The Duffer Brothers on Protecting Young Stars, the Future of “Stranger Things,” and the Fight for Theatrical Experiences
the Duffer Brothers, Matt and Ross, the creative force behind the global phenomenon Stranger Things, recently sat down to discuss the show’s impact, the challenges of navigating fame for their young cast, and their vision for the future of storytelling in a rapidly changing media landscape. Their insights offer a compelling look behind the scenes of a cultural touchstone and provide valuable perspective on the evolving entertainment industry.
Navigating Fame & Protecting the Cast
One of the most significant challenges the Duffer Brothers faced wasn’t crafting compelling narratives, but rather shielding their young actors from the pressures of sudden, immense fame - notably the pitfalls of social media. They describe a unique dynamic with the cast, evolving from a mentor-like role to something akin to an older brother relationship.
“We’ve become very close as we got to know them when they were really young,” Matt explained. “It feels less parental and more like an older brother situation, and we try to make it very relaxed so they’re not nervous around us.”
Though, the rise of Stranger Things coincided with the explosion of social media, creating a new set of hurdles. The brothers acknowledge the damaging impact of online negativity, specifically referencing experiences with Jake Connelly (Derek) and nell Fisher (Holly).
* Social Media’s Dark Side: The Duffer Brothers believe social media has been the most damaging aspect of the show’s success for the younger cast members.
* Peer support is Key: fortunately, cast members like Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard, who had already navigated the complexities of fame, were able to offer invaluable support to Jake and Nell.
* A Grounded Core: Despite the pressures,the Duffer brothers consistently express admiration for the cast’s level-headedness and lack of ego. They were impressed by how well the actors handled the experience,attributing it to the strong bonds forged within the group.
“It’s been great with Jake to see it completely turn around,” Matt noted. “But that doesn’t excuse what people were doing before. It’s nauseating. I wish they had gone through this without social media.”
The Warner Bros. Finding Bidding War & The Future of Distribution
The conversation shifted to the ongoing bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery, with Paramount and Netflix as key contenders. The Duffer Brothers expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing the importance of preserving the theatrical experience.
“It’s just so hard to know what things are going to be like,” Matt admitted. “Ross and I have been pretty open about wanting to make sure that the theatrical experience is preserved.”
Ross elaborated on their concerns, highlighting two critical fears:
- Protecting Theatrical Releases: Shrinking release windows disincentivize audiences from going to theaters, a trend they actively want to combat. This is why they are committed to releasing a movie in theaters.
- Maintaining Artistic Competition: Consolidation within the industry could stifle creativity and lead to the extinction of shows like Stranger Things. Competition is vital for fostering innovation.
Ultimately, they believe a healthy balance between theatrical releases and streaming is crucial.
A Theatrical Finale for Stranger Things – A Surprisingly Easy Sell
Perhaps the most exciting news revealed during the interview was the decision to release the Stranger Things series finale in movie theaters.contrary to some online speculation, the idea was enthusiastically embraced by Netflix.
“This is where the internet can frustrate me because something starts as a rumor and then goes around, then it’s fact,” Matt chuckled. “We pitched the idea to Netflix marketing… it was only about five days [later] and [Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria] said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.'”
The Duffer Brothers expressed immense gratitude for Netflix’s support and their eagerness to experience the finale alongside audiences in a theater.
“I cannot wait to go sneak into some theaters and watch it,” Matt shared, with Ross adding, ”we’re definitely gonna go.”
Looking Ahead: Why This Matters
The Duffer Brothers’ reflections offer more than just a glimpse into the world of Stranger Things.they underscore the critical need for responsible handling of young talent in the entertainment industry, the importance of preserving the communal experience of cinema, and the value of fostering a competitive landscape that encourages artistic innovation.
