Stranger Things enthusiasts are still coming to terms with the series’ grand finale on Netflix, and the show’s creators, The Duffer Brothers, have addressed a petition suggesting that significant portions of the ending were left out.
The final installment of this beloved sci-fi saga, which has spanned nearly a decade, was released on New Year’s Day, marking a conclusive end to the series.
While many viewers were pleased with how the storyline wrapped up, a segment of the audience believed there were significant omissions. This led to an online petition demanding Netflix to unveil the full, unedited version of the series finale.
The petition, which has amassed over 380,000 signatures, accused Netflix and the Duffer Brothers of concealing crucial scenes that might have altered the fates of several characters. Fans united in their call for these scenes to be made public.
The controversy originated from a Google Doc circulating online, which purportedly cataloged all shot and subsequently cut scenes. This alleged list included supposed interactions between Will and Mike after Will’s coming out scene.
Despite these claims, The Duffer Brothers have categorically denied the existence of such footage, dismissing rumors of an extensive array of scenes that were edited out.
In an interview with Variety, Matt Duffer commented on the supposed document, stating: “Someone sent it to us, yeah. Obviously, that’s not a real thing.”
Ross Duffer further clarified: “I have not seen [the petition]. I don’t think there’s a single cut scene in the entire season.”
Matt elaborated: “The show has just grown so massive. Online, there’s just so much misinformation. Just tons of it. We would be here for hours trying to bat down the stuff that was not true.”
He continued, “But at the end of the day, hopefully the work speaks for itself, and it is the show that Ross and I wanted to make.
“Netflix was, and has always been, incredible. I mean, there’s no interference or direction at all from them on us. They really trust us, and that’s been true from Season 1 on.
“It’s never changed, even though the show and the size of the audience have grown.”