FOR almost a decade, Stranger Things has had adults and kids alike cowering behind the sofa as a bunch of youngsters battle the evil Demogorgon and Vecna.
I’ve been scared out of my wits a few times but as the fifth and final series begins today, I have some very good news for fans of the hit sci-fi show.
Several spin-off projects are already in the works, I can reveal.
We will see more of the story unfold as inhabitants of the fictional US town of Hawkins, Indiana, venture into the mysterious alternate dimension The Upside Down.
Speaking at the London premiere, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos confirmed: “The world of Hawkins, Indiana and the Upside Down, it’s not over.”
There is already a stage show, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which has had rave reviews on London’s West End.
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And next year will see the launch of an animated series, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, featuring a new cast and taking place in the period between the second and third series of the main show.
But talks are under way about a series of other opportunities, including chances to explore individual characters.
A source said: “Stranger Things has been one of the ultimate success stories for Netflix — loads of people got subscriptions just to watch that.
“They know there is a massive appetite for more, so although now is the right time to end the main series, it won’t be the end of the story.
“There have been talks of a live-action spin-off as well as another animated project.
“But there is also a hope that individual characters could return to the screen in stand-alone shows.”
One person unlikely to take up that offer is Millie Bobby Brown. She played key character Eleven, who has supernatural powers.
Millie made it clear she is excited to snap up opportunities away from the show after so many years working on it.
The last series in 2022 ended on a cliffhanger with Max Mayfield, played by Sadie Sink, left horrifically injured after being attacked by Vecna.
We find out what’s happened to her and after watching the first episode a few weeks ago, I can confirm it’s still just as terrifying.
The first four episodes of season five drop today, followed by more on Boxing Day and the grand finale on New Year’s Day.
David Harbour is back as police chief Jim Hopper, the adoptive father of Eleven — despite an allegation of bullying on-set and accusations from his ex-wife Lily Allen that he was unfaithful.
But his character only has barely nine minutes of screen time in the episode which features a brilliant soundtrack including Diana Ross’s Upside Down, and ABBA’s Fernando during a particularly gruesome scene.
Watching bloody fights between monsters and mortals isn’t usually how I spend my Christmas, but this year, I’ll be glued to it.
