It’s hard to believe, but Stranger Things made its debut way back in 2016.
At the time, the quirky supernatural Netflix series faced an uncertain future.
It boasted no known stars (with the possible exception of Matthew Modine in a small role), and its Stand By Me-meets-The X-Files premise threatened to leave viewers scratching their heads.
A decade later, Stranger Things is arguably Netflix’s greatest success story.
Each new season has ranked among the streamer’s most-watched shows of the year, and few other original Netflix properties have made a comparable cultural impact.
So the streamer’s execs are understandably lenient when it comes to ST’s budgetary needs and production timelines.
Related: Stranger Things Season 5: Everything We Know Before the Final Season
Fans, of course, have expressed frustration about the long wait between seasons.
But if our first look at the show’s fifth and final installment is any indication, then all patience will soon be rewarded.
Earlier today, Netflix debuted a behind-the-scenes featurette in which the stars and showrunners offer fans their first glimpse of Stranger Things’ long-awaited finale.
We begin with a major revelation from Caleb McLaughlin, who informs fans that the cast and crew are currently “about halfway through” with production on Stranger Things Season 5.
From there, Millie Bobby Brown puts things in perspective with a timeline observation that made us feel downright elderly.
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“So I started when I was 10. I am now turning 20 years old. It feels very weird,” Brown noted as she drove to the set.
Yes, Millie Bobby Brown, who is now married was 10 when this show started filming! Eleven wasn’t even 11!
The featurette also debuted some new cast members for Season 5, including Nell Fisher, Alex Breaux, and Jake Connelly.
It’s a bit of a surprising move for a show that already has so many loose ends to tie up.
But Henry Campbell Bower, who plays Vecna, says fans should have no compunctions about the writers’ ability to stick the landing.
“Season 4 was big, but this feels bigger,” says Bower in the featurette.
What do you think, Stranger Things fans? Are you anxious about the show’s ability to deliver a satisfying conclusion?
Hit the comments section below to share your thoughts!
