Brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, the creative minds behind the global sensation “Stranger Things,” have announced a significant transition in their professional careers. They are set to leave Netflix for a comprehensive four-year deal with Paramount Pictures, which will encompass film, television, and streaming projects. The partnership is expected to launch after the completion of their current contract with Netflix in April 2026.
In a joint statement, the Duffers expressed their enthusiasm for joining Paramount. They stated, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining the Paramount family. To be part of that mission is not just exciting – it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.” Their excitement is further amplified by the opportunity to collaborate once again with Cindy Holland and Matt Thunell, who were instrumental in the success of “Stranger Things.” The duo highlighted the importance of their partnership, saying, “They took a chance on us in 2015, and they’re taking a chance again – we can’t wait to create new stories together.”
New Projects and Collaborative Vision
The upcoming projects will be produced under the Duffers’ company, Upside Down Pictures, which they co-lead alongside their producing partner and company president, Hilary Leavitt. This new venture marks a reunion with key figures from their past, including Cindy Holland, who is now the head of streaming at Paramount and played a pivotal role in greenlighting “Stranger Things.”
Holland remarked on their long-standing relationship, stating, “I’ve had the privilege of knowing Matt and Ross for over a decade and worked with them from their earliest stages through their deserving global success.” Her sentiments were echoed by Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, co-chairs at Paramount Pictures, who expressed their excitement for the Duffers’ unique storytelling abilities. They noted, “Their singular talent for creating stories and worlds that shape culture sets them apart, and this partnership is a great example of the new Paramount in action.”
Future Endeavors Beyond Netflix
This announcement comes as the Duffers prepare for the fifth and final season of “Stranger Things,” which will continue to air on Netflix. They confirmed their commitment to the series and existing projects, stating, “Our time at Netflix has been incredible. 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.”
The brothers expressed their eagerness to continue collaborating with Netflix on projects such as “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen” and “The Boroughs.” They hinted at a broader narrative universe for “Stranger Things,” emphasizing, “There are many more stories to tell beyond Hawkins, and we can’t wait to share them.”
As the Duffer Brothers transition to Paramount, the industry watches closely, anticipating their next moves and the potential impact on the entertainment landscape. The deal signifies not just a shift in partnerships but also a new chapter in the Duffers’ storied career.
