Brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, creators of the acclaimed series “Stranger Things,” have officially signed a four-year exclusive deal with Paramount Pictures. This partnership marks the end of their current relationship with Netflix, which will conclude in April 2026. Under the new agreement, the Duffers aim to produce an array of feature films, television, and streaming projects, focusing on “ambitious” and “large-scale theatrical” endeavors.
In a joint statement, the Duffers expressed their excitement about joining the Paramount family. “To be part of that mission is not just exciting – it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream,” they said. They acknowledged their gratitude towards Cindy Holland and Matt Thunell, key figures at Paramount who previously supported their work on “Stranger Things.” “They took a chance on us in 2015, and they’re taking a chance again – we can’t wait to create new stories together,” the brothers added.
Collaboration with Paramount
The upcoming projects will be developed through their production company, Upside Down Pictures, which will be led by the Duffers and their producing partner, Hilary Leavitt. This arrangement reunites the brothers with Holland, who is now head of streaming at Paramount, and Thunell, president of Paramount Television. Both individuals played pivotal roles in the success of “Stranger Things” during its initial development at Netflix.
Holland remarked, “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.” She praised their exceptional storytelling skills and expressed enthusiasm about their new collaboration. Dana Goldberg, co-chair of Paramount Pictures, and Josh Greenstein, also co-chair, reiterated their excitement, highlighting the unique talent of the Duffer Brothers. They emphasized that this partnership represents the unified vision of Paramount’s film, television, and streaming sectors, aiming to harness their full potential to support the Duffers’ storytelling ambitions.
Looking Ahead
This announcement follows the recent news that the Duffers are preparing for the fifth and final season of “Stranger Things,” which will premiere on Netflix. Once their current contract concludes, they will remain actively involved in the series and other ongoing projects. “Our time at Netflix has been incredible,” the brothers said, expressing gratitude to key Netflix executives like Ted Sarandos, Bela Bajaria, and Peter Friedlander. “A decade in, they are family,” they noted.
The Duffers also mentioned their ongoing projects, including “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen” and “The Boroughs.” They conveyed excitement about the future of “Stranger Things,” stating, “there are many more stories to tell beyond Hawkins.” Their move to Paramount marks a significant transition, promising to deliver fresh narratives and expansive storytelling in the years to come.
