The beloved era of Hawkins is drawing to a close, but the world of Stranger Things is poised for a dramatic expansion. As fans prepare for the emotional finale of the flagship series' fifth season, the show's creators, The Duffer Brothers, have unveiled plans for an exciting new chapter that will keep the universe alive and thriving.
A New Chapter Beyond Hawkins
In a recent interview with Radio Times, Ross and Matt Duffer shared the thrilling news that work is soon to begin on a live-action spin-off. Ross Duffer was cautious not to reveal too much, but he confirmed the project has been in the pipeline for years. "We’ve had the idea for a live-action spin-off for a few years, and only recently have we actually had the time and bandwidth to work on it," he explained. He emphasised that this new series represents "the next big thing in the Stranger Things universe".
Crucially, this will not be a continuation of the stories from the main show. "It’s not a continuation of the story of any of these characters in the flagship show, or of Hawkins," Ross stated, adding, "We really are trying to close the door on all of that with this final season. So it’s a new story, but one that works in this universe." Development on this highly anticipated project is set to kick off as soon as Stranger Things 5 releases.
An Animated Adventure and a Bittersweet Goodbye
This live-action announcement follows the earlier reveal of an animated series, titled Stranger Things: Tales From '85'. Scheduled to arrive on Netflix in 2026, this spin-off is set between seasons two and three of the original show. It will transport viewers back to a freezing winter in Hawkins in 1985, where a new cast of characters will battle fresh monsters and unravel a paranormal mystery terrorising their town.
The original cast, including Millie Bobby Brown who plays Eleven, will not be involved in the animated series, with a new voice cast taking over the story. This news comes as the core cast and fans alike brace for the end of an era. The stars have admitted emotions are running high as they have all grown up with the show, making the upcoming fifth season a poignant farewell.
What's Next for the Stranger Things Universe?
With the main storyline concluding, the Duffers are strategically building a broader universe for fans to explore. The confirmed projects are:
- A live-action spin-off set in a new location with a new story.
- An animated series, 'Tales From '85', coming to Netflix in 2026.
This multi-pronged approach ensures that while the door is closing on the specific tales of Eleven and the Hawkins crew, the Stranger Things universe itself is far from over. Fans can rest assured that another Duffer Brothers masterpiece is on the horizon, promising more of the supernatural thrills and nostalgic charm that made the original a global phenomenon.
Stranger Things season 5, volume 1 is scheduled to drop on Netflix on November 26 in the US and November 27 in the UK, marking the beginning of the end for the current saga and the start of an exciting new expansion.
