Is it really the end of an era, or just a new beginning in disguise? After captivating audiences for nearly a decade, Stranger Things has concluded its remarkable journey on Netflix. The much-anticipated finale, which aired on December 31, 2025, left fans grappling with unanswered questions and a sense of nostalgia. While the fate of Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, remains uncertain, viewers are buzzing with speculation about what comes next.

The final episode wrapped up in a manner reminiscent of the enigmatic conclusion of The Sopranos, leaving room for interpretation. However, Matt and Ross Duffer, the brains behind the series, have hinted at more to come. In a recent interview with Variety, the Duffer brothers teased that certain mysteries were intentionally left unresolved, paving the way for an unexpected spin-off series.

Throughout Season 5, Part 2, a tantalizing revelation unfolded: Henry Creel was possessed by the Mind Flayer after committing murder in a cave, defending a mysterious stone. Yet, the nature of this stone and its connection to the Mind Flayer and the ominous Upside Down were left shrouded in mystery. When pressed for details, the Duffer brothers confessed that they held back on this lore to set the stage for the upcoming spin-off.

“I want to clarify, as people might have certain expectations,” Matt Duffer explained. “The spin-off will delve into these mysteries and provide answers. However, it introduces a completely different mythology. It won’t be an in-depth exploration of the Mind Flayer per se, but it promises a fresh perspective while tying up some of the lingering threads.”

“I do want to explain, just because people’s expectations go in certain directions: The spinoff is going to delve into that and explain that, and you’re going to understand it,” Matt clarified. “But it’s a completely different mythology. So it’s not a deep exploration of the Mind Flayer or anything like that. It’s very fresh and very new, but yes, it will answer some of the loose threads that are remaining.”

Ross said they plan to get back to work as soon as Monday, Jan. 5, to continue developing the spinoff.

“We’re actually really excited, and it’s very exciting to work with a clean slate: completely new characters, new town, new world, new mythology,” Matt said.

It will likely be quite some time before this Stranger Things spinoff series premieres. But Netflix will be getting a new animated series from the Duffer brothers and showrunner Eric Robles in 2026.

Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 will take place between Season 2 and 3, featuring original characters from the show who must “fight new monsters and unravel a paranormal mystery terrorizing their town,” per Netflix’s Tudum.

However, the original actors will not be voicing their animated characters.

Stranger Things is now streaming on Netflix.