‘Stranger Things’ Creators on their 'Kate Bush' Songs and the 2-Part Season 4 | Showrunners Sitdown

The fourth season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” has been unlike its previous seasons both in tone (this time, it’s full horror) and the length of the show’s episodes (the finale, one of the two Volume 2 episodes premiering on July 1, will be two-and-a-half hours). But according to Matt and Ross Duffer - collectively known as the Duffer brothers - they had no other choice.
Variety Showrunners Sitdown with Kate Aurthur presented by FX
bit.ly/VarietySubscribe
/ variety
/ variety
/ variety
#StrangerThings #StrangerThings4 #dufferbrothers

[@danserafina4061]

Even if Netflix has more bad shows than good shows, I’m glad to have lived in a time where Stranger Things is one of those great shows

[@user-to7fu1xn1e]

I Don't watch any Netflix tv shows other than stranger things. Are there really more bad shows than good?

[@Numberonenagger]

@@user-to7fu1xn1e well it matters more on your taste of shows or movies

[@Nimajneb42069]

@@user-to7fu1xn1e making high quality original content isn’t easy so of course there would be more duds than classics. I would highly recommend ozark though if your looking for a new Netflix show to binge!

[@DatBoiChris420]

Lmfao it doesn't make up for all the time I've invested in some of these just to cancel them and keep making shows They should be more like Prime, Prime makes a new show or movie all the time and most of em are always GREAT

[@danserafina4061]

@@DatBoiChris420 that’s also true. But I’m just making the point that Stranger Things is one of the best shows Netflix has put out despite there being mostly mediocre original content.

[@A_4814]

Their story of being rejected so many times and told they can’t direct to now having this success is so inspiring

[@D4C_Gaming]

They really are like the George Lucases of this era. The people who are so talented, and the ones who don’t give up.

[@AMG_gang]

i think thats almost every show

[@wadewilson8011]

Exact same thing happened to Sylvester Stallone with Rocky.

[@spacekitt.n]

feels good as an artist to make those early rejecters feel bad for what they have done

[@luciacristea9750]

@@spacekitt.n ooooooooooooo iii oo ooooooioiiooiooiiooooiioooo lo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo iya o o ya

[@atulsharma4841]

I don’t get why anyone would complain about the length of any episode or season. The more the better!

[@anniebaker6763]

They meant the length of time in between seasons coming out. Agreed! We need quality quantity!

[@puppetmaster8551]

Man things turned out so well. These guys are crazy talented and their directing in s4 has been extremely impressive. Thank god Netflix let them do their thing, they’re very good writers and directors and I’ll be looking forward to what they do after STs. They really delivered big time with s4

[@amanda_2406]

they directed 3/7 of volume one, really liked those episodes

[@puppetmaster8551]

@@amanda_2406 yup, can’t wait to see the 2 1/2 hr finale they directed, it’s gonna be madness. Producer Shawn levy who also directs did a great job directed as well, episode 4 “dear billy” was just stellar and extremely well directed. Makes me more excited for Deadpool 3 which he’s directing.

[@amanda_2406]

@@puppetmaster8551 yes totally agree!!

[@maureenlegault3835]

❤️

[@maureenlegault3835]

Great series

[@Suzanne_sf]

In my opinion, the interviewer is wrong. It wasn't clear that Eleven made the Upside Down, it was more that Eleven opened up a doorway to the Upside Down.

[@ShallowApple22]

Yeah exactly and isn’t there a possibility that another door was opened by another number?

[@jafuncle]

Right I don't think Eleven created the shadow dimension itself, but her opening a gateway has begun the process of a mirror reflection of Hawkins taking shape and possibly being frozen in time

[@scarlettbat]

absolutely agree, my kneejerk reacton to that questions was: um, no we DON'T know that at ALL!

[@ItsAsparageese]

I think arguments from the text could be made for both interpretations. Not sure what the writers intend, and I don't have an opinion yet on which way I prefer to consider the story, but I think so far the textual evidence itself hasn't really cemented one or the other notion into canon.

[@TheRoyalFino]

@@ItsAsparageese Yeah, none of the explanations theorized make much sense. 001 did not see Hawkins in 1983 (he entered the upside down in the 70s) and Will wouldn't have detailed enough memories of Hawkins to create a replica like we saw of Nancy's room. It's likely we will get more complete answers in Season 5.

[@elhopper3735]

This show and its characters will always be a part of me, even long after its over. I’m so happy this show came to be and it’s been such a comfort over the years. The Duffer Bros are geniuses

[@jsflm]

Same feeling as HP that they keep living long

[@the_chicken_gaming9062]

yeah

[@wadewilson8011]

It's literally this generation's Goonies. The Goonies is probably still the greatest kid's MOVIE of all time. All the characters still live with me till this day. Mikey (Bob from ST season 2, RIP), Mouth, Brand, Data, Steph, Andie, and CHUNK will always be the original '80s kids adventure gang. Stranger Things brought back the nostalgia of that time period. So they'll ALSO stick with me from now on. Mike, Eleven, Lucas, Max, Dustin, Will, Nancy, Steve, Robin, Jonathan, now Erica, and RIP Eddie, are all part of the greatest kids ever on screen. They'll never be another group like "the Goonies," 'Stranger Things," "E.T," or "Stand By Me" kids. I just don't I'll ever see it happening again.

[@dashx1103]

Geniuses? Uh ... sure.

[@dashx1103]

@@wadewilson8011 I think the Goonies is a good comp. The Goonies was a show that, despite being objectively awful, was a fun time for young people of the time. That sums up Stranger Things, really. Stranger Things is objectively terrible from a story telling perspective (at least after its first 6 or so strong episodes), but really resonates with nostalgia from the time. I can enjoy Stranger Things still ... so long as I don't think about all the parts of it that make zero sense. So, yeah ... Stranger Things is enjoyable pulp garbage. Fun.

[@EthanRom]

What I love about the show is it could’ve been easily a show about El, Mike and friends from S1 - S4, but they decided to curve ball us and focus on different characters per season to the point where you kinda love every character even the random side ones

[@BuddyChy]

Yeah almost every character I consider a main character.

[@possibility28able]

I've seen them catching a lot of flack for moving away from the original characters in favor of newer characters, but I agree with u.. I love it.

[@1978NR]

Thank God, Netflix was the right choice.

[@aIchemic]

people be like "stop saying will is gay!!1 that's disrespectful!" "will's sexuality will be-" "YES"

[@kateturner8124]

which time stamp?

[@aIchemic]

@@kateturner8124 22:12

[@weasley2o13]

oh my god...

[@spidey_person9241]

no fr ppl be like “i think will might be gay” “yea we know it’s been basically confirmed already” “idk gay ppl didn’t really exist in the 80s so idk”

[@joecrowe7062]

Wtf aids the 80s watch "Dallas Byars club" also it would be funny if will isn't gay,why does it matter

[@opaul6051]

I love how talkative and open they are. Shes asks a straightforward question and they go into detail love it

[@NateBirdine]

I love that they just give straight up answers

[@willhopley]

These guys are nothing but genius, there are very few TV writers who have continuously smashed it throughout the whole show. They haven't put one foot wrong in the process of writing, casting, pacing and cinematography. One of the few shows I've rated 10 on IMDB and for me, Stranger Things is now on par with Breaking Bad as the joint greatest shows ever made, I just really hope they stick the landing.

[@prod.byricky1040]

they obviously have, stranger things has a lot of writing inconsistencies, still they’re very good writers and directors

[@wadewilson8011]

@@prod.byricky1040 all shows have inconsistencies.

[@wadewilson8011]

Shows that smashed it: The Sopranos. Breaking Bad. Ozark. OSTNB. Oz. BCS. SOA. Squid Games. The Walking Dead and GoT didn't stick the landing. But their first 5 seasons were second to none. Anime: Attack on Titan. Hunter x Hunter. Demon Slayer.

[@prod.byricky1040]

@@wadewilson8011 my comment is directed directly at the “they haven’t put one foot wrong in the process of writing” part, which they obviously have

[@prod.byricky1040]

@@wadewilson8011 your list has most of my favorites shows, imo The Boys is up there, The Last Kingdom is also a very good show

[@mathstudio4410]

Really great questions and creators that actually give the fans some straight answers. Loved this interview cant wait for part 2!

[@user-to7fu1xn1e]

6 days left

[@user2154]

@@user-to7fu1xn1e 3 days

[@ArmandoOriz_]

1 day left!!

[@MYFAVORITES5]

It's out. Did you like it?

[@ArmandoOriz_]

@@MYFAVORITES5 it was AWESOME

[@ssen7857]

I love this woman I love her straightforwardness at 21:56 .. see our directors are smiling and giggling 😁

[@Dr.LongMonkey]

Yes she is very gay, and loves gay things and gay people

[@lil1th.mp3]

I think it's Kate Arthur? It says in the description

[@ssen7857]

@GiGi Wheeler Kate Arthur.

[@scrumdillyum]

lmfao 💀

[@yasisoufi]

Very good interview! You go girl!

[@enyaalmeida7926]

finn is unbelievably talented cant wait to see what he directs in the future!!

[@balls948]

i have the biggest crush on him

[@elhopper3735]

he’s a little genius

[@Nimajneb42069]

One of those child actors who is so famous that he could’ve gone down a weird path, but he just chills with his band and casually kills it in every role he does. Mad respect for Finn

[@TheLudwigWan]

He is good but imo the best of the teen actors is Noah.

[@enyaalmeida7926]

@@TheLudwigWan I agree! Noah is INCREDIBLE and deserves so much more recognition!!

[@AlexandraGutierrezD]

29:59 WOW what a HUGE compliment to Finn! I hope they play that clip back at an award show in the future during a reel of Finn’s directorial hits.

[@jdog9420]

I’m hella curious as to what the hell that spin off show could be 🤔

[@jijitters]

Really loved this interview. The interviewer asked great questions and the Duffers gave answers that were wonderfully direct and honest as they could be without outright spoiling anything. I'm so excited for the rest of Stranger Things and whatever else they make in the future.

[@amandamrobongwana6350]

I feel, because there was such a long break to season 4 it left room for more creativity and originality. Season 4 is literally the best season for me 🙏 they are all excellent but 4 definitely flew to the next level

[@user-to7fu1xn1e]

I totally agree, but still if you make an effort to rewatch the S4 volume 1, you will see that it's so lame and the plot is so dragged and there are so many unnecessary scenes and literally no reason for the extension of the longevity of episodes (I mean 80 minutes-long episodes are too much). Don't get me wrong, I love the show, but it feels too dragged

[@filmfangirls9163]

Agreed. I've watched it 5 times and fall in love with it even more. But that will change if Steve dies!!

[@amandamrobongwana6350]

@@user-to7fu1xn1e You do have a point. And i did watch it twice. Its also the time they put into the graphics, we got to see the Demogorgan really fight and attack, we only got glimpses of him in season 1. I think i understand why it seems lame, it was done intentionally. Remember the setting is in the 80's, things weren't as fast paced as now. And we now get to see why the upside down was created. Why the upside down is stuck in time. The playback of when 11 was at the lab, she had forgotten the reason why she escaped, she blamed herself for a massacre she did not do herself. She was trying to be kind to 001 and he turned out to be a murderous psychopath. We didn't really have this information from the beginning. And the fact that its darker and more scary, just makes me think its the best season. Because we really were scared by old legends when we were younger. We'd not wanna sleep with lights off lol and i feel it has that effect.

[@puppetmaster8551]

@@user-to7fu1xn1e I personally disagree with that, don’t feel like it dragged much and thought they did a very good job splitting time between all the different groups. The episodes are very long yes but I think that was necessary to tell the story they needed and to do the characters Justice, if anything I think the longer runtimes were a big positive for the season so far.

[@elitet-rock6126]

@@puppetmaster8551 I agree 100% I loved the long runtimes especially seeing the runtimes for volume 2 I can’t wait I thought the length of time for episodes were definitely 100% necessary it left more room to tell the story and tbh to me it did not drag much at all for me honestly the episodes went by fast for me

[@allissaspeaks9110]

I love what they said about Finn being a talented director. I really can see that. He’s so talented and I will look at anything he’s involved in

[@chloeg3890]

his love. of mike. oh. my god.

[@adelaide_ries]

my sentiments exactly.

[@sk70091]

Just saying it out loud now :)

[@astoria9506]

IM SO HAPPY

[@bridgersmacdonald]

same

[@THXRDEYEMXNIAC]

I really hope they don't make mike get with will. That would be so weird

[@NikkiBWithTheAdHd]

I also just love hearing them talk about Hellraiser and Nightmare On Elm St, scaring them so badly as children. Those two and IT, kept me up many a night as a child lol! I definitely get that vibe, from Vecna. They really did this season, beautifully!

[@wadewilson8011]

I love how they're big fans of Jaws and Halloween.

[@SarahDawnable]

It can be so hard to add new characters in new seasons, and it would be so easy to write off Argyle, but his character to me is such a great addition this season and I hope he has an actual arc. Such a treat

[@MurphyMosby]

I love how they said that they don't want to produce something based on what the current audience could like/what's trendy at the moment. The only time I feel like they did that was with episode 7 of season 2 (The Lost Sister). They wanted to give it this divergent/maze runner sort of vibe which back then people were saying they were missing these franchises. But it turned out that the viewers hated that episode and it just doesn't fit the ST style. This just proves that a series works best if the creators are genuinely passionate about what they're creating.

[@wxldfl4wer850]

Yup and anyone who thinks that is an idiot who doesn't understand the actual significance of that episode, and if they STILL don't then they have 0 hope of understanding anything about the show in general. Absolutely none of what you said is true, the vibe is different for a reason, i mean literally LOOK at what El is doing and going through in that episode. Pay attention to the story ffs

[@kaisanuolioja8937]

I loved that episode. I've been waiting for the sister to reappear and when I saw the spiders in season 4, I suspected her, remembering the spider stunt she pulled with that one guy. But no. Maybe we'll see more of her in season 5. Anyhow, I think that episode gave more depth to El's backstory which was important. Also, that was the first time we got to see that there are more like El, and what that might mean. It was obvious that there were but we hadn't seen them before.

[@wxldfl4wer850]

@@kaisanuolioja8937 you're absolutely right and kali making axel see spiders was no accident either, that episode is filled with foreshadowing of S4 & that's why it's so important, it's also the only episode where we see brenner, although it was an illusion it was still telling of what was to come. too many people don't seem to understand that tho, and hate it because none of the other characters are in it.

[@amor2874]

The brothers have said that they did that episode for themselves. They wanted to explore some things they couldn’t explore in the show overall. They saw it as a pilot episode of sorts.

[@caIicomoon]

this was an amazing interview! cant wait for them to discuss vol. 2 aswell

[@FreshGirl3000]

I'm happy they gave so many explicit answers to questions regarding the plot, regarding the actual content of the show! Like they didn't give spoilers but they gave some definite answers to things fans have definitely been asking about and didn't avoid every question that wasn't about making the show. That's actually so cool!

[@MJH72996]

The fact that they sprinkle in references to subjects they will cover in the future makes all the theories more fun to look in to

[@MayUFreaky]

"My so called life" got love from the guys. The fact that this short lived, underrated gem recieves acknowledgement from creative people, makes me so happy.

[@bearrnabas]

Kate Arthur asked some great questions--all of them. That's the way you do an interview I can't stop listening to... all these questions about how they reacted to the fame, their support system, their process, their past.... really cool. Thank you, Kate! And the Duffer Brothers are wonderful writers. As an 80s kid, this felt like coming home.

[@pandacakee]

Wonderful interview. The Duffer brothers really seem like great people. I can't thank them enough for enriching my life and so many others with Stranger Things.

[@Cassxowary]

When even THEY forgot poor Will’s birthday... but yes, never too late!

[@XxWillyRocksxX]

They should add a flashback in season 5 where Will's mother ask if will want her to throw a b-party. Where Will says no his friends will come up with something. then que in the sad scene in season 4 boom its fix and it makes sense

[@carbon1263]

I guess they didn't just forgot There is something make them forget that day

[@Abremoch]

Such a good interview!! Thank you! The Duffer Bros are awesome! I feel super excited for the end of S4 and for S5!

[@thegiantpaperpanda]

Excellent interview, Kate! Thank you for sharing! So, many interviews feel like sugary "fluff." I feel like we got real industry insight on how showrunning works.

[@bridgethaines7127]

Steve and Dustin 4eva. Best buddies for life.

[@RT-lc1nj]

I'm happy for them to super-size every episode in Season 5. The way the story is told, filmed, edited etc it's superb in every way. I just don't want it to end. Season 5 will be bittersweet for sure

[@saulecumberbatch2444]

That's a great and inspiring interview! Very authentic with elements of a masterclass in a natural and informal way. Thanks, Variety and Duffer brothers!

[@kevinandrewsphoto]

What people don’t realize is, Stranger Things is this generations Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Wars. Yes I know it’s nowhere near the franchises those were / are. But these characters will be iconic for a long time. I can’t wait to rewatch every season with my son (who’s currently 3) when he’s 13-16. Because these take place in the 80’s, they will be timeless. And the Duffer Brothers are such masters of their craft that the show will hold up for a very, very long time. I haven’t been this blown away by a TV show since the last season of breaking bad

[@mridlon1634]

It also gives me Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes.

[@brysonfreeman7226]

And The Dark Knight Trilogy as well

[@TheGobbit]

Wow, what a revealing interview! Great questions and thank you to the Duffer Bros. for the incredibly hard work you put in for creating such a mesmerising story.

[@user-to7fu1xn1e]

These brothers don't look alike at all

[@Reachintothevoid]

@@user-to7fu1xn1e why is that relevant to this comment at all? But i slightly disagree, they look a wee bit similar, just have dissimilar styles

[@filmfangirls9163]

"If Steve dies" That better be a large IF as in non existent!

[@02sideshow]

He ain’t dying at all they can’t do this

[@filmfangirls9163]

@@02sideshow fingers crossed!

[@orbitsturniolo4470]

what is the time stamp

[@vittovioletcreeper]

Really good video. Interesting questions and well done interview! It’s really interesting to hear writers talk about their works

[@skyhalle8074]

Wow this interviewer was amazing and asked really respectful questions that wouldn’t put them on the spot for anything. I’m genuinely impressed at how well the duffers answered these questions and keep us nervous for the fate of literally everyone! Lmao!

[@Nimajneb42069]

Hearing that villenueve’s prisoners was inspiration for season 1’s plot is actually really fucking cool.

[@lonedragon73]

I loved the super long episodes & as a fan of watching reactions to the episodes, no-one seemed to notice & you didn’t want the episodes to end they were so good.

[@khalilb2350]

Shout out the the interviewer for asking some really intriguing questions I would’ve ask some of those same questions! And I didn’t even notice she had some decent kicks on🤣

[@scrotespseudo-philosophers1617]

Really enjoyed the experimental aspect of the structure and length of episodes 🙏🏼

[@serenahowell3014]

No one should complain about the running time of the show. Keep it coming, I loved the length and level of detail. Season has me hungry for more.

[@peterplot2931]

really good questions! it's nice to see an actually interesting interview once in a while.

[@stellasiler2808]

As someone who was a teenager all through the 80's I'm so grateful this show came. I appreciate the Duffer Brothers for keeping the authenticity of Gen X and the way we looked at the world.

[@Bloq.]

They were suprisingly candid from 20 minutes in, that's refreshing, yet at the same time nothing really felt spoiled I wonder when this was filmed, because them working on volume 2 a week out is slightly concerning.

[@pdfbanana]

Luckily all that's probably left in editing is touching up CG visual effects & making small creative choices for which effects are used. Decision oriented work instead of task oriented, so no major time concerns

[@MoonbearStartiger]

I am ALL FOR perfecting continuity and I respect the integrity of wanting their show to be the best it can be - this doesn't feel like George Lucas messing with his work and adding nonsense - it's the Duffer's improving something that's already gold and fine-tuning it to perfection, and as a fellow perfectionist artist - I would do the same given the tools and resources!

[@KZ-kl8fx]

These men are legends already in my head, after seeing all of season 4 I truly believe they are reshaping the way we watch and appreciate shows ✊🏼 I can only imagine they will grow and keep chasing new dreams and challenging themselves to do what people preconceive is possible

[@wadewilson8011]

If you look at some of the greatest works of fiction, many were by a duo of brothers. The Duffers. The Coen. The Russos. The Hughes. And Wachowskis... I guess 'SISTERS' now? Have all done legendary works of fiction.

[@sydneyhanna5289]

if eddie does end up dying in volume 2, i can imagine the duffer brothers are having a very big “oh shit” moment because literally the entire fan base is obsessed with him

[@A_4814]

that’s what I was thinking too! They still have time to edit his death scene out if that’s the case lmao

[@jupitersringsss]

apparently joe is contracted for season 5 so hopefully he doesn't die

[@Sam-tg6ee]

@@A_4814 yeah that’s not how that works…

[@stephanieo6594]

😭

[@graciemayfield7814]

He did and I’ve been crying for 19-20 hours

[@DominickRuocco]

The Duffer Brothers are absolute geniuses and I was hooked on Stranger Things 5 minutes into episode 1.

[@mannybruhh9969]

I love that the episodes are long keep them long they go by so fast when watching

[@ben.kyotoprotocol]

Brilliant question, brilliant answer.. arguably the best interview for Stranger Things ever

[@crystaaal7824]

Season 4 is my favorite season so far! I feel like that’s rare for a show to actually get better after time

[@lorenw6747]

I appreciate the duffer brothers so much 😭😭 they brought this AMAZING show. I actually wasn’t going to watch the show till I was at my freshman year in college and my dorms had a theme to each floor. My floor was stranger things. I saw the waffles and eleven and I was like wth is this show? I remember the first episode I almost turned it off and IM SO FUCKING GLAD I DIDNT 💀 i put my bf on the show and my sister and we just love it. Thank you for this gem guys 😭❤️

[@marsmorg]

the george lucas comment on will's birthday has me laughing my ass off because the entire beginning of the season, my boyfriend was like "dude it's literally wills birthday and i think that's why he's so upset because no one has told him happy birthday" but neither of us knew it's supposed to legitimately be his birthday. i knew it was soon because they're on spring break and we knew his birthday was in the spring on march 22nd and i only know this because i just rewatched every season after finishing the new episodes and joyce says it.

[@moosensmom7167]

My son was saying the same thing haha

[@pvtrickallan]

21:09 Oh my god, Wake Up by Arcade Fire! I first heard that from Where the Wild Things Are. Truly nostalgic

[@neivilde.1242]

the stranger things spin off is just a mockumentary style sitcom set in hawkins called normal things, and we just follow regular people in the town living their lives

[@jafuncle]

They hear about the crazy stuff and see it on the news, but they just live normal lives oblivious to the chaos

[@mvikas1995]

I didn't know i wanted this until now 😂😂😂😂

[@diodata]

Loved the length of the episodes. Great to spend the extra time with the characters. That's what was most important.

[@inallthechaos2774]

Kate Aurthur was a great interviewer. Really enjoyed watching this :)

[@expirable]

FINALLY THEY MENTIONED FREAKS AND GEEKS 27:00 The parallels are evident throughout the show but they haven't mentioned freaks and geeks for like 6 years since an article when the show first premiered. I wish we could get 0.5 of a season of Stranger Things in-between seasons without the sci fi; just have it be like episodes of freaks and geeks... too bad they'll likely miss out on the opportunity on doing that

[@rabbitguy]

Would be great for superfans of the show, not sure how it would be received by the general public who watch it mainly as a sci-fi

[@expirable]

​@@rabbitguy a lot of people would probably enjoy spending more time with the characters without the sci fi chaos that happens if the writing is as good as freaks and geeks, (the characters/actors are) they could've and should've done it after season 3 call it season 3.5 having it released during the pandemic with no vfx/quick turnaround but doing that now would kill any momentum that season 4 has brought and by the time filming starts the kids will be seniors in 1989 so it wouldnt be much like freaks and geeks anymore. Season 3 was originally going to be their freshman season before they made it a summer blockbuster removing a school as the show's familiar backdrop

[@newwavepop]

i considered "Freaks And Geeks" my favorite tv show for years and probably till do. but man half the people involved with the show i cant stand now.

[@by.the.sea.pisces]

Yes!! And My So Called Life!!

[@nam7700]

I LOVE THAT SHOW OMFG

[@mirrrstery]

You guys are brilliant. Amazing show!

[@travisspazz1624]

Damn. Villeneuve influencing right out the gate with his first Hollywood movie!! Legend.

[@HelloMoto_]

Great interview by the way, she did great with the questions.

[@dashx1103]

Everyone understands that "Running Up That Hill" actually played no role in the season, .. right? We later learned that, contrary to what Robin and Nancy mistakenly THOUGHT they'd figured out from Victor Creel, music had nothing to do with Victor surviving Henry's original murder spree. Henry specifically didn't kill Victor so that Victor would be blamed for the murders. So the whole "Running Up that Hill" thing was a red herring. It's almost comical in-and-of-itself looking back.

[@80s_kid]

22:15 As I see they’re a little confused when they try to explain Brenner’s return but now at least we know what the concept was.

[@speedy3702]

I like to think that Brenner survived the Demorgorgon the exact same way Jonathan did. Remember, the Demorgogron was about to "eat" Jonathan and then Nancy shot it multiple times. Well, there multiple armed soldiers next to Brenner who could have done the same thing as Nancy did.

[@thesaucegod3136]

@@speedy3702 yea in s2 when eleven is stuck in the upside down you see hawkins guards patrolling the school

[@Natalie1026]

I still remember the day when someone told me about this show when it first came out. They said it’s really good . I said ok I’ll try it out with my son, we watched the whole season in one sitting. It’s our thing to do together still.. And now we wait for the last season.. it’s going to be great… and I love the music and the flashback scenes😁

[@margarcia4841]

I like this. It really gives you a zoom out version that even showrunners struggle in Hollywood, and it'd just not actors rejection stories

[@melarie205]

22:24 i love how he accidentally spoiled brenner’s death😂 he said “he was” instead of “he is” LOL

[@paryanindoeur]

No one minded that the episodes were longer in S4, BECAUSE THEY WERE GOOD. Well done, gentlemen. I look forward to S5. I'm also watching to get some tips for my own writing. I need a jump start + an untangling of ideas, streamlining. 'Stranger Things' is a different format -- I'm writing a novel -- but there is still a lot I get can from studying what you guys are doing. Good storytelling is itself.

[@storywala88]

Big bomb thrown in the end, Winn will be making his feature directorial debut, when? wow! super excited for the final two episodes, it's going to be crazy and is the final episode 2 and a half hours long? even if it's somewhat shorter, still insane, can't wait to see how they wrap up the season and the stinger for the next season!!!

[@lifewithjown]

so glad and inspiring that they stood on this series and directed it. Every season just keeps on getting better and worth every hype!!!! Everyone is just worried about Steve, please don't kill him! OMGGG NANCY AND EDDIE'S music taste might not be aligned!!!!!! EDIT: just came back here to say that im devastated about Eddie's death!!!! Dustin and Wayne's dialogue was so heartbreaking!! Eddie dedicated the iconic scene to Chrissy!!! T.T

[@zetzle]

23:45 for the will's birthday question i hate when they tease the q in the title and then make you watch the whole damn thing

[@colejasso3622]

Thank you

[@dariuswalker1898]

You dropped this 👑

[@MrDrProfessorSir962]

The upside down being frozen the day will went missing makes me think the trauma will is experiencing give the upside down power. Will repressing his essential goodness and his innate qualities gives way to a terrible evil.

[@wxldfl4wer850]

This would make sense if it made sense

[@MrDrProfessorSir962]

@@wxldfl4wer850 will has been closeted and shamed for being gay since youth. He was the perfect trauma victim for Vecna to infect early on. The rainbow room is where the first gate appeared. If 001 gets destroyed and Will vanishes immediately at that point is yet to be seen. But its likely 001 was banished and then Will disappeared the next morning no?

[@darknessahhh]

Thank you Netflix for giving the Duffer Brothers a chance to make such a nostalgic series! This show has really gave me my childhood back and formed some comfort for me. The fact that millennials are so unpopular and these brothers came out swinging and pushing for what they believe in shows the world we aren’t lazy and have really good ideas of ppl would just listen! Thank you Duffer Brothers for producing and directing a masterpiece!

[@johnathandeveraux4578]

Some of the best film makers of this generation. Insane season.

[@Karl_Drogo55]

I like the part of length vs pace they covered on...No one will have an issue with length trust me! As long as the pacing is good you're set.

[@rubberbandrocko]

They mentioned The Wire which is my fav show of all time. Stranger things is on that list too and I see why now

[@cindyspangler3982]

They're making "The Talisman" into a TV series??????? Ho-ly crap!!! I still have a copy of the novel! I think I first read it over 30 yrs ago!!! I am so IN for that!!!

[@grayadonas]

Wondering if they will bring back or address the demogorgon being drawn to blood, and also the ability of the demogorgan being able to move things with his mind like it was alluded to being able to do in Season 1 🤔

[@raghuveer134]

Season 4 is just unbelievable… what a dark and amazing season 4 .. vecna arc is too good and scary at the same time..

[@lillymurray8408]

I love the long episodes and I would love to see it happen again.

[@dukeon]

Yes!!!

[@chasehauser7053]

I can’t wait to watch it oMfg love my duffy bros 💝

[@OceanMetTheSky]

I hope Mike is returned to the leader in season 5. He's always been my favorite character but particularly for season 1+2 but then he got sidelined. He gets so much unfair hate now. Mikes speech in season 4 volume 2 got me so emotional because that was the old emotional, open big hearted Mike that I remember. He hasn't been given many scenes in a long time to act like that and those are the ones he nails. Please give him and El more emotional scenes next season but also Mike his own arc and more interactions with all his friends. His bond with Dustin and Lucas was always overlooked and hasn't been able to be shown much in a long time. I want the original gang back together. It would be interesting to see El almost lose Mike or think she is going to considering it's always Mike speaking out about his fear of losing her. I think the thought of losing Mike would make her go absolutely crazy with her powers.

[@OceanMetTheSky]

@@TDM1165 I don't think Mike has any idea Will is lying to him and loves him. He might be oblivious but look at how he views himself. He thinks he is useless since he stepped back from his leader role. Every season, Mike is asking Will over and over if he's okay when he doesn't look it. It's one of his most said lines to him. I really think Mike is so emotionally broken right now that he isn't picking up on any clues. He spent the first two seasons focused on trying to either find or be there for Will. In season 3, he was trying to be a kid and have a normal relationship without the upside down drama but in the end, he lost both El and Will. And now he's felt lost since. Depression can do that to you. I think the season showed just how broken everyone is by this point. I'm a gay woman too who is still closeted except those close to me. I get his feelings of feeling different and scared. I'm sure you felt that too since you're gay as well. But Noah Schnapp actually posted today that he thinks people need to let Wills sexuality play out as it comes. In his words, "it's the 80s. He's a freshmen in high school. Let him come out if and when he's ready, don't rush the story". Which makes perfect sense. You're right, 2022 has tons of gay characters. But the significance of Will is that in the 80s, you did feel like a monster to have a different orientation. Mike would accept Will, I have no questions about that. He was the only one who accepted El when others called her freak and only one defending Wills name when anyone called him a slur or said he was in "fairy" land. I think Will might come out but he might not. Plenty of people out there still closeted even now much less back then. I'm very excited to see where the last episode will lead too. I'm kinda nervous too lol

[@ArmandoOriz_]

Hope Will gets killed off next season

[@user-zr4yi9vy5z]

@@OceanMetTheSky I think what you're hoping for will come in season 5, and I really hope so too. The Duffer brothers recently just said that season 5 will take place entirely in Hawkins and the groupings and pairings will be back together again just like in season 1 which means Will and Mike will likely be more together and bond together because if I remember correctly Mike and Will has been largely the pairs in season 1. Mike has always been there for Will in the first two seasons which means they will have more time to really bond in season 5, and who knows, Will might finally confess. They also said that Will is going to have a big part and focus in season 5 which will put Mike significantly in the spotlight and maybe have the leader role again, if what the Duffers are saying now will come true. I also like your idea that El will almost lose Mike, or maybe lose Mike? (It would be a very sad ending tho lol) because Mike always talks about how he's scared of losing El and that El will realize that she doesn't need Mike anymore, so what if El loses Mike? I think it's great, it will trigger the true potential of her powers as she will use love and anger to fuel it. Not just solely love nor anger anymore.

[@wxldfl4wer850]

Will was missing for the entirety of season 1, what are you talking about?

[@OceanMetTheSky]

@@wxldfl4wer850 what's your point? What does that have to do with wanting Lucas, Dustin, mike and Will back together? If you meant to tag the comment above me of the other person, they meant Mike was headling the search for Will all of season 1. And the one defending his name while he was gone and not refusing to believe he was dead.

[@chriskelly9899]

Thank you from the world for not giving your idea away.

[@wavieeee4033]

Thankyou for showing us this sending prayers to you and your family and everyone GOD bless you and your family and everyone.

[@KennyLenny0]

montauk project is one of my favorite conspiracy theories. lived not to far away from it, and if u went to the place, youll still see equipment/ insulated chambers/ tanks.

[@niel789]

I love how they have to interrupt each other to get a word in and when that happens the other is just like phuq

[@mridlon1634]

Their typical brothers… lol

[@HarrisonHollers]

This series has become a worldwide phenomenon for a multitude of reasons. Above all else, I am amazed at the casting for this show as the most impressive accomplishment. I think we will look back at this series and see all of the many talented careers that were launched, similar to the impact of ‘The Godfather’ in its day.

[@patrickward1470]

Kate Aurthur asked really good questions. Great video

[@PerKiryu]

I’d definitely be interested to see them tackle another movie after ST is done

[@doro626]

FX works with Variety to interview guys from Netflix. You gotta love it!

[@jonathan__BBE]

i thought this was going to be a boring interview but it was really interesting. the duffer brothers are so creative and talented.

[@stellasiler2808]

As proved through every season we as fans didn't know what we wanted until we got it. You are right on as creators not listening to the buzz of the industry. You silenced them with this show.

[@Coolguy-ki4ue]

Great interview questions!

[@YouTubsel]

The Duffer Brothers ... getting the more in depth questions than the actors. But even they could not escape the "what song would get YOU away from Vecna" question. XD

[@goleer6694]

if the upside down is stuck in time from when will got stuck in the upside down why does the ending of season 2 show the school have lights and the upside down version having the same lights?

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Thanks, Kate! Thanks, Matt! Thanks, Ross! Thanks, Variety! 🎙️

[@Hunny_B]

Can we just take a second to appreciate the interviewer asking some fire ass questions