The popular Netflix series Stranger Things is set to outdo itself with its upcoming fifth and final season. As fans eagerly await its release, new insights from the show’s creators and cast promise an experience that blurs the lines between TV and cinema.
In the previous season, Stranger Things 4 already showcased its penchant for cinematic storytelling. The season featured episodes that were notably long, with two chapters spanning around 90 minutes and a grand season finale that ran for nearly two-and-a-half hours. Such lengths are typically reserved for movies, but Stranger Things has never been one to follow the norm.
Shawn Levy, an executive producer and director for the series, shed light on what fans can expect from the upcoming season. He stated, “There’s no way to be contiguous with Season 4, and not, frankly, expand scale and depth.” He further emphasized the cinematic nature of the forthcoming episodes, saying, “It’s major, major, cinematic storytelling that happens to be called a TV series. Stranger Things 5 is as big as any of the biggest movies that we see.”
However, the journey to bring Stranger Things 5 to screens is currently paused due to ongoing Hollywood strikes. Despite the delay, David Harbour, who has brilliantly portrayed the character Hopper since the show’s inception, has teased some exciting details. Sharing his insights on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Harbour revealed, “I know where we net out and it’s very, very moving.” He also hinted at the grandeur of the new season, noting that “the set pieces and the things in the scripts that we saw are bigger than anything we’ve done in the past.”
The end of Stranger Things is undoubtedly an emotional moment for its cast, who have grown with their characters over the years. Millie Bobby Brown, the talented actress behind Eleven, reflected on the show’s conclusion in a conversation with Women’s Wear Daily. She expressed, “I think I’m ready. It’s been such a huge factor in part of my life, but it’s like graduating high school, it’s like senior year. You’re ready to go and blossom and flourish and you’re grateful for the time you’ve had, but it’s time to create your own message and live your own life.”
Echoing Brown’s sentiments, Harbour shared his personal journey with the series in an interview with Discussing Film. He reminisced, “What’s funny is when I started the show, I never ever wanted it to end. That’s why I love the show. I think it’s a great show, even if I wasn’t in it. Now we’re almost nine years from filming the first season, and I think it is time for it to end.” He acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the show’s conclusion, adding, “But it is, of course, very bittersweet. You know, there’s a sadness there. But also, we’ve all grown up. It is time for us to leave that nest and try other things and different projects. And to let the Duffer Brothers try different things as well. I mean, those guys are so talented. I want to see what they come up with next.”
With production likely to begin in 2024, Stranger Things 5 promises to be a cinematic spectacle that will leave a lasting impact on its audience. As the lines between television and cinema continue to blur, shows like Stranger Things are leading the charge, offering viewers experiences that are both expansive and immersive.
