Television producers responsible for hit series 'Stranger Things' are transferring productions to Paramount Pictures.
The creators of the hit series Stranger Things, Matt and Ross Duffer, are making a significant move from Netflix to Paramount, marking a new chapter in their career. This shift comes with a new overall deal with Paramount, set to begin in April 2026, and will see Upside Down Productions, their production company, working on both existing Netflix projects and new ventures under the Paramount umbrella.
Remaining Projects at Netflix
During the transition period, Upside Down Productions will continue to work on several projects at Netflix. The most anticipated of these is the animated prequel series, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, set in the Stranger Things universe and due for release in 2026. Another unannounced Stranger Things spinoff is also in the works.
In addition, the company is executive producing two series, The Boroughs and Something Very Bad is Going to Happen, both slated for a 2026 release. The final season of Stranger Things, Season 5, is planned to roll out across late 2025 into early 2026.
A New Era with Paramount
Post-April 2026, the Duffers will focus on theatrical films, a format they were previously restricted from at Netflix. Their new deal with Paramount encompasses films, linear TV, and streaming projects for all Paramount platforms. As yet, specific film or TV projects at Paramount have not been announced publicly, but the deal is designed to offer the Duffers greater creative scope, including big-screen ventures.
The Duffers will also maintain connections with key industry figures like Cindy Holland and Matt Thunell, who previously worked with them at Netflix and are now part of Paramount.
The Decision to Move
The Duffers' decision to move was reportedly influenced by Netflix's reluctance to release their films in theaters. This move by the Duffers is the first major talent shakeup for Netflix following the acquisition of Paramount by Skydance.
Future Plans Unveiled
Details about the future of other popular franchises such as Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the DC Universe are yet to be disclosed. The release schedule for these productions is also yet to be announced.
As the Duffers embark on this new journey with Paramount, fans can look forward to a diverse range of projects from the creative minds behind Stranger Things.
- In the future, the Duffers' production company, Upside Down Productions, will continue to work on existing Netflix projects, such as the animated prequel series Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 and the final season of Stranger Things, Season 5, until April 2026.
- After April 2026, the Duffers will focus on theatrical films, TV shows, and streaming projects under Paramount, as part of their new deal, which offers them greater creative scope, including big-screen ventures.
- Gizmodo and io9 might report on the details of the Duffers' future projects with Paramount, including potential collaborations with popular franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the DC Universe, once those details are announced publicly.
