It’s time to bid farewell to the Upside Down.
On Friday, Netflix revealed that filming for Stranger Things season five has officially concluded. The cast and crew of the hit series came back to Atlanta on January 8 to start filming its last season, leading to an impressive 11-month shoot for the beloved show’s farewell.
“We’ve been sharing this tale for almost ten years now,” co-creator Ross Duffer noted in an Instagram update. “Several of our cast members joined us at a young age, specifically around ten or eleven years old.” It wasn’t merely a performance for them — it was a crucial aspect of their upbringing. “They’ve matured in front of us, evolving from mere actors to true family.”
Duffer stated, “However, we view more than just the cast as family. Our team — several of whom have been with us since the start — occupies a unique spot in our hearts. Their commitment and enthusiasm have served as the foundation of this journey. All participants were committed to reaching a fulfilling resolution for this narrative. They invested their hearts and souls into it, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved. We are eagerly anticipating sharing it with everyone next year. Until that time — over and out.”
Duffer was not the sole member of the Stranger Things team to turn to social media and express their feelings after filming concluded. Noah Schnapp, portraying Will Byers, shared a carousel on Instagram accompanied by an extensive caption, reminiscing about his experience as a leading character in the show.
“Two days prior, I completed my last scene as Will Byers, and I’m experiencing a lot of emotions,” he started. “As I conclude this phase of my life, I can’t help but feel eternally thankful for the amazing individuals I’ve encountered and the important life and career lessons I’ve gained during this ten-year journey.”
He subsequently shared the ten key lessons he gained from the team and his co-stars, including Shawn Levy, the Duffer brothers, Winona Ryder, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, and Charlie Heaton.
“During my childhood, I often felt like a misfit, uncertain about my place,” he went on in the extensive caption. “Going through life under public scrutiny while feeling this way, enduring every awkward stage and humiliating moment laid bare for everyone, has certainly been a unique journey.” However, I feel privileged to share it with my amazing co-stars, who grasp it in a manner that no one else does.
Schnapp stated, “Stranger Things was not just a job; it was a dream I’ve held for life.” A dream turned into reality thanks to the Duffers. I appreciate you taking a risk on me as a 10-year-old child and trusting me with something so significant to you both. Collectively, this cast and crew has created something truly remarkable, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for everyone to witness the final installment. Stranger Things is an eternal tale for me — it resides in my heart eternally.
Wolfhard, who plays Mike Wheeler, shared that he’s still “in shock” that they have finished filming the series that started his career.
“We filmed it for a year and I will greatly miss my friends and the characters we portrayed,” he posted on Instagram. “When I recall the show, I envision this initial image.” A group of silly young individuals creating something they believe is impressive, yet truly have no understanding of what lies ahead. I believe we are still those individuals, and I’m fortunate to remain by their side today. I wish you’ll enjoy this season just as much as I do. “Looking forward to seeing everyone next year.”
Brown, known for her iconic role as Eleven, posted a series of images of herself in character throughout the years but opted for a brief caption, stating “with love, el.”
In November, Netflix revealed the episode titles for the fifth season, giving fans a glimpse of what to anticipate: “The Crawl,” “The Vanishing of _,” “The Turnbow Trap,” “Sorcerer,” “Shock Jock,” “Escape From Camazotz,” “The Bridge,” and “The Rightside Up.”
Although the streamer disclosed the titles for all eight episodes, it appears to have censored a portion of the title for the second episode, “The Vanishing Of.” This might imply that Netflix is not prepared to disclose who or what is disappearing, or it may just be a reference to the debut episode, “The Vanishing of Will Byers.”
The concluding season of the hit series will feature a time leap and continue slightly more than a year after the happenings of Stranger Things season four, shifting the plot to the autumn of 1987, set to premiere on an unspecified date in 2025.
