The creators of the global phenomenon Stranger Things have officially confirmed that a new live-action spinoff series is in active development. Matt and Ross Duffer revealed that the upcoming project will expand the universe with a completely fresh story, while also answering one of the flagship show's lingering mysteries.
This announcement comes as fans say goodbye to the main series following the conclusion of its fifth and final season. While the core narrative centred on Hawkins has concluded, the Duffer brothers have been crafting new stories behind the scenes. Netflix currently has two known spinoffs in the works: the animated Stranger Things: Tales from '85 and this new live-action series with its own distinct mythology.
What Will The New Spinoff Be About?
The new series will not feature Hawkins, the Upside Down, or any of the beloved original characters. Instead, it will be set in a different location and time period with an entirely new cast. The Duffer brothers have been clear that this is not a direct continuation but an expansion of the universe's lore.
Intriguingly, the creators planted a very small hint about the spinoff's direction within Stranger Things Season 5. In a post-mortem interview with Entertainment Weekly, they pointed to the enigmatic glowing rock that young Henry Creel discovered in a scientist's briefcase within a cave. "It is the one thing that we purposely left a bit of a question mark on that theoretically will be answered later down the line," Ross Duffer teased. "But that really was the one tiny little crack in the door that we wanted to leave open."
Matt Duffer was quick to clarify that the show won't solely focus on the rock, stating, "I don't want to mislead people... It's going to answer that question, but it's its own mythology. So it's very, very different." He confirmed the spinoff is not about the Mind Flayer but will address the origins of the scientist and the mysterious object.
Debunking The Montauk Theory
Many eagle-eyed fans speculated the spinoff might be set in Montauk, after a moment in the Season 5 epilogue where Hopper tells Joyce he's been offered a job as Chief of Police there. Montauk was, of course, the original title and setting for the show before it became Stranger Things.
However, Ross Duffer directly addressed this theory in an interview with Deadline, stating, "I will say, though, it's not Hopper mentioning Montauk. There's no Montauk spinoff. That was more of a wink to the fans, deep-cut fans that know that the show started as Montauk." He also confirmed the series would not focus on a younger generation like Holly Wheeler and her friends.
Release Timeline And Other Projects
Fans will need to be patient, as the spinoff is still in the early stages of development. The Duffer brothers told Variety they are "working on it on and off" and no casting, title, or release date has been announced. It is expected to be quite some time before the series arrives on Netflix.
The other confirmed project, the animated Stranger Things: Tales from '85, is scheduled for release at some point in 2026. Set between Seasons 2 and 3, it will feature younger versions of Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, and Max in a more family-friendly, brightly visualised adventure. The original actors will not be providing voices for this series.
The expansion of the Stranger Things universe promises to keep the franchise alive with new stories while providing satisfying answers to the dedicated fans who have followed every clue from Hawkins to the West End stage play and beyond.
