Duffer Brothers on ‘Stranger Things’ Theatrical Release: ‘A Dream of Ours for a While’

Duffer Brothers on 'Stranger Things' Theatrical Release

Matt and Ross Duffer, known as the Duffer Brothers, shared their excitement about the upcoming theatrical release of the "Stranger Things" series finale. The two-hour final episode, titled "The Rightside Up," will premiere simultaneously on Netflix and in over 350 movie theaters this December. This event marks the first time a Netflix series episode will also be shown in theaters.

Dream Come True for the Creators

“This has been a dream of ours for a while,” Ross Duffer said during the world premiere of the fifth and final season at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

Netflix’s Announcement and Initial Denial

The theatrical release plans were announced shortly after Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria told Variety that there were no intentions to release "Stranger Things" in theaters.

“A lot of people — a lot, a lot, a lot of people — have watched ‘Stranger Things’ on Netflix,” Bajaria said. “It has not suffered from lack of conversation or community or sharing or fandom. I think releasing it on Netflix is giving the fans what they want.”

Duffer Brothers’ Response

Matt Duffer praised Bajaria’s "poker face" and explained the decision was kept secret until the right time.

“Ross and I just folded. The truth is… this was in the works for a long time. Netflix came to us with the idea. It was their idea to have the finale on a separate day and we thought that was cool, specifically because we thought we could pitch this movie theater idea, which we had never pitched before, honestly.”

Significance of the Release

This is the first Netflix series episode to have a theatrical release.
The finale airs both on Netflix and in theaters simultaneously.
The release highlights the show's massive fanbase and unique cultural impact.

The Duffer Brothers’ long-held ambition to bring "Stranger Things" to the big screen is now becoming a reality, blending streaming success with traditional cinema experience.

Author's insight: The theatrical debut of "Stranger Things" finale marks a pioneering moment blending streaming deliverables with cinematic tradition, fulfilling a vision cherished by its creators.

Variety — 2025-11-07