Summary
- No monsters or supernatural aspects in Stranger Things spinoff.
- Fans predict brief cameos of Murray, Hopper, and Joyce.
- Duffer Brothers aim for high quality and originality in spinoff.
It will be tough to say goodbye to Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and the other residents of Hawkins, Indiana when Stranger Things season 5 comes to Netflix in 2025. Thankfully, fans know there will be a spinoff series, making the popular show’s conclusion a bit easier to take. Imaginations are running wild as fans try to imagine what the new story could be. The Duffer Brothers called the spinoff “different,” which suggests that no monsters or supernatural aspects will be featured.
Although Matt and Ross Duffer have been clear about the Stranger Things spinoff not being about Eleven or other OG characters, the spinoff should have at least a few cameos from the characters fans know and love. There are a few particular characters who would lend the right tone to the new series.
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The Stranger Things Spinoff Needs Three Cameos From Beloved Characters
In a Reddit thread about Stranger Things spinoff ideas, one fan wrote that they would like to see these three characters in a new show. They said:
“I really want a spin-off with Murray, Hop and Joyce. I want them to go around the world, solving supernatural mysteries and fighting bad guys.”
Although the Stranger Things spinoff is likely going to have a new setting that isn’t Hawkins and also feature different characters, Murray Bauman (Brett Gelman), Jim Hopper (David Harbour), and Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) should show up briefly. It would be fun and hilarious to see cameos from Murray, Hopper, and Joyce as they proved they have a unique dynamic by the end of Stranger Things season 4.
Without at least a few familiar characters, the Stranger Things spinoff might not appeal to fans quite as much as the original show. These cameos would keep fans invested, and these three would be perfect. When Murray and Joyce save Hopper from captivity, they form an unlikely and meaningful friendship. They’re both quirky characters who feel like outsiders, and they can relate to each other, even if they previously thought that they couldn’t. It will not only be fascinating to see if Murray and Joyce continue their friendship in Stranger Things season 5, but it would be cool to see them together in the spinoff.
If the Stranger Things spinoff was some kind of prequel or took place in a related universe, Murray, Hopper, and Joyce could still show up. Maybe one of the new characters is related to one of them or is an old acquaintance or friend. It would be particularly interesting to see Hopper again since he’s one of the most intelligent Stranger Things characters. He could give the new characters some helpful advice about whatever problems they’re dealing with. Even if the spinoff isn’t about the paranormal, the characters are likely still in big trouble or trying to solve a mystery.
It would be fun to see Murray, Hopper, and Joyce since fans would likely expect cameos from bigger characters like Eleven. But since the Duffer Brothers have said that Eleven won’t be in the spinoff, it’s possible that some smaller characters could appear briefly.
These cameos would also create hype and anticipation for the Stranger Things spinoff series. While a large fanbase is ready and waiting to see what the Duffer Brothers come up with next, including their upcoming horror series Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen, these cameos would make viewers even more intrigued and excited. The cameos would also ensure that even though the spinoff will stand on its own, it has at least a few familiar elements that make it feel like it’s still part of Stranger Things.
What Did The Duffer Brothers Say About The Stranger Things Spinoff?
Matt and Ross Duffer haven’t shared any specific story ideas about the Stranger Things spinoff. However, they have mentioned it at some of their events over the past year or so. According to Goldderby.com, in January 2025, they spoke at Hollywood’s The Egyptian Theater at the Next on Netflix event and Matt Duffer said that all Stranger Things projects have to be:
“the highest quality and not repetitive.”
Matt added:
“It must have a reason to exist and always blazes its own path. And also, it needs to basically just be… awesome.”
Although fans would be happy to see more creepy stories taking place in Hawkins or more tales about Vecna, it makes sense that the Duffer Brothers want to go in a new direction with the spinoff. They’re putting a lot of thought into it, and it’s likely going to pay off. Hopefully, while fans wonder what the spinoff could focus on, there will be a Stranger Things season 5 trailer soon, and viewers can get even more excited about seeing Eleven, Vecna, and the Upside Down again.
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