Netflix Sets New Stranger Things Series in 1950s New Mexico

Netflix confirmed on Thursday that it has greenlit a new live-action series titled Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure. The project is set to take place in New Mexico during the 1950s. This marks a shift in location and era for the franchise, which previously focused on the 1980s.

Kate Trefry, a longtime writer for the original show, will serve as showrunner. Joe Wright, who directed the film Atonement, is attached to direct the first three episodes. Matt and Ross Duffer, the creators of Stranger Things, are credited as co-creators but have stepped back from day-to-day leadership for this installment. The new series will feature an entirely fresh cast and storyline, distinct from the characters in the original run.

In a joint statement, the Duffer Brothers said they had dreamed of this project for years. They described the realization of the series as surreal and exhilarating. The brothers praised Trefry for her dedication since the second season and Wright as a brilliant artist. They advised fans to watch the skies, a clue that suggests the plot may involve unidentified flying objects or extraterrestrial themes.

Jinny Howe, head of scripted content at Netflix, stated that the company is honored to partner with the Duffer Brothers and Trefry again. She emphasized that the new series maintains the heart and mystery of the original while exploring a new era. Trefry recalled receiving her first paid Hollywood job from the Duffer Brothers. She described working on this new chapter as a joy and a fever dream, supported by Netflix and 21 Laps.

The executive production team includes the Duffer Brothers through Upside Down Pictures. Shawn Levy and 21 Laps are also involved, along with Paul Dichter, Shelley Meals, Andrea Sperling, and Pavlina Hatoupis. Stranger Things first aired in 2016 and accumulated 1.2 billion global views over its first four seasons. The original series concluded with a finale earlier this year.

The announcement follows a multi-year deal the Duffer Brothers signed with Paramount last year. That agreement covers film, television, and streaming projects. Despite the new partnership, this prequel remains a Netflix production. Casting for the new series is upcoming, and specific plot details are currently confidential.