Get ready for a tear-jerker! The beloved cast of Stranger Things is opening up about their epic final season, and it's a bittersweet moment for fans and creators alike.
It's been a decade since the Upside Down and Vecna captured our imaginations, and now, the Duffer brothers are facing the challenge of bringing this massive TV phenomenon to a satisfying close. With millions of viewers eagerly awaiting the fate of Hawkins, Indiana, the pressure is on to deliver a perfect ending.
But here's where it gets controversial: would you rather start a new sci-fi series with no expectations, or try to stick the landing of a beloved hit? Matt Duffer, one half of the creative duo, admits that the latter is a daunting task. He recalls their first feature film, Hidden, which didn't quite make the splash they hoped for. Stranger Things, he says, felt like a second chance, and one they're determined to make count.
"It's a strange thing to be the opposite of an underdog after 10 years," Ross Duffer reflects. "It's surreal."
In many ways, Stranger Things is a celebration of the uncool. The show has brought nerd culture into the mainstream, with Dungeons & Dragons and its cast of outsiders finding a massive audience. Ross hopes they've made some of these "nerdy" things cooler, especially for those who felt like outsiders themselves.
Season four had a massive impact on pop culture, with Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" becoming a viral sensation thanks to a pivotal scene. And the song makes a comeback in season five, with Bush herself sending the Duffer brothers a unique gift: a gilded bird cage with animatronic birds, a true Kate Bush touch.
The final season also brings another movie legend into the fold: Linda Hamilton, known for her iconic role as Sarah Connor in The Terminator. Hamilton plays Dr. Kay, a tough military scientist, and her presence adds a new layer of intensity to the show. Hamilton, who was considering retirement due to a hip injury, admits to being a fangirl herself. She loved the show so much that she couldn't resist the opportunity to join the cast, even if it meant a challenging physical role.
"I'm carrying my own there. Doing at least half of it," she says with a laugh.
As for the cast, they've grown up together on screen, and the experience has been life-changing. Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard, and Noah Schnapp share a unique bond, having spent almost half their lives on the set of Stranger Things. They bicker like family, and the show has given them a sense of normalcy and comfort.
"Playing these characters has been amazing," McLaughlin says. "But growing up with these guys, it's something I won't get again. I'm gonna miss that a lot."
Wolfhard, known for his introspective nature, admits that processing the end of Stranger Things is an emotional journey. The cast hasn't even seen the second half of season five yet, and he's hesitant to give definitive answers until they do.
The Duffer brothers, meanwhile, have meticulously planned the final scene of Stranger Things, knowing that it's the key to a successful conclusion. They spent weeks perfecting those last 30 minutes, and Matt Duffer hopes it all pays off.
"Hopefully, it works," he says with a smile.
Stranger Things 5 part one drops at 1 am on November 27th, with more episodes to come on Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Will it be a satisfying send-off? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the impact of Stranger Things will be felt for years to come.
What are your thoughts on the end of an era? Share your predictions and emotions in the comments below!
