Hellbent on Milking $1B Franchise, Netflix Working on Stranger Things Animated Series

Netflix’s Stranger Things ranks among the most-watched series of all time on the streaming platform and its critical success paved the way for multiple installments. While the narrative ends in Season 5, Netflix will keep expanding its universe by way of producing an animated series.

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So far, all details are kept under wraps, although the Duffer Brothers will serve as the producers via Upside Down Pictures along with Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen from 21 Laps. The animated series will be developed by Eric Robles and Flying Bark Productions.

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Stranger Things Animated Series Is Now In The Works Under Franchise’s Planned Multiple Spin-Offs

In their statement via a press release, the Duffer Brothers announced the upcoming Stranger Things animated series project:

“We’ve always dreamed of an animated ‘Stranger Things’ in the vein of the Saturday morning cartoons that we grew up loving, and to see this dream realized has been absolutely thrilling. We couldn’t be more blown away by what Eric Robles and his team have come up with — the scripts and artwork are incredible, and we can’t wait to share more with you! The adventure continues...”

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Aside from the animated series, the franchise is also looking into creating multiple spin-offs. A project that has been in talks is reportedly in its early development. The Stranger Things creators only confirmed, though, that Finn Wolfhard is the only cast who knows the premise. There are also reports of a spin-off that will heavily focus on Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven, though it has already been debunked by the show’s writers.

Furthermore, a stage play is also being developed. Stranger Things: The First Shadow will follow the origins of Vecna and will be set in 1959 Hawkins. Stephen Daldry will oversee the project while the script will be penned by Kate Trefry. The confirmed stage play will serve as the first project under the franchise’s multiple productions outside of the Netflix series.

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The Duffer Brothers Are Building Their Own Stranger Things Cinematic Universe

Shawn Levy candidly revealed that the plan to expand the franchise is because of the impact of the Marvel Cinematic Universe on pop culture. The director said via Variety:

“Yes, we are building out the STCU, and now that I’m spending time with Kevin Feige, I’m learning a lot about how to manage a universe. So, I’m taking those skills and applying them to the STCU.”

The cast is also amenable that the long-time-running show, which premiered on Netflix in 2016, needs to wrap up. This will allow the Duffer Brothers to work on other creative pursuits.
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Fans need not feel anxious when the Netflix show finally comes to an end because, with these multiple projects under the brand of Stranger Things, there will be more exciting surprises to look forward to.

For the curious fans, the spin-off that Wolfhard infamously guessed might reportedly focus on Robin Buckley (Maya Hawke) and Steve Harrington (Joe Keery)’s friendship. While this remains a rumor and not even Netflix knows a thing or two about the plans of the Duffer Brothers, the creators assured fans it will be different from the original show.

Stranger Things Season 5 is set to premiere on Netflix in 2024.