For Matt and Ross Duffer, the final season of Stranger Things marks a bittersweet moment in their careers. As the show's creators, they've been tasked with wrapping up the storylines of the beloved characters while also delivering an epic conclusion that will satisfy millions of fans worldwide.
The pressure is palpable, but the brothers are determined to make it happen. "It makes me sad," Ross admits, "because it's easier not to think about the show actually ending." For Matt, the decision comes down to which path he'd prefer: trying to stick the landing with a massive hit or launching something new and untested.
"We would rather have the pressure of trying to stick the landing," says Matt. The Duffers' decision to create Stranger Things was inspired by their childhood fascination with sci-fi and horror movies, including John Carpenter's works. They pitched Netflix on a show that combined these elements with 80s nostalgia, featuring Winona Ryder and Matthew Modine in key roles.
The first season was a massive success, breaking Netflix viewing records and establishing the show as a TV phenomenon. The subsequent seasons continued to build momentum, but now, with the final season looming, the stakes are higher than ever. "A decade ago, hardly anyone knew what the Upside Down was," Ross recalls. Now, fans have become an integral part of the show's ecosystem.
One way the Duffers plan to honor their fans is by giving them something special: a cameo appearance from Kate Bush in season five. The legendary singer-songwriter has been a longtime fan of the show and even sent a gilded birdcage with animatronic birds as a gift to the cast.
Another highlight of the final season features Linda Hamilton, aka The Terminator's Sarah Connor, who plays Dr. Kay, a military scientist trying to uncover the truth about Vecna. "She was kind of scary," Hamilton says with a laugh, noting that she did most of her own stunts in the show.
As for the cast members themselves, Noah Schnapp (Will), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Finn Wolfhard (Mike), and Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas) have been through an incredible journey. From being young unknowns to becoming household names, they've formed a tight-knit family on screen.
The cast has shared their experiences of growing up with the show, from attending normal schools while filming to becoming a "crying blob" of twentysomethings when filming wrapped for good. They'll all be together for the final time in the season finale, a moment that's been months in the making.
Matt Duffer notes that the brothers had long known what the final scene would look like and worked closely with writers to ensure it was perfect. The pressure is on, but they're confident in their ability to deliver an epic conclusion that will satisfy fans worldwide. "Hopefully, it works," Matt says, echoing the hopes of millions around the world.
The wait for Stranger Things 5 part one has been long, but it's finally here, followed by three more episodes on Boxing Day and the finale on New Year's Day.
The pressure is palpable, but the brothers are determined to make it happen. "It makes me sad," Ross admits, "because it's easier not to think about the show actually ending." For Matt, the decision comes down to which path he'd prefer: trying to stick the landing with a massive hit or launching something new and untested.
"We would rather have the pressure of trying to stick the landing," says Matt. The Duffers' decision to create Stranger Things was inspired by their childhood fascination with sci-fi and horror movies, including John Carpenter's works. They pitched Netflix on a show that combined these elements with 80s nostalgia, featuring Winona Ryder and Matthew Modine in key roles.
The first season was a massive success, breaking Netflix viewing records and establishing the show as a TV phenomenon. The subsequent seasons continued to build momentum, but now, with the final season looming, the stakes are higher than ever. "A decade ago, hardly anyone knew what the Upside Down was," Ross recalls. Now, fans have become an integral part of the show's ecosystem.
One way the Duffers plan to honor their fans is by giving them something special: a cameo appearance from Kate Bush in season five. The legendary singer-songwriter has been a longtime fan of the show and even sent a gilded birdcage with animatronic birds as a gift to the cast.
Another highlight of the final season features Linda Hamilton, aka The Terminator's Sarah Connor, who plays Dr. Kay, a military scientist trying to uncover the truth about Vecna. "She was kind of scary," Hamilton says with a laugh, noting that she did most of her own stunts in the show.
As for the cast members themselves, Noah Schnapp (Will), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Finn Wolfhard (Mike), and Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas) have been through an incredible journey. From being young unknowns to becoming household names, they've formed a tight-knit family on screen.
The cast has shared their experiences of growing up with the show, from attending normal schools while filming to becoming a "crying blob" of twentysomethings when filming wrapped for good. They'll all be together for the final time in the season finale, a moment that's been months in the making.
Matt Duffer notes that the brothers had long known what the final scene would look like and worked closely with writers to ensure it was perfect. The pressure is on, but they're confident in their ability to deliver an epic conclusion that will satisfy fans worldwide. "Hopefully, it works," Matt says, echoing the hopes of millions around the world.
The wait for Stranger Things 5 part one has been long, but it's finally here, followed by three more episodes on Boxing Day and the finale on New Year's Day.
The Duffer brothers are really putting themselves out there with this last season of Stranger Things 
. They're not just trying to wrap up the storylines of their beloved characters, they're also giving fans a special treat - Kate Bush's cameo appearance 
! And can we talk about how awesome it is that Linda Hamilton is playing Dr. Kay? I mean, who wouldn't want to see The Terminator in this show? 
. And I love that Matt and Ross had long known what the final scene would look like and worked closely with writers to make it perfect 
.
The pressure is REAL, especially since this season is going to wrap up the entire show 
. I hope they can live up to fan expectations (and mine too 
) because if they do, it's going to be EPIC 
. The fact that Kate Bush is gonna make an appearance in season 5?!?! I'm FREAKING OUT 
Can you even imagine? I've been waiting for this moment for so long... it's both exciting and terrifying at the same time 
. The cast's journey has been incredible to watch, from their early days as unknowns to becoming household names... it's time to give them the sendoff they deserve 
. Let's get ready to binge-watch Stranger Things 5 and give our faves the love (and tears) they deserve 
I'm already getting goosebumps just thinking about it. I feel bad for the cast members too, it's crazy to think they've grown up right in front of our eyes. I hope Matt and Ross deliver on their promise to give fans an epic conclusion 
season 5 is already setting the bar super high, what if it falls short? and that cameo from Kate Bush? nice try at trying to make the finale special but its still just one episode 
. It's crazy to think that Eleven is growing up (kinda) in season 5, you know? I mean, she's been a part of our lives for like, forever 
. But at the same time, I'm kinda excited to see what Matt and Ross have in store for us... some Kate Bush cameo is a nice touch though! 
But at the same time, I love that Matt and Ross are giving it their all for a satisfying finale. Fingers crossed they can do the show justice! 
anyway, i'm hyped for Kate Bush's cameo tho, that's always been a wild card. and omg Linda Hamilton as Dr Kay is giving me LIFE 
I mean, who wouldn't want to see her terminate some evil in Hawkins? 
. I'm gonna be keeping an eye on the finale, but at the same time, I don't want it to end 
The nostalgia is real, guys... who else remembers watching this show's first season and being like "what is this stuff?" 
! It's crazy to think about how far this show has come - from just being a weird sci-fi horror thing to becoming a global phenomenon with its own little fan community 
. And can we talk about the casting? Linda Hamilton as Dr. Kay is like the ultimate nod to John Carpenter fans, and I'm totally hyped for it 
. It's gonna be so emotional watching the final scenes, but at least we get some epic cameos and awesome stunts from the cast to keep us going 
!