Stranger Things Spinoffs Announced, Expanding the Upside Down

As the hit Netflix series Stranger Things approaches its fifth and final season, the Duffer brothers are not ready to say goodbye to the Upside Down just yet. They are reportedly developing new spinoff projects that will keep the spirit of the show alive while exploring new territory.

In April 2023, Netflix announced an animated series called Stranger Things: Tales From '85, which is set between seasons 2 and 3 of the main story. The first episode premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival this year, and the show is now targeting a 2026 release.

Alongside the animated series, the Duffers are also working on a live-action spinoff. Details about this project are still mostly under wraps, but it is described as having a "Twin Peaks" style anthology feel, sharing some DNA with the original series without following the same storylines. The Duffers have spent at least two years assembling a writers' room for this new show, and while the actual release is still a few years away, they are deeply involved in shaping its direction.

The Duffers have emphasized that, unlike the Star Wars universe, the world of Stranger Things doesn't expand in a strict linear way. Instead, they are focused on maintaining the core elements of the series, such as kids, adventures, and sci-fi/fantasy, while introducing new characters and worlds. This approach allows them to avoid feeling boxed in by existing canon and explore fresh creative avenues.