The final episode of Stranger Things has landed on Netflix, sending the show's dedicated fanbase into a frenzy of analysis and theory-crafting. Their mission: to uncover hints about the upcoming spin-off series promised by creators Matt and Ross Duffer.
Debunking the Montauk Myth
One popular theory suggested that characters Joyce Byers and Jim Hopper would lead a new series set in Montauk, following a mention of the town in the finale. However, in an interview with Deadline, the Duffer Brothers swiftly shut down this speculation. Ross Duffer clarified that the Montauk reference was merely a "wink to the fans," acknowledging the show's original 2015 title and concept before it became the Hawkins-based story we know today.
"There's no Montauk spinoff," Ross stated definitively. The mention was a deep-cut Easter egg for long-time followers, not a roadmap for future production.
The Real Clue Lies with Henry Creel
The authentic clue to the next chapter in the Stranger Things universe is far more cryptic and tied to the origin of its central villain. Attentive viewers of the West End play Stranger Things: The First Shadow spotted crucial details in the finale regarding Henry Creel's backstory.
In the Season 5 finale, audiences learn that a young Henry discovered a mysterious rock inside a scientist's briefcase. This object granted him his psychic powers and forged his connection to the malevolent entity known as The Mind Flayer. This revelation provides new context for the play, which previously depicted Henry vanishing in a desert and returning forever changed.
An "Entirely New Mythology" Awaits
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Matt Duffer confirmed the rock's significance as the intended clue. "I've been pinned down and forced to blow this already," he admitted. "There's lingering questions about the rock and where the rock came from [in Henry's story] and the scientist and all of that."
He explained that while the spin-off "is not about rocks or mining the rocks," it will address these unanswered questions. The new series will introduce "an entirely new mythology" with fresh characters and a new setting, but it remains connected to the core narrative. "It's not specifically about the Mind Flayer or the Upside Down, but hopefully it provides some answers," Matt added, specifically regarding the lingering mysteries of Henry's memory.
The creators told Variety that work on the spin-off will commence from Monday, January 5, 2026. Matt expressed excitement about the creative process, favouring it over the stress of release, and highlighted the appeal of starting with a "clean slate."
In addition to this live-action spin-off, Netflix has also confirmed an animated series titled Stranger Things: Tales from '85, featuring the original characters and slated for a 2026 release. All five seasons of Stranger Things are currently available to stream on Netflix.
