An anime spin-off of the hit TV series Stranger Things is currently being developed on Netflix, according to What’s on Netflix. Information about the show is limited but it is reported to have been in the works since 2021.
The series will allegedly be around six hours long and will become the first spin-off for the growing franchise. Stranger Things also boasts several games including Stranger Things: 1984, Stranger Things 3: The Game, and Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales, which are available exclusively through Netflix Games.
Earlier this year, the Duffer Brothers, who serve as the Stranger Things creators, directors, and executive producers, revealed a spin-off was coming during negotiations to renew their deal with Netflix. On an episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Matt Duffer confirmed the anime series would be a “story that connects to the Stranger Things world, but it really is more about how we’re telling that story.” He also adds that they want to “pass the baton to someone else who’s really talented and passionate.”
The decision to move toward the anime format is not surprising. Netflix has attempted this for several films and television shows already, starting with The Witcher. Recent attempts include the 2017 film Bright and its 2021 anime film Bright: Samurai Soul; 2018 series Altered Carbon and its 2020 anime film Altered Carbon: Resleeved; and 2021 film Army of the Dead and upcoming anime prequel Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas.
Stranger Things season four is currently streaming on Netflix worldwide. No release date for the final fifth season has been announced, but is expected to air sometime in 2024.