After nearly a decade, Stranger Things is coming to an end with season 5. The Duffer Brothers have now confirmed that this will be the last time we see our favorite characters on screen.

Stranger Things 5 is scheduled for release in 2025 that will wrap up the story of Hawkins. While many fans had hoped for sequels or spin-offs to continue the Stranger Things universe, the latest update suggests that the journey is truly coming to an end.

Duffer Brothers Confirm No Future Stories for the Main Characters

During a panel at the SCAD Tvfest in Atlanta, the Duffer Brothers were asked whether they would consider expanding the story beyond season 5. Ross Duffer replied that they aren’t interested in rushing into anything just for the sake of it.

“We don’t wanna rush anything. We don’t wanna just do something just to do it, or for commercial reasons. We want it to have a real reason to exist and something that we’re all excited about.”

Matt Duffer further explained that there are no plans for sequels or spin-offs featuring the main characters.

“This story, these characters’ stores, that’s done. That whole story is coming to an end. There’s not like a Steve/Dustin spinoff or something like that.”

Matt even joked about the duo’s fate, saying they might not even survive season 5. However, he clarified that their focus is now on creating new stories with fresh characters.

“The hope is that we finish telling this story. And then you leave it and tell new stories. And hopefully, there are new characters that people can fall in love with.”

What This Means for the Future of Stranger Things

While the Duffer Brothers have shut down hopes of a sequel featuring Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, Max, and the rest of the gang, the Stranger Things universe itself is far from over.

Netflix has already teased multiple projects set in the same world. These include two animated Stranger Things series which are in development. A live-action Stranger Things spin-off was also announced which will take place in the same universe but follow an entirely different story.

Last year, the Duffer Brothers said that the stories of Eleven, Dustin, Lucas and Hopper are done with season 5. At the time, some fans speculated that other characters, like Mike or Will, might still appear in future projects.

However, this latest statement shuts down that possibility and confirms that Stranger Things 5 is truly the final goodbye for these beloved characters. While it’s bittersweet to say farewell, die-hard Stranger Things fans can still look forward to the expansion of the universe in new and exciting ways.