The Duffer brothers are preparing for a big career at Netflix that goes beyond “Stranger Things” with a new production company launched this week….
The Duffer brothers — the creators behind the ultra-popular series “Stranger Things” — have formed a new production company to extend the overall deal they have with Netflix with a ton of new projects already in development.
Matt and Ross Duffer already had a deal in place at Netflix but now the sibling duo have formed Upside Down Pictures, which will work hand in hand with the streaming giant to develop a whole slate of new films and television shows. Hilary Leavitt has been brought on board to run the new production company.
“Matt and Ross are an exceptionally unique talent with a vision so crisp and clear,” Ted Sarandos, co-CEO and chief content officer of Netflix said in a statement. “They are all about the details — it’s no accident that ‘Stranger Things’ has pierced the zeitgeist to become the epic pop culture phenomenon it is today.
“We’re excited to continue telling new stories with them as they grow Upside Down Pictures and to welcome Hilary as creative partner.”
While “Stranger Things” will come to a close with a fifth and final season, the Duffer brothers are already working on a spinoff series set in the same universe from an idea they previously developed. There’s no word on when or where this story might take place but it’s expected to be completely separate from the main series.
There is also an original stage play “set within the world and mythology of ‘Stranger Things,’ produced by prolific and multi award-winning producers Sonia Friedman, Stephen Daldry (The Crown, Billy Elliot, The Reader), and Netflix” with Daldry attached to direct.
A new live action adaptation of the popular Japanese manga “Death Note” is also in the works from the Duffer brothers’ new production company. While there have been several live adaptations in the past, this would be a totally new version coming together for Netflix as a series.
As previously announced, the Duffer brothers are also working with Curtis Gwinn on a series adaptation of Stephen King and Peter Straub’s novel “The Talisman.” Savvy “Stranger Things” viewers will recognize that Lucas was actually reading that book to Max in the season 4 finale.
There’s also a mystery series being developed by creators Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, who were responsible for “Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.”
In other words, the Duffer brothers are going to be busier than ever with all these new projects while also working on the final season of “Stranger Things,” which won’t likely get into production until sometime in 2023.
