The final episode of Stranger Things has landed on Netflix, sending the show's dedicated fanbase into a frenzy of analysis and theory-crafting. As viewers dissect every frame, the series creators, The Duffer Brothers, have stepped in to clarify which hidden detail truly matters for the future of the franchise.
Debunking the Montauk Myth
One prominent theory that spread rapidly online suggested that characters Joyce Byers and Jim Hopper would lead a spin-off set in Montauk. This speculation was fuelled by a scene hinting at their move to the real New York town, which famously inspired the show's original concept.
However, in an interview with Deadline, Ross Duffer firmly shut down these rumours. He explained that the Montauk reference was simply a nostalgic nod to the project's origins. Back in 2015, the series was initially developed under the title Montauk before the setting was changed to the fictional Hawkins, Indiana. "There’s no Montauk spinoff," Ross confirmed. "That was more of a wink to the fans, deep-cut fans that know that the show started as Montauk."
The Real Clue Lies with Henry Creel
The authentic hint for the forthcoming series is intricately tied to the origin story of the central antagonist, Henry Creel. Fans who have seen the West End stage play, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, identified significant connections in the finale.
In the Season 5 finale, it is revealed that a young Henry discovered a mysterious rock inside a scientist's briefcase. This object granted him his psychic abilities and forged his connection to the monstrous Mind Flayer. This revelation provides new context to the play, which previously depicted Henry vanishing in a desert and returning transformed by an unexplained discovery.
Matt Duffer elaborated to The Hollywood Reporter, stating, "I’ve been pinned down and forced to blow this already... There’s lingering questions about the rock and where the rock came from and the scientist and all of that." He confirmed this unresolved thread is the legitimate clue, adding, "The spinoff is not about rocks or mining the rocks, but I would say that’s the loose end that’s not tied up that will be tied up."
A New Mythology Begins
While the new project will address these lingering questions from Henry's past, the Duffers emphasise it will chart its own course. Matt Duffer described the spin-off as featuring "an entirely new mythology" with completely new characters, a new town, and a new world. He stressed that the series "does connect and will answer some of the lingering questions" related to Henry's memory, but clarified, "It’s not specifically about the Mind Flayer or the Upside Down."
The creative duo also revealed to Variety that they will commence work on the spin-off from Monday, January 5, 2026. Matt expressed his enthusiasm for the creative process, saying, "It’s very exciting to work 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, which is slated for release later in 2026. All five seasons of the flagship series are available to stream on Netflix now.
