Matt and Ross Duffer, the creators behind the hit series “Stranger Things,” recently shared their vision for a new chapter in their careers during a panel at Variety’s Entertainment and Technology Summit in Los Angeles. The brothers revealed key details about their strategic move from Netflix to Paramount.
Duffer Brothers’ Paramount Deal
In August, the Duffer Brothers announced an exclusive, four-year partnership with Paramount. This deal covers films, television, and streaming projects under their company, Upside Down Pictures. The catalyst for this transition was their desire to create original theatrical films.
“Theatrical is so important to us,” said Ross Duffer. He emphasized the brothers’ lifelong dream of making movies. Surprisingly, they did not seek this new deal; it was Paramount that approached them.
Focus on Original Content
The Duffers clarified that their primary goal is to produce original movies. However, they are open to revisiting existing properties from the Paramount catalog that resonate with them. Matt Duffer expressed concerns about the oversaturation of intellectual property (IP) in the market.
- Desire to create original films.
- Open to existing Paramount properties.
- Concern about the quality of market IP.
Production Approach
The brothers do not intend to become a large production house like J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot. Instead, their focus will remain on a select few projects. They aspire to identify talented individuals and support them without overwhelming their creative endeavors.
Television Projects and Upcoming Releases
In addition to films, Upside Down Pictures will also develop television series for Paramount. The Duffers prefer shorter seasons, consisting of eight to ten episodes, rather than the traditional lengthy seasons of 20 episodes.
The Duffers will continue their collaboration with Netflix on two upcoming series—“The Boroughs” and “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen”—slated for release in 2026. They will also executive produce “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85,” an animated series inspired by their childhood love for cartoons.
Final Season Insights
As for “Stranger Things,” the Duffers are in the final stages of post-production. The last season will be divided into three segments: the first four episodes will be released during Thanksgiving, the next three at Christmas, and the finale on December 31.
Ross Duffer described the premiere as an immediate dive into the characters’ confrontation with Vecna, departing from the usual narrative style. Moreover, he hinted that the final episodes would possess cinematic qualities that differ from typical TV offerings.
Conclusion
The Duffer Brothers are poised to redefine their creative path through their partnership with Paramount while continuing to deliver highly anticipated content for Netflix. Fans can look forward to their upcoming projects, alongside the much-awaited final season of “Stranger Things.”
