Everything to know about all the Stranger Things spin-offs: From new series to stage show - as Millie Bobby Brown 'rejects £10m offer to star'

Stranger Things has established itself as a hugely popular hit, winning numerous awards and breaking Netflix records.

So it should come as no surprise that there is already a spin-off in the works to fill the void that will arise when the show airs its fifth and final season next year.

However, one star that won't be returning is Millie Bobby Brown, as she has reportedly turned down a £10million paycheck to star the spin-off as she wants to 'branch out' into other roles

The actress, 19, has played Eleven in the Netflix show since 2016, with filming beginning when she was just 11 years old. 

The Enola Holmes actress will be looking to 'branch out' into other roles and has turned down a £10million offer to star in the spin-off, according to The Sun.

But the spin-off series is going ahead, as confirmed by Stranger Things creators, the Duffer brothers, as well as an upcoming stage show.

MailOnline has taken a deep dive into the spin-offs from the show to tell you everything you need to know.

Popular: Stranger Things has established itself as a hugely popular hit, winning numerous awards and breaking Netflix records

Popular: Stranger Things has established itself as a hugely popular hit, winning numerous awards and breaking Netflix records

Rejection: However, one star that won't be returning is Millie Bobby Brown, as she has reportedly turned down a £10million paycheck to star the spin-off as she wants to 'branch out' into other roles

Rejection: However, one star that won't be returning is Millie Bobby Brown, as she has reportedly turned down a £10million paycheck to star the spin-off as she wants to 'branch out' into other roles

 

THE SPIN-OFF SERIES 

The spin-off was first teased in February 2022, when the Duffer brothers confirmed Stranger Things would end with season five.

In an open letter to fans, they wrote: 'There are still many more exciting stories to tell within the world of Stranger Things: new mysteries, new adventures, new unexpected heroes'.

Then Matt and Ross Duffer created a new production company last year, named Upside Down pictures, after the mythical location in the show.

They have committed to several new projects with Netflix, including a Stranger Things spin-off series.

The Duffer's brought on Hilary Leavitt to run Upside Down Pictures, who helped develop Orphan Black, Ozark and The Great. 

Creators: The spin-off was first teased in February 2022, when the Duffer brothers confirmed Stranger Things would end with season five

Creators: The spin-off was first teased in February 2022, when the Duffer brothers confirmed Stranger Things would end with season five

They said in a statement they want 'stories that take place at that beautiful crossroads where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, where big spectacle co-exists with intimate character work, where heart wins out over cynicism.' 

One of these is a 'live-action Stranger Things spin-off series based on an original idea by The Duffer Brothers'.

They confirmed on Josh Horowitz's Happy Sad Confused podcast in July: 'We are working on a spin-off idea that we haven’t told anybody about. 

'I think it drove Netflix crazy that we were talking about it in the press and they don’t know what it is.'

However, the spin-off will not be their only focus, as they will also be creating brand new shows such as an adaptation of the hit manga Death Note and Stephen King's The Talisman.

New venture: Then Matt and Ross Duffer created a new production company last year, named Upside Down pictures, after the mythical location in the show

New venture: Then Matt and Ross Duffer created a new production company last year, named Upside Down pictures, after the mythical location in the show

 

THE STORYLINE 

The nature of the spin-off show is as of yet unclear, with potential plotlines remaining as a carefully-guarded mystery for now.

However, the Duffer brothers have been clear that it will be 'very, very different' from the original series.

Speaking to Variety last year, they said: 'We do have an idea for a spinoff that we’re super excited about … but we haven’t told anyone the idea yet, much less written it.

'We think everyone — including Netflix — will be surprised when they hear the concept, because it’s very, very different.'

But, they did reveal that one of the show's stars Finn Wolfhard had correctly guesses the concept by accident.

They said: 'Somehow Finn Wolfhard — who is one crazy smart kid — correctly guessed what it was going to be about. But aside from Finn, no one else knows!'

Secret: The nature of the spin-off show is as of yet unclear, with potential plotlines remaining as a carefully-guarded mystery for now

Secret: The nature of the spin-off show is as of yet unclear, with potential plotlines remaining as a carefully-guarded mystery for now

In January, Finn spoke about how he guessed the plot on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

He said: 'We were on set filming Stranger Things 4, and we were all talking about…like joking, "Oh, they’re all going to have us back in 20 years."

'And then I was like, "Oh, but if you guys are actually going to do a spin-off, it should be this." 

'And I said it and the Duffers looked at each other and looked at me, and they were like "Could we talk to you for a second?”

'Then they pulled me off and they were like, "That is the idea, who told you?" I was like, "No one… I just thought that that would be a cool way to kind of expand.”'

Only one who knows: But, they did reveal that one of the show's stars Finn Wolfhard had correctly guesses the concept by accident

Only one who knows: But, they did reveal that one of the show's stars Finn Wolfhard had correctly guesses the concept by accident

 

THE CAST 

The Duffer brothers have said that while they want to be involved with the show, they want to  'pass the baton on'

They said: 'The idea, ultimately, is to sort of pass the baton to someone who is really talented and passionate.

'Even the idea of say, us doing a pilot and then leaving it – it just feels silly to me. You need to be there from the beginning to the end.

'We need to find a partner to help us with that. This show has taken up a decade of our lives. I’ve loved every second of it, but I don’t want to do another decade. But, we do want to be involved.'

However, don't expect to see all of your favourite characters returning any time soon.

When asked if the spin-off will have any familiar faces or locations, the brothers said: 'It’s a 1,000 per cent different. I’ve read these rumours that there’s going to be an Eleven spin-off, a Steve and Dustin spin-off, or it’s going to follow Four or another number [another child from Hawkins Lab]. It’s nothing like that. 

They went on: 'That’s not interesting to me because we’ve done all that. There’s connective tissue but almost the most important connective tissue, I would say, is the storytelling sensibility of it. 

'1,000 per cent different': However, don't expect to see all of your favourite characters returning any time soon

'1,000 per cent different': However, don't expect to see all of your favourite characters returning any time soon

Ready to let go: Millie said: 'I'm definitely ready to wrap up. I feel like there's a lot of the story that's been told now, and we know of it, it's been in our lives for a very long time'

Ready to let go: Millie said: 'I'm definitely ready to wrap up. I feel like there's a lot of the story that's been told now, and we know of it, it's been in our lives for a very long time'

'There are stories that connect to the Stranger Things world but it really is more about how we’re telling that story.'

The actors themselves have also suggested that they won't be a part of a spin-off, unless it's ten years down the line.

Millie said: 'I'm definitely ready to wrap up. I feel like there's a lot of the story that's been told now, and we know of it, it's been in our lives for a very long time.' 

'But I'm very ready to say goodbye to this chapter of my life and open new ones up.

'I'm able to create stories myself that are important to me and focus on the bigger picture. But I'm really grateful (for the show).' 

While Finn told Digital Spy: 'I think if it was in 10 years or something like that and there was a movie or a limited series, I think that’d be kind of cool.'

Charlie Heaton added: 'It’d be kind of weird to have a spin-off [now], you know?'

'Because that would just be another season,' Finn chimed in. 

While Finn told Digital Spy: 'I think if it was in 10 years or something like that and there was a movie or a limited series, I think that’d be kind of cool'

While Finn told Digital Spy: 'I think if it was in 10 years or something like that and there was a movie or a limited series, I think that’d be kind of cool'

Meanwhile, David Harbour who played Jim Hopper told GQ: 'At this point, I think Hopper is a character that can exist independent of me. 

'If they want to go back in time, forward in time… I’d love to see another actor play Hopper, and see what they can bring to it.'

He suggested Jacob Elordi take over the role, saying: 'He could pull off being as handsome as I was at 20.' 

In addition the stars of the show have all found their careers skyrocketed after the show and are all extremely busy with new upcoming projects.

Millie has many movie roles coming up, including a starring role in the Netflix film Damsel, which is to be released later this year.

In the film, she stars as Princess Elodi, who is expected to be married to a Prince, only to find  herself in danger of being sacrificed to a dragon.

She is also appearing in the sci-fi adventure The Electric State, which is being directed by Avengers: Endgame Joe and Anthony Russo.

The film boasts a star-studded cast including Chris Pratt, Stanley Tucci, Brian Cox, Billy Bob Thornton, Giancarlo Esposito, and Anthony Mackie.

New blood: Meanwhile, David Harbour who played Jim Hopper told GQ: 'At this point, I think Hopper is a character that can exist independent of me'

New blood: Meanwhile, David Harbour who played Jim Hopper told GQ: 'At this point, I think Hopper is a character that can exist independent of me'

He suggested Jacob Elordi take over the role, saying: 'He could pull off being as handsome as I was at 20'

He suggested Jacob Elordi take over the role, saying: 'He could pull off being as handsome as I was at 20'

Return: Finn will be be reprising his role as Trevor (pictured) in the Ghostbusters sequel Ghostbusters Hell's Kitchen

Return: Finn will be be reprising his role as Trevor (pictured) in the Ghostbusters sequel Ghostbusters Hell's Kitchen

She will also take on the lead roles of Nora O'Malley in The Girls I've Been and Suzy Swanson in The Thing About Jellyfish.

Finn will be be reprising his role as Trevor in the Ghostbusters sequel Ghostbusters Hell's Kitchen.

He is also voicing characters in the upcoming animated series New-Gen, and animated film The Legend of Ochi.

The actor will also be seen in Hell of a Summer, which he also helped write and direct.

Noah Schnapp will next be seen in thriller The Tutor, coming out this month and tells the story of student who become obsessed with his tutor.

Gaten Matarazzo who plays Dustin Henderson, will voice Rami in animated film Hump opposite Simon Pegg.

While Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair) will voice Greypaw in the TV series Warriors.

He also has upcoming roles in The Book of Clarence with Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy and the Deliverance with Glenn Close.

Thriller: Noah Schnapp will next be seen in thriller The Tutor, coming out this month and tells the story of student who become obsessed with his tutor

Thriller: Noah Schnapp will next be seen in thriller The Tutor, coming out this month and tells the story of student who become obsessed with his tutor

Upcoming: Gaten Matarazzo who plays Dustin Henderson, will voice Rami in animated film Hump opposite Simon Pegg

Upcoming: Gaten Matarazzo who plays Dustin Henderson, will voice Rami in animated film Hump opposite Simon Pegg

Star-studded: Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair)  has upcoming roles in The Book of Clarence with Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy and the Deliverance with Glenn Close

Star-studded: Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair)  has upcoming roles in The Book of Clarence with Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy and the Deliverance with Glenn Close

Caleb will also star in Shooting Stars, telling the story of basketball star LeBron James as a child. 

Sadie Sink who starred opposite Brendan Fraser in Oscar-nominated film The Whale last year, will next be seen in Berlin Nobody later this year

The Max Mayfield actress is also attached to star as the lead role in O'Dessa, directed by Geremy Jasper.

Natalia Dyer, who plays Nancy Wheeler, will star in horror film All Fun and Games as Billie.

She also has roles in Chestnut and an episode of upcoming comedy TV series Based on a True Story.

Joe Keery who plays Steve Harrington will play Baron in Marmalade, a bank heist film with Camila Morrone.

He also has roles in Finalmente l'alba as Sean Lockwood opposite Lily James and Willem Dafoe and Travis (Teacake) Meacham in Cold Storage with Liam Neeson.

Role: Sadie Sink who starred opposite Brendan Fraser in Oscar-nominated film The Whale last year, will next be seen in Berlin Nobody later this year

Role: Sadie Sink who starred opposite Brendan Fraser in Oscar-nominated film The Whale last year, will next be seen in Berlin Nobody later this year

Scream queen: Natalia Dyer, who plays Nancy Wheeler, will star in horror film All Fun and Games as Billie

Scream queen: Natalia Dyer, who plays Nancy Wheeler, will star in horror film All Fun and Games as Billie

What's next: Joe Keery who plays Steve Harrington will play Baron in Marmalade, a bank heist film with Camila Morrone

What's next: Joe Keery who plays Steve Harrington will play Baron in Marmalade, a bank heist film with Camila Morrone

Busy girl: Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley) will star in a whopping five new films, including The Kill Room with Samuel L. Jackson and her mother Uma Thurman

Busy girl: Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley) will star in a whopping five new films, including The Kill Room with Samuel L. Jackson and her mother Uma Thurman

Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley) will star in a whopping five new films, including The Kill Room with Samuel L. Jackson and her mother Uma Thurman.

She also has a part in Wes Anderson's Asteroid City with heavy hitters Margot Robbie, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Bryan Cranston, Tilda, Swinton, Steve Carell, Adrian Brody, Jeff Goldblum and Edward Norton.

She will play Jamie Bernstein in Bradley Cooper's Maestro and opposite her dad Ethan Hawke in Revolver.

Maya will also star in her father's film Wildcat as the lead role of writer Flannery O'Connor.

Veteran stars Winona Ryder - who plays Joyce Byers - and David will also be kept busy in the next few years.

David has lead roles in Gran Turismo, to be released this year and The Trashers, telling the story of the rise of fall of Jimmy Galante.

He will also star in TV series My Dentist's Murder Trial opposite Pedro Pascal and Netflix's We Have A Ghost.

David will also be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2024, with his role of Alexei Shostakov (Red Guardian) in Thunderbolts.

Meanwhile Winona has a part in Disney's Haunted Mansion, set to be released in July, opposite Jamie Lee Curtis.

Tight schedules: Veteran stars Winona Ryder - who plays Joyce Byers - and David will also be kept busy in the next few years

Tight schedules: Veteran stars Winona Ryder - who plays Joyce Byers - and David will also be kept busy in the next few years

Lead: David has lead roles in Gran Turismo, to be released this year and The Trashers, telling the story of the rise of fall of Jimmy Galante

Lead: David has lead roles in Gran Turismo, to be released this year and The Trashers, telling the story of the rise of fall of Jimmy Galante

 

THE WEST END PLAY

In addition to the spin-off series there is also an upcoming play to be based on Stranger Things.

It will be called Stranger Things: The First Shadow, and will premiere in London's West End on December 14.

Sonia Friedman (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) will produce alongside Stephen Daldry (The Hours), with the latter also set to direct the play.

21 Laps will serve as an associate producer for the play, which will be written by Stranger Things and Fear Street Part Three - 1666 writer Kate Trefry.

The play will take place in the same universe as the hit Netflix TV show and will be set in Hawkins in the 1950s.

New play: Stranger Things: The First Shadow - which is set 20 years before the first series of the Netflix sci-fi phenomenon -is set to hit London's West End (pictured Jim Hopper)

New play: Stranger Things: The First Shadow - which is set 20 years before the first series of the Netflix sci-fi phenomenon -is set to hit London's West End (pictured Jim Hopper)

Exciting news! The new play is written by series writer and co-executive producer Kate Trefry and directed by The Crown's Stephen Daldry with co-director Prima Facie's Justin Martin

Exciting news! The 2023 production will follow existing characters Jim Hopper, Bob Newby and Henry Creel when they were younger (pictured creators Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer and series writer and co-executive producer Kate Trefry)

Audiences will get to see storylines from younger versions of well-known characters, such as Hopper, Joyce and Bob Newby as well as the series villain Henry Creel.

The producers said the play will open in 1959 in Hawkins as a young Hopper's car fails to start, Newby's sister does not take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado tries to graduate and leave. 

Teasing the new play, the producers said a new student, Creel arrives, and his family find 'a fresh start isn't so easy... and the shadows of the past have a very long reach'.

They teased that the beginning of Stranger Things 'may hold the key to the end'.

Matt Duffer said it would be 'a lot of fun' to meet younger versions of the show's current characters, adding that 'in the show, you can meet them as high schoolers - basically the same age as the kids are in our show'.

Plot: The producers said the play will open in 1959 in Hawkins as a young Hopper's car fails to start, Newby's sister does not take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado tries to graduate and leave (pictured Jamie Campbell Bower as Henry Creel)

Plot: The producers said the play will open in 1959 in Hawkins as a young Hopper's car fails to start, Newby's sister does not take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado tries to graduate and leave (pictured Jamie Campbell Bower as Henry Creel)

Exciting: The creators teased that the beginning of Stranger Things 'may hold the key to the end' (pictured Bob Newby)

Exciting: The creators teased that the beginning of Stranger Things 'may hold the key to the end' (pictured Bob Newby)

'So yes, we have the darkness and the horror that comes along with the Henry Creel story, but then we have sort of the fun and pop that comes from meeting and getting to know young Joyce, young Hopper, young Bob.'

Ross Duffer said the stage show will feel very much like another series of Stranger Things, saying 'we've got multiple storylines and strands going on throughout, and they all build to a pretty epic climax'.

'So we're excited that it is a play in itself, but it's also using some of the storytelling style that is so much a part of the show'.

The brothers made sure that the play fits in with series five of the show saying: 'We're trying to be very, very careful to make sure that it all fits in locks into place.'