The world of 'Stranger Things' is far from over. Netflix is expanding the popular science-fiction horror franchise with a new live-action spin-off titled 'Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure'. Set in the 1950s, the upcoming series will introduce a fresh set of characters, a different setting and a new supernatural mystery. It is scheduled to premiere in 2028.

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The Duffer Brothers, Matt and Ross, announced the project on Stranger Things Day, offering fans a glimpse of what lies ahead for the franchise. Unlike the original series, which follows a group of youngsters in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the new show will take viewers several decades back in time.

New series will explore a different era

'Other Worlds' will take place before the events of both the original Netflix series and the stage production 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow'. The latter explores the troubled past of Henry Creel in Hawkins in 1959.

While the makers have kept the plot under wraps, the announcement teaser offers a glimpse of the new setting. It places the story in Marion, Nevada, on April 19, 1955. The short clip features an abandoned bicycle with a radio attached to it, followed by a view of an ominous sky. A sudden burst of light and thunder adds to the mystery.

The Duffer Brothers said they had been developing the idea for several years and were excited to finally bring it to the screen.

"We've been dreaming of 'Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure' for many years now, and to see it become a reality is surreal and exhilarating," Matt and Ross Duffer said in a statement.

"It's 'Stranger Things', but also thrillingly fresh, with a new setting, new heroes and villains, and new ... actually, we're not allowed to say any more. Now, on to casting. In the meantime - watch the skies, nerds!" they added.

Who is behind 'Other Worlds'?

Kate Trefry, who has been associated with 'Stranger Things' as a writer for several seasons, will lead the new project as its showrunner. She also wrote the screenplay for 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow'.

Trefry spoke about her long association with the Duffer Brothers, revealing that they gave her her first paid job in Hollywood.

"The Duffer Brothers gave me my first paying job in Hollywood, and it has been a joy and a fever dream ever since," she said.

She added that she was looking forward to working with the creators and director Joe Wright to explore another part of the franchise. The team hopes to bring back the horror, mystery and wonder that made the original show popular while introducing a completely new story.

Wright, known for directing films such as 'Pride & Prejudice', 'Atonement' and 'Darkest Hour', will direct the first three episodes. The BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning filmmaker will also serve as an executive producer.

Production is scheduled to take place in New Mexico. The Duffer Brothers will executive produce the series through their banner Upside Down Pictures. Shawn Levy will also serve as an executive producer through 21 Laps, alongside Paul Dichter, Shelley Meals, Andrea Sperling and Pavlina Hatoupis.

Levy said the new series would retain the spirit of the original while taking the franchise into unfamiliar territory.

Jinny Howe, Netflix's head of scripted series in the US and Canada, also expressed excitement about the project, saying the platform was pleased to reunite with the Duffer Brothers and Trefry to introduce another part of the 'Stranger Things' universe.

The makers have yet to announce the cast.

A look at the 'Stranger Things' universe

Since its debut in 2016, 'Stranger Things' has grown into one of Netflix's biggest global hits. Its first four seasons together attracted more than 1.2 billion views on the streaming platform.

Created by Matt and Ross Duffer, the original science-fiction horror series is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. It begins with the mysterious disappearance of a young boy, Will Byers. As his friends and family search for him, they encounter Eleven, a girl with psychokinetic abilities who has escaped from a secret government laboratory.

Their search gradually leads them to a series of secret experiments and a parallel dimension known as the Upside Down, inhabited by dangerous creatures. Across five seasons, Eleven, Will and their friends face supernatural threats while trying to stop the strange dimension from spreading into their world.

The franchise has also moved beyond the original live-action show. The animated series 'Stranger Things: Tales From '85' follows the Hawkins gang during the winter of 1985 as they investigate new monsters and paranormal happenings.

Meanwhile, the stage production 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' explores the early life of Henry Creel and his connection to Hawkins. Its run is scheduled to conclude at London's Phoenix Theatre on December 27, 2026, and at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway in New York on January 3, 2027.

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