As the curtain closes on the beloved Netflix series Stranger Things, fans can rejoice as the Duffer Brothers are already forging ahead with a spin-off series. The final episode of Stranger Things aired on December 31, 2025, concluding a nine-and-a-half-year run. While the original saga of Hawkins, Indiana, has reached its end, the Stranger Things universe is set to expand into new and mysterious territories.

In a recent interview, the Duffer Brothers revealed that they would begin working on the spin-off project on January 5, 2026. They have also teased that the spin-off will explore "an entirely new mythology," ensuring a fresh perspective.

One intriguing detail that the Duffer Brothers have revealed is that the spin-off will delve into the mysterious rock that Henry Creel (Vecna) encountered in the cave, which marked his origins as the show's villain. This rock, briefly shown in a briefcase during the final season, left viewers puzzled, but it seems it will be a key element in the upcoming series. Matt Duffer has confirmed that the spin-off will explain the rock's significance and its connection to a completely different mythology.

However, fans hoping for the return of familiar faces may be disappointed. The Duffer Brothers have stated that the spin-off will not feature the original cast and will not delve deeply into the Mind Flayer or other established elements from Stranger Things. They aim to create something entirely new, ensuring that the spin-off stands on its own while still answering some remaining questions from the original series. Ross Duffer has also debunked fan theories about the spin-off focusing on characters like Holly Wheeler or storylines like the Montauk project.

In addition to the live-action spin-off, an animated series titled Stranger Things: Tales from '85 is slated to premiere on Netflix in 2026. This animated spin-off will be set in the winter of 1985, between the second and third seasons of the main series. It will introduce a new character named Nikki Baxter.

The Stranger Things franchise has become a multimedia phenomenon, encompassing television series, a stage play, planned spin-off series, novels, comics, video games, and merchandise. As the original series concludes, the Duffer Brothers are committed to ensuring that the spin-off offers a unique and compelling experience for fans, expanding the Stranger Things universe in exciting new directions.