Now that Stranger Things is heading toward its grand finale, fans are grappling with the reality of saying goodbye to the beloved characters they have followed for years—marking the end of an era they never wanted to see. What began with anticipation and thrill for Season 5 is now sprinkled with a dash of sadness, for one cannot even imagine a reality with no Upside Down and no such exciting experiences that have defined Stranger Things for years and years. However, it seems the Duffer Brothers have a solution for that as well.

While mostly known for its horrifying Upside Down, it is not the only direction that Stranger Things knows as proved by Duffer Brothers' statements about the Stranger Things universe.

The future of Stranger Things is in motion with a range of ambitious new ventures in development. While attending a Netflix preview event in Los Angeles, Matt Duffer confirmed that more Stranger Things stories are being worked on, though it is too early to share details, adding that the team is fully involved in each one. He further stated that they hope everything regarding Stranger Things will have high standards and not repeat, as per Entertainment Weekly.

An extension of Stranger Things is already up and working in the form of Stranger Things: The First Shadow in its ongoing run in London's West End, a stage production that explores untold stories of Hawkins' past. The success of the production paves the way for its new run in March in a move that will represent the first significant expansion for the franchise beyond television.   

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While the Duffer Brothers remain selective about sharing specific details, they have confirmed several exciting ventures are in the pipeline.

The new season holds out hope for an emotional return of familiar faces. Returning for its most intimate narrative to date, according to creator Matt Duffer, will be Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and the whole core cast. There will be a one-year time jump at the start of the new season, moving events to fall 1987, and new additions will include a Terminator legend in Linda Hamilton. There is a lot of hope for seeing these characters in future spinoffs.

Beyond its flagship series, Netflix is even expanding the universe in breadth with a rumored video game adaptation, and The First Shadow's success proved Stranger Things can function in alternate forms. The dedication of the Duffer Brothers to these new ventures and high-quality storytelling ensures that fanboys and girls have a lot to look out for in the post-Season 5 era.

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How do you feel about Stranger Things ending? Are you ready to say goodbye, or are the rumored spinoffs keeping your hopes alive? Share your thoughts in the comments.