumes with the second half set to release in July.
Like most show creators, Matt and Ross Duffer revealed that they planned season five ahead, which will be marked as the final season for the show. It was reported that after they made the pitch, Netflix executives had to bring out their tissues as they were moved by the Stranger Things creators’ idea.
“We do have an outline for Season 5 and we pitched it to Netflix and they really responded well to it,” shared Matt Duffer. “I mean, it was hard. It’s the end of the story. I saw executives crying who I’ve never seen cry before and it was wild.”
“And it’s not just to do with the story, just the fact that it’s like, ‘Oh my god, this thing that has defined so many of our lives, these Netflix people who has been with us from the beginning, seven years now,’ and it’s hard to imagine the journey coming to an end.”
The Duffer brothers compared the conclusion to one of the most beloved shows in recent memory to George Lucas’ masterpiece, Return of the Jedi. However, their comparison doesn’t just end in tone. Instead, they’re referring to how the story will be moving forward at an incredible pace, creating an impact on viewers who have followed the story and characters for years.
“They’re going from the beginning,” Matt elaborated. “There’s going to be less ramp-up. And I think people will understand what I’m talking about when they see the end of this season.”
Co-creator and brother Ross Duffer echoed his sentiments, saying: “Normally, it’s like, ‘Oh, we get to revisit the characters in their normal lives and how they’re doing and what are their relationships like?’ And [season] five is going to be pedal to the metal from the opening scene. At least, that’s what I remember from the outline.”
