Netflix won the streaming wars a long time ago, but until now the company has been reluctant, if not downright hostile, to the idea of sending its films to the multiplex. Sure, “KPop Demon Hunters” hit theaters in 2025 (which was good news all around), but otherwise the streamer did everything it could to avoid similar releases for its other big IP. However, it appears that the company is rethinking its stance on this issue, as it is now preparing to bring the series finale of “Stranger Things” to theaters in late 2025 (certainly fitting for the biggest cultural phenomenon the king of streamers has ever produced). But what about a “Stranger Things” theatrical feature film after the show’s fifth and final season ends?
During a virtual press conference for “Stranger Things” Season 5 (which /Film attended), creators Matt and Ross Duffer spoke directly (if vaguely) about the possibility. But at the moment, things don’t look very promising on that front. As Ross Duffer said, “I don’t know what that is for a movie. We’re in the very early days of discussions – we have this spin-off idea that we’ve talked about before. A live-action spin-off. That would be another TV series, though.” According to the co-creator, the “Stranger Things” spin-off is still in its “beginnings”, which would rather be an anthology series. That said, he concluded his comments with a tantalizing: “The possibilities…”
Meanwhile, the Duffers have passed the baton to someone else for the first official “Stranger Things” spinoff, which was recently revealed as “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85,” an animated series set between seasons 2 and 3. This series should ensure that “Stranger Things” continues forever, although that trajectory involving movie theaters has yet to be confirmed.
Stranger Things season 5 is the end of the journey…for now
Adding to his brother’s comments during the press conference, Matt Duffer pointed out that “Stranger Things” Season 5 is truly the end of the road for the characters we all know and love. “I think it’s worth it [saying] that it’s the end of the story of these characters and Hawkins and the world turns upside down,” he noted. “There is a cartoon, but it takes place between seasons 2 and 3, and the kids in that cartoon will never age, which is great. But other than that, it’s the end of their journey. And we don’t want to explore anything beyond that. Unless we’re all destitute in 20 years.”
The creators of “Stranger Things” also abandoned Netflix in favor of Paramount, which was willing to give them the only thing they wanted: theatrical releases. That means that whatever the Duffers are cooking up for their big-screen debut (not counting their largely overlooked 2015 psychological thriller “Hidden”), it won’t be related to “Stranger Things.” That means Netflix would have to hire new talent to carry out any “Stranger Things” movie in the immediate future, which seems unlikely given how season 5 marks the end of the main narrative, coupled with Netflix’s strange resistance to theatrical releases in general.
Still, given that “Stranger Things” is as culturally influential as it is, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before it has to break out of its episodic confines on the small screen. The only question is when and how this might happen, taking into account all the aforementioned considerations.
Stranger Things is surely destined for the big screen despite Netflix’s reluctance
Soon, Netflix may be forced to release its films theatrically, and if it does, it won’t do it willingly. So far, CEO Ted Sarandos has remained adamant that theaters aren’t as important or culturally relevant as almost everyone, including even casual moviegoers, think. Netflix does indeed generate more revenue than the global box office, but despite its CEO’s stance that theatrical releases are, in his words, “outdated,” creators and moviegoers continue to enjoy the experience, which partly explains the Duffer brothers’ departure for Paramount.
“KPop Demon Hunters” provides an interesting example of a Netflix hit that almost forces the streamer to start thinking about theatrical releases. The film, which essentially replaces “Stranger Things” in terms of popularity, was a mega-success, garnering 325.1 million views and surpassing the 230.9 million views garnered by Netflix’s second most-watched film, “Red Notice.” More importantly, it dominated the box office when Netflix released a sing-along version in theaters, suggesting that as the streamer looks to increase profits, it will need to start thinking about similar strategies for its other popular releases. After all, streamers’ subscription price hikes have made it clear that the streaming dream is dead, and companies will look for ways to make more profits as consumers are forced to be more discerning in their viewing choices.
The fact is that “Stranger Things” seems destined to become a feature-length theatrical film, even if it’s without the Duffers’ involvement. For now, however, as long as Sarandos maintains his anti-theatrical view, such a thing seems distant.
The first part of season 5 of “Stranger Things” will be released on Netflix on November 26, 2025.
