The Duffer Brothers, Matt and Ross, the masterminds behind the global hit Stranger Things, recently opened up about their exciting new chapter with Paramount, giving fans a first-ever glimpse into what’s next for them. Speaking at Variety’s Entertainment and Technology Summit in Los Angeles, the duo shared insights about their blockbuster deal, plans for theatrical releases, and how they’re approaching storytelling in both movies and television. Here’s a quick, in-depth review of everything they revealed, broken down into ten key points.
The Move from Netflix to Paramount
In August, the Duffers announced that their production company, Upside Down Pictures, is leaving Netflix after years of collaborating on Stranger Things and other projects. They’ve signed an exclusive, four-year deal with Paramount that will cover movies, television, and streaming projects.
What’s fascinating here is that the move wasn’t driven by dissatisfaction with Netflix. Ross Duffer explained that the decision “really came down to wanting to do a movie, specifically an original movie — a big original film,” with a strong focus on theatrical releases. Paramount’s offer aligned perfectly with their long-held dream of creating movies meant for the big screen, something the Duffers have wanted since childhood.
A Lifelong Dream: Theatrical Releases
For the Duffers, theatrical releases aren’t just about distribution—they’re a childhood dream come true. Ross Duffer said, “It’s just something we dreamed about since we were little kids.”
The brothers grew up fascinated by the magic of cinema, and the opportunity to bring an original story to theaters excited them in ways streaming could not. This deal represents more than a professional milestone—it’s a personal passion project finally coming to life.
Paramount Approached Them First
Interestingly, the Duffers weren’t actively seeking a new deal. They’re still deep in post-production for the final season of Stranger Things, set to premiere in November 2025. Instead, Paramount reached out to them, highlighting the growing confidence major studios have in their creative vision.
The appeal of theatrical distribution was the primary factor that got them excited about this partnership. In a crowded entertainment landscape, having the freedom to release a movie on the big screen is a rare opportunity that they seized eagerly.
Focus on Original Movies
While Upside Down Pictures will explore some existing properties within Paramount, the emphasis will be on creating original films. Matt Duffer expressed interest only in stories they “really respond to,” emphasizing quality over quantity.
“The market is so flooded with IP and sometimes it’s like IP that doesn’t mean anything,” Matt noted. They prefer to take on projects that either need a proper creative touch or have untapped potential. This approach highlights their desire to make meaningful, impactful content rather than jumping on every franchise bandwagon.
A Lean Production Approach
The Duffers are clear that they don’t intend to become prolific producers like some industry giants. Matt Duffer mentioned, “We don’t want to become like Bad Robot,” referring to J.J. Abrams’ sprawling production company.
Instead, their approach will be focused and selective. They want to work closely with talented individuals, help them realize their vision, and then step back—mirroring how Shawn Levy supported them during the creation of Stranger Things in 2015. This methodology ensures the Duffers maintain creative control without spreading themselves too thin.
Television Projects with a Twist
Upside Down Pictures will continue developing television projects for Paramount, but with a modern twist. The brothers plan to produce eight-to-ten episode seasons rather than traditional network-length shows. Matt explained, “I get fatigued watching 20-episode seasons… We only watched movies growing up.”
The focus will be on event series akin to Stranger Things, where each season is an anticipated event rather than just another batch of episodes. Their goal is to create tension, anticipation, and excitement, ensuring viewers remain hooked from start to finish.
Continuing Partnerships with Netflix
Even as they transition to Paramount, the Duffers aren’t abandoning Netflix entirely. Two new series—The Boroughs and Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen—are slated for 2026. They’re also working on Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, an animated series inspired by Saturday morning cartoons, and will executive-produce a spin-off of Stranger Things.
This strategy shows a smart balancing act: they maintain relationships with previous partners while exploring new creative horizons with Paramount. They’re being deliberate, only committing to projects that excite them and align with their vision.
The Final Season of Stranger Things
The Duffers shared limited spoilers about Stranger Things Season 5, keeping fans on edge. Ross Duffer revealed that the season premiere will launch directly into the characters’ hunt for Vecna, signaling a high-stakes narrative from the first moment.
The final season will also be split: four episodes at Thanksgiving, three at Christmas, and the finale on December 31. This planned split allows them to craft episodes with movie-like pacing, reminiscent of theatrical storytelling, giving fans a cinematic experience within a TV format.
Event Television vs. Annual Releases
Matt Duffer highlighted a key philosophy: frequent releases can dilute impact. He said, “If TV shows come out every year, it’s diminishing return… I like the buildup.”
Their approach prioritizes quality over quantity, building anticipation and maintaining a high level of audience engagement. This strategy reflects their broader commitment to crafting memorable experiences rather than saturating the market with content.
The Creative Future of Upside Down Pictures
Looking forward, the Duffers plan to stay true to their vision, combining original films, selective IP projects, and event-driven TV series. Their focus remains on storytelling that matters to them personally, whether it’s a theatrical release, an animated series, or a new show that excites them creatively.
They’re not chasing every opportunity but curating their projects carefully, ensuring that each one reflects their standards for storytelling, cinematic ambition, and emotional impact. Fans can expect bold, innovative projects that push boundaries while staying rooted in the charming, thrilling, and nostalgic style that made Stranger Things a cultural phenomenon.
Final Thoughts
The Duffer Brothers’ move to Paramount marks a bold step in their career. It’s a marriage of passion, ambition, and strategic planning that allows them to explore cinematic storytelling in theaters while continuing to innovate on the small screen. Fans of Stranger Things and newcomers alike can expect a new wave of creative projects that push the limits of both film and television.
This exciting new chapter is a testament to the brothers’ vision, dedication, and love for storytelling—and it promises some of the most thrilling content in entertainment for years to come. Whether it’s the final season of Stranger Things, an original Paramount movie, or an animated homage to classic cartoons, the Duffers are setting the stage for a future where their dreams of cinematic storytelling finally come to life.
