Matt and Ross Duffer, the acclaimed creators of Netflix's global hit "Stranger Things," have officially signed an exclusive four-year deal with Paramount Studios. This significant move, set to begin in April 2026 after their current Netflix contract concludes, signals an expansion of their creative ambitions into large-scale film and television projects.
The partnership with Paramount will allow the Duffer Brothers to delve into feature filmmaking, an area they did not extensively explore during their tenure with Netflix. While this new alliance marks a shift, they will continue their commitment to existing Netflix projects. This includes overseeing the highly anticipated final season of "Stranger Things," which is slated for a multi-part release throughout late 2025. Additionally, the animated series "Stranger Things: Tales from '85," a project delving into the world of Hawkins during the winter of 1985, is scheduled for a 2026 debut on Netflix and is confirmed to be canon, aiming to enrich the existing narrative and character backstories.
The Duffer Brothers' move to Paramount is considered a major win for the studio, particularly following its recent merger with Skydance Media. Paramount's leadership, including CEO David Ellison, has emphasized a strong commitment to attracting top-tier creative talent to re-establish the studio as a premier destination for filmmakers. This deal aligns with that vision, with Paramount executives Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein praising the Duffers' unique ability to craft stories and worlds that resonate culturally.
The brothers will develop new projects through their production company, Upside Down Pictures, led by Hilary Leavitt. This collaboration also signifies a reunion with key figures like Cindy Holland, Paramount's head of streaming, and Matt Thunell, president of Paramount Television, both of whom were instrumental in greenlighting "Stranger Things" during their time at Netflix. The Duffer Brothers have expressed their excitement about this new venture, viewing it as the realization of a long-held aspiration to create ambitious, large-scale cinematic works. Their previous work, characterized by a blend of genres including science fiction, horror, and coming-of-age themes, is expected to be amplified on a grander scale under this new partnership.
This strategic alliance underscores a broader trend in the entertainment industry where studios are increasingly securing exclusive deals with prominent creators to cultivate robust content pipelines and maintain a competitive edge. The Duffer Brothers' foray into feature films with Paramount is anticipated to yield compelling narratives that leverage the studio's established legacy and expansive platforms.