Brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, the creative minds behind the acclaimed series “Stranger Things,” have announced a significant career shift. They are set to part ways with Netflix to enter a four-year exclusive deal with Paramount Pictures. This agreement will encompass feature films, television, and streaming projects, commencing after the conclusion of their current Netflix contract in April 2026.
In a joint statement, the Duffers expressed their excitement about joining the Paramount team. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining the Paramount family,” they said. “To be part of that mission is not just exciting – it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.” The brothers also highlighted their gratitude for the support they received from key figures at Paramount, including Cindy Holland and Matt Thunell, who played pivotal roles in the success of “Stranger Things.”
New Ventures and Creative Freedom
The new partnership will be facilitated through their production company, Upside Down Pictures, which they co-lead with their producing partner, Hilary Leavitt. The Duffers aim to focus on “ambitious” and “large-scale theatrical” projects that could redefine their storytelling approach. Cindy Holland, now the head of streaming at Paramount, expressed her enthusiasm for reuniting with the brothers, stating, “We couldn’t be more excited to reunite and welcome them to Paramount.”
The Duffers will also collaborate with Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg, who oversee creative film and series initiatives at Paramount. “Their singular talent for creating stories and worlds that shape culture sets them apart,” Greenstein and Goldberg noted in a joint statement, emphasizing the potential of this partnership to leverage Paramount’s diverse platforms.
Future Plans and Ongoing Projects
This announcement comes as the Duffers prepare for the fifth and final season of “Stranger Things.” Despite their departure from Netflix, they will remain actively involved with the series and several existing projects, including “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen” and “The Boroughs.”
Reflecting on their decade-long relationship with Netflix, the Duffers acknowledged the platform’s support, saying, “Ted [Sarandos], Bela [Bajaria], and Peter [Friedlander] have given us the kind of creative freedom and support that artists dream of but so rarely receive. A decade in, they are family.”
They expressed eagerness to continue collaborating with Netflix while looking forward to new stories beyond the “Stranger Things” universe. “There are many more stories to tell beyond Hawkins, and we can’t wait to share them,” they concluded.
The Duffer brothers’ transition marks a notable moment in the entertainment industry, highlighting the evolving landscape of content creation and distribution. As they embark on this new chapter at Paramount, audiences can anticipate a fresh wave of storytelling from these talented creators.