As Stranger Things approaches its final season, the show’s creators have assured fans that ‘this isn’t Game of Thrones‘.
The popular Netflix series has captivated audiences for nearly ten years, and now its fifth season will mark its conclusion.
The customary approach for final seasons continues, with the release divided into multiple sections. Volume 1 is set to be available on November 26, followed by Volume 2 on Christmas Day, and culminating with the final episode on New Year’s Eve.
As the end draws near, fans have been speculating about what will happen to their beloved characters, expressing concern that the series might conclude with many characters not surviving.
However, the show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, have offered some insights into how the series might wrap up.
In a conversation with Variety about whether ‘Volume 2 will become more intense’, Matt Duffer stated: “I’ve said this before: The show is not Game of Thrones.”
He elaborated: “I’m hoping it surprises people. But there’s no Red Wedding, if that’s what you’re asking. That would be depressing.”
The anticipation for the new season has been building, as the last season was released in May 2022.
The sci-fi phenomenon has garnered a significant fanbase, and after the mixed reactions to the Game of Thrones finale, some fans of Stranger Things may have concerns about how it will end.
At the height of its popularity, Game of Thrones was arguably the most talked-about show on television, attracting millions of viewers and generating countless discussions about character fates, romantic developments, and theories.
Memorable moments from the series include the early speculation of R+L = J, the shocking Red Wedding, the grim satisfaction of King Joffrey’s demise, and Pedro Pascal’s memorable death scene.
Television had never seen anything quite like it, but during one infamous final battle, the lighting was so poor that viewers struggled to see, which some might argue was a metaphor for the reception of the series’ conclusion.
The 2019 final season received varied reviews. While performances and battle sequences were praised, the pacing was criticized, with many viewers feeling it was ‘rushed’.
One particularly disgruntled fan even initiated a petition on Change.org to ‘remake Game of Thrones Season 8 with competent writers’, accumulating more than 1.8 million signatures.
It seems likely that the creators of Stranger Things are keen to avoid a similar outcome.
Nevertheless, Matt Duffer cautioned fans as they prepare for the new season.
Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, he expressed: “I don’t want anyone to overthink. It’s fun actually when [the fans] have all these theories as to what’s going to happen. It’s fun to read them. The vast majority of them are wrong. Occasionally, someone gets something.”
Matt continued: “It’s not like I don’t want people going in with certain expectations, because whatever expectations they have, hopefully we live up to them. But I really hope they go in like they would to any other season and enjoy it for what it is. I would get some chocolate pudding, some Eggos, some popcorn, whatever you need to help enhance the experience.”
The first four episodes of Stranger Things 5 are available to stream on Netflix now.