Stranger Things Creators Tease New Netflix Shows – Are They Linked?

The creators behind “Stranger Things,” the Duffer Brothers, are moving from the suburban realm of Hawkins, Indiana, to the neighborhoods of New Mexico. They unveiled their upcoming Netflix series, titled “The Boroughs,” at the Next on Netflix 2025 event this week. The creators of “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance,” Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, are behind this new show, which they’ve described as a spiritual sequel to their teen-centric supernatural sci-fi series. This fifth and final season will air on Netflix later this year.

Matt Duffer describes the upcoming sci-fi series they’re producing under Upside Down Pictures as having the closest DNA to “Stranger Things”. He explains that both shows revolve around a group of unusual characters banding together to combat an otherworldly threat. However, unlike “Stranger Things”, this new series is set in a retirement community, which gives it a unique twist. In this story, the misfits are senior citizens who get around on golf carts instead of bikes.

According to the summary, “The Boroughs” is set in a visually appealing retirement community nestled within the New Mexico desert. Here, an assortment of unconventional champions find themselves compelled to join forces and prevent an ominous menace from seizing something they all lack: time.

In this upcoming eight-episode sci-fi/supernatural series, we have Alfred Molina from ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, Geena Davis from ‘Beetlejuice’, Alfre Woodard known for ‘Luke Cage’, Denis O’Hare famed in ‘American Horror Story’, Jane Kaczmarek recognized for ‘Malcolm in the Middle’, Clarke Peters well-known from ‘The Wire’, and Bill Pullman, a star of ‘Independence Day’. Duffer mentioned that they have already watched the first three episodes and are excited about it. They described it as entertaining, spooky, and emotionally stirring, and can’t wait for viewers to experience it too.

In the world of cinema that I adore, a diverse ensemble has joined forces for this exciting project. Jena Malone, known for her gripping performance in The Hunger Games, will portray Claire. Carlos Miranda, who’s been captivating audiences on Station 19, will bring Paz to life. Seth Numrich, an actor I admire from Under the Banner of Heaven, is set to play Blaine. Alice Kremelberg, a talented actress from The Sinner, will embody Anneliese. Rafael Casal, who’s recently graced our screens in Loki, will take on the role of Neil. Dee Wallace, a beloved figure from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, will grace us as Grace. Ed Begley Jr., an actor I’ve admired since Better Call Saul, is set to play Edward. Eric Edelstein, whose work in Twin Peaks: The Return I greatly appreciate, will be Hank, and Mousa Hussein Kraish, a notable figure from American Gods, will portray Dr. McGinnis.

Under the broader agreement they struck with Netflix in 2022, the Duffers are developing the horror series titled “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen“, which narrates the tumultuous, nervous build-up of a week leading to a wedding for a bride and groom, as explained by Ross Duffer.

He continued, “Our narrative delves into the chilling apprehension and fear that frequently accompanies a lifelong promise to another person – an experience that anyone who’s had a relationship will undoubtedly recognize. For now, we won’t reveal too many details, but let me assure you, the title is truthful. The story involves unfortunate events.

The project originates with Haley Z. Boston, the scriptwriter behind Netflix’s “Brand New Cherry Flavor” and Guillermo del Toro’s “Cabinet of Curiosities,” who is both the executive producer and the person in charge (showrunner) for this new production.

Matt commented, “This is her debut performance, and we believe she’s an exciting newcomer, just like the other stars of the production – Camila Morrone and Adam DiMarco – as well as the director, Weronika Tofilska, who has recently taken charge of a small production called Baby Reindeer.

In 2022, Hilary Leavitt’s production company, Upside Down Pictures, was founded with the purpose of producing tales reminiscent of the stories that fueled the Duffers’ imagination as they grew up: “Stories set at the captivating intersection where everyday life intertwines with the extraordinary, where grand spectacle and nuanced character development coexist, where compassion triumphs over skepticism,” as the pair expressed in a statement upon its establishment.

In addition to “The Boroughs” and “Something Terrible Is About to Occur,” Upside Down Pictures has unveiled plans for new adaptations. These include a live-action rendition of “Death Note,” Netflix and Amblin’s series adaptation of the novels “The Talisman” co-written by Peter Straub and Stephen King, a stage play based on “Stranger Things,” an untitled animated “Stranger Things” series, and a live-action spinoff series of “Stranger Things.

In the year 2026, “The Boroughs” and a series titled “Something Catastrophic Is About to Occur” will make their debut on Netflix.

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2025-02-03 00:40