The last big hurrah in Hawkins, Indiana, is nigh, with Netflix confirming that Stranger Things is back in production for its fifth and final season after being delayed during last year’s writers and actors strikes.
The news wasn’t accompanied by any other pertinent information, like how much writing and/or filming was completed before the strikes and how much is left to do. It’s also unclear when the final season will premiere. (One thing we do know: Linda Hamilton is set to join the cast.)
Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer announced the hit sci-fi series would end after its fifth season back in February 2022, a few months before Season Four premiered. Then, last May, when the Writers Guild of America strike began, the Duffer Brothers announced that production would be suspended, stressing the importance of having writers on hand, even during filming.
“Writing does not stop when filming begins,” the pair wrote on Twitter at the time. “While we’re excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike. We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then — over and out.”
After the WGA secured a contract in September, the Duffers posted a simple image on Twitter stating, “We’re back” — though not completely. The Screen Actors Guild strike, which began in July, didn’t end until November, further delaying filming even if the writers were able to pick up their pens again.
When the SAG strike ended, Stranger Things star David Harbour suggested production was set to resume immediately. In an interview with Variety, he said, “I mean, we got to film that last season of Stranger Things, don’t we? I got to be down there, like, in a couple of days. We got to get going — we’re late.”
While Stranger Things the TV show may be ending, the Duffers have grand plans for the burgeoning franchise. A stage play, Stranger Things: The First Shadow — a prequel that delves into the origins of the Upside Down — premiered in London last year, while potential animated and live-action spin-offs are in the works.
