Duffer Brothers say Season 5 is last live-action appearance for original Stranger Things cast

Movieweb reports the Duffer Brothers have confirmed that Season 5 of Stranger Things is the final live-action appearance for the show’s original core characters. In a conversation with Collider, Matt Duffer was asked point-blank whether Season 5 marks the last time fans will see Eleven, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Will, and Max on screen, and he replied, “Yes.” The announcement has done little to convince many viewers, who remain skeptical and voiced reactions on X/Twitter such as “Let's see in a few years,” “When you realise that this is a way to make more money - maybe we bring them back,” and “Duffers when they forget who owns Stranger Things.” The outlet notes the brothers have since regretted some post-finale interviews and that several of their comments have left aspects open to debate.

While the Duffer Brothers say the live-action run is over, the characters will return in an animated prequel. Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, from showrunner Eric Robles and the Duffer co-creators, is due in 2026 and recasts the roles for animation: Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max, Luca Diaz as Mike, Elisha “EJ” Williams as Lucas, Braxton Quinney as Dustin, Benjamin Plessala as Will, and Brett Gipson as Hopper.

Key Topics

Culture, Stranger Things, Duffer Brothers, Matt Duffer, Eric Robles