It was always something of a ‘no-brainer’ but the industry has hardly been turned upside-down by the news that Stranger Things has now been officially renewed for a fourth run next year.
The multi-award-winning Netflix show, (eighteen Emmy nominations with five wins) with its mix of the supernatural and the nostalgic has quickly become a go-to for multi-generational viewing and made stars of its main cast (Millie Bobbie Brown as Eleven recently starred in Godzilla: King of Monsters, Finn Wofhard was in the IT films and David Harbour was the re-imagined Hellboy).
Though the exact terms of the deal haven’t been disclosed, The Duffer Brothers (Matt and Ross) – who created the show – are believed to now have a significant nine-figure deal that involves a multiple-year film and TV contract with Netflix that included the Stranger Things renewal. The most recent run was released in July this year, though there is no exact date for the broadcast of season four as yet. Despite several characters’ fates being left up in the air, it is anticipated that most of the regular cast will return to their roles… though a brief promotional video seems to confirm that the story will no longer be taking place in Hawkins, Indiana (The Byers family having moved at the end of the last run).
“The Duffer Brothers have captivated viewers around the world with Stranger Things and we’re thrilled to expand our relationship with them to bring their vivid imaginations to other film and series projects our members will love,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos in a statement. “We can’t wait to see what the Duffer Brothers have in store when they step outside the world of the Upside Down.”
“Back in early 2015, Ted Sarandos, Cindy Holland, Brian Wright and Matt Thunell took a huge chance on us and our show — and forever changed our lives,” the Duffers themselves said in a joint statement Monday. “From that first pitch meeting to the release of Stranger Things 3, the entire Netflix team has been nothing short of sensational, providing us with the kind of support, guidance and creative freedom we always dreamed about. We can’t wait to tell many more stories together — beginning, of course, with a return trip to the Upside Down!”
