The Duffer brothers, creators of the iconic series Stranger Things, have announced an exclusive contract with Paramount that will begin in April 2026, after finishing their collaboration with Netflix. This new agreement, which will last for four years, will allow the Duffers to develop large-scale films, moving away from their typecasting to the popular series that catapulted them to stardom.
The Duffer Brothers leave the platform
Despite their new commitment to Paramount, Matt and Ross Duffer will continue collaborating with Netflix on both existing and future projects, including the highly anticipated fifth season of Stranger Things. In statements to Variety, the Duffer brothers expressed their happiness with their experience at Netflix, calling it incredible and highlighting the creative freedom and support they have received throughout their journey on the platform.
The contract with Paramount is not only a sign of the Duffer’s ambitious plans to tell stories beyond Hawkins, but it also reflects Paramount’s commitment to investing in cinema, although to date they have only directed Hidden: Terror in Kingsville, a film that has remained relatively unknown. The prudence of the company’s decision is in the air, especially with a recent partnership with Skydance that has generated attention in the market.
The Duffer brothers have expressed their interest in exploring new narratives and creating content that transcends their most famous work. In their statement, they mentioned that they are excited to continue working not only on Stranger Things 5 but also on other series that are in development, such as Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen and The Boroughs. This move raises questions about the creative future of the Duffer brothers and whether Paramount will be able to provide the same level of support that Netflix offers.