Duffer Brothers Announce ‘Stranger Things’ Spin-Off & Stage Play, Live-Action ‘Death Note’, ‘The Talisman’ Adaptation & More!
If you were concerned that ‘Stranger Things‘ masterminds The Duffer Brothers would be short of things to do once they complete the upcoming fifth and final season, don’t be. They have ideas… LOTS of ideas!
Today The Duffer Brothers announced they are setting up a new production company, Upside Down Pictures, to handle future projects under their overall deal with Netflix. This new venture will be managed for the duo by the guiding hand of Hilary Leavitt (‘Orphan Black’, ‘Ozark’).
“It didn’t take long into our first meeting with Hilary, where we bonded over films like Jaws, Home Alone, and Speed, to know we had found a kindred spirit,” said the brothers. “Hilary’s passion for storytelling is perhaps matched only by her passion for the storytellers themselves, for whom she is fiercely protective. No wonder so many writers and directors are drawn to working with her. She is a rare talent indeed, and we feel extremely grateful to have her at our side as we build Upside Down Pictures”
Upcoming projects under the new banner include:
A live-action ‘Stranger Things’ spin-off series based on an original idea by The Duffer Brothers, with Upside Down and 21 Laps producing. Whilst we don’t know much about the spin-off, we do know that the Duffers don’t plan on doing it themselves, but will hand the baton over to someone they trust. They have also said it would be “1000%” different to the main show. So not a spin-off using existing characters, but something totally new, set in the ‘Stranger Things’ universe.
Alongside the series, they have also announced a new stage play set within the world and mythology of ‘Stranger Things’. This will be produced by prolific and multi-award-winning producers Sonia Friedman, Stephen Daldry (The Crown, Billy Elliot, The Reader), and Netflix. Daldry will also direct. 21 Laps serves as Associate Producer.
Outside of ‘Stranger Things’, the Duffers will be tackling an all-new live-action television adaptation of the renowned Japanese manga and anime series ‘Death Note’. This would be the second time Netflix has taken a stab at the property, having produced a movie in 2017 which was panned by both critics and fans. Handing a clean-slate and full series order to the Duffers does seem like a way to maybe wash away the bitter taste of the failed movie.
The next project is a series adaptation of Stephen King and Peter Straub‘s ‘The Talisman’ to be created by ‘Stranger Things’ writer/producer, Curtis Gwin. Upside Down, Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment and Paramount Television produce.
And lastly, there is also an original series from creators Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews (Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance). There is no further info on this project at this time.
So there is plenty there to keep The Duffer Brothers busy once they have put together the fifth and final season of ‘Stranger Things’. The fourth season, which dropped the final two episodes last week, is now #1 on Netflix’s (all time) Most Popular English TV list with an astounding 1.15Bn hours viewed in its first 28 days – only the second series to cross the billion-hour viewing mark, with the final tally expected to be higher as Vol. 2 reaches the 28-day viewing period.
“Matt and Ross are an exceptionally unique talent with a vision so crisp and clear,” adds Ted Sarandos, CEO, Netflix. “They are all about the details — it’s no accident that Stranger Things has pierced the zeitgeist to become the epic pop culture phenomenon it is today. We’re excited to continue telling new stories with them as they grow Upside Down Pictures and to welcome Hilary as creative partner.”
‘Stranger Things‘ Seasons 1-4 are out now on Netflix UK and worldwide.
