Netflix has recently revealed that the final season of Stranger Things will debut in 2025. However, the latest update from the Duffer Brothers might disappoint some fans.

It’s been nearly three years since Stranger Things 4 premiered and fans have been eagerly anticipating the final season. While the filming was wrapped in December 2024, post-production work is still far from over. Unfortunately, this might result in delaying the release date for season 5.

Releasing Stranger Things 5 in 2025 Would Be Challenging

The Duffer Brothers were crowned with the Variety Showrunner Award at the SCAD TVfest. At the event, they also provided an update on Stranger Things season 5.

“Right now, we’re just cutting all the visual effects sequences for the show so they can get started on those, so that they can be running in time for a release.”

When asked about a specific release date, Matt Duffer revealed that it is still undecided. They are committed to releasing it in 2025, but it would be challenging.

“A lot of it hasn’t been decided, in terms of exactly the release dates and cadence. That’s one reason I’m not allowed to talk about it. We’re getting on a call in about a couple weeks about it. I just know it was very important for us and Netflix that we get it out this year. But even that is quite the push.”

Later Ross Duffer added that they’re working as fast as possible to release it this year.

“Even Season 4, we cut that so tight. We were dropping in visual effects shots the day after the launch! So hopefully we’ll be a little more on schedule this year … now it’s just sort of climbing up another hill as we head towards finally finishing this.”

Will Stranger Things 5 Release in 2025?

Despite the post-production challenges, Stranger Things 5 is still expected to release in 2025. Netflix has already confirmed this multiple times. Stranger Things was also part of the Next on Netflix event, which previewed footage from the upcoming titles in 2025.

That being said, the latest update suggests that there is a sheer scale of post-production. Since filming took an entire year, the editing and visual effects will require significant time.

As a result, fans may have to wait until late 2025 rather than a summer debut. Additionally, Stranger Things 5 is likely to be split into two parts to ensure a timely debut. When season 4 volume 1 premiered in May 2022, post-production was still ongoing for volume 2. Netflix will likely follow the same strategy for season 5.

Stranger Things 5 Has 650 hours of footage

Earlier at the Next on Netflix event, the Duffer Brothers discussed the scale of Stranger Things 5.

“We spent a full year filming this season. By the end, we’d captured over 650 hours of footage. So, needless to say, this is our biggest and most ambitious season yet. It’s like eight blockbuster movies. It’s pretty insane.”

Matt Duffer also shared that it was very emotional to conclude Stranger Things considering they have been working on it for nearly a decade.

At the event, journalists were also shown an exclusive first look at Stranger Things 5. The footage revealed key plot points for the final season, including Vecna’s return, It featured the return of Vecna, Eleven hiding her identity and Will Byers once again trapped in the Upside Down.