Duffer Brothers on ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘Stranger Things’ Cast Aging

Ross Duffer: And then you look at someone like David Fincher, who is a perfectionist. He’s very involved in every aspect of his projects. That level of detail and control is something we aspire to. But at the same time, there are directors who are more hands-off, like Steven Spielberg, who lets his collaborators do their thing. We admire that approach as well, and we try to find a balance between being hands-on and letting our team shine.

One of the things that really stands out about “Stranger Things” is the chemistry among the young cast members. What was it about Finn Wolfhard and his character Mike Wheeler that you connected with on a personal level?

Matt Duffer: Finn is very much like us. He’s a bit of a nerd, loves movies, and is very passionate about his work. And Mike Wheeler, as a character, is a bit of a leader, a bit of a dreamer. We saw a lot of ourselves in him. But honestly, all of the kids brought so much of themselves to their characters. They all have that same level of passion and dedication that Finn has.

You’ve mentioned before that you were inspired by “Game of Thrones” in your negotiations with Netflix. How did that show influence your approach to storytelling and dealing with the network?

Ross Duffer: “Game of Thrones” was a groundbreaking show in so many ways. It showed that you could have a massive, sprawling story with a huge ensemble cast and still keep audiences engaged. We definitely took note of how they were able to juggle so many characters and storylines. And in terms of dealing with Netflix, we learned from “Game of Thrones” that it’s important to stand your ground and fight for what you believe in creatively. We’ve been lucky to have a great partnership with Netflix, but we always make sure that our vision is at the forefront of any discussions.

As you reflect on the past four seasons of “Stranger Things,” do you have a favorite moment or scene that stands out to you as particularly memorable or impactful?

Matt Duffer: There are so many moments that we’re proud of, but if I had to pick one, it would probably be the ending of Season 1, when Eleven sacrifices herself to save her friends. That moment really encapsulates the heart of the show for us. It’s about friendship, sacrifice, and the power of love. And Millie [Bobby Brown] just nailed that scene. It still gives me chills every time I watch it.

The show has been praised for its nostalgic ‘80s references and aesthetic. As the cast has aged over the years, do you feel any pressure to maintain that same level of nostalgia in the final season?

Ross Duffer: We’ve always said that the heart of the show is the characters and their relationships. The ’80s references and aesthetic are just the backdrop. So while it’s fun to play in that world, we don’t feel beholden to it. The characters have grown and evolved over the seasons, and that’s what’s most important to us. The nostalgia is just the icing on the cake.

Looking back on the journey of “Stranger Things” so far, what do you think has been the key to its success?

Matt Duffer: I think part of the success of the show comes from our willingness to take risks and push boundaries. We’re always trying to surprise ourselves and our audience. And I think another key factor is that we never set out to make a horror show. We wanted to make something that felt like a classic Spielberg movie, with heart and humor. So maybe our failure to be as scary as we’d like is what makes the show unique.

Ross Duffer: And at the end of the day, it’s the characters that people connect with. They see themselves in these kids and their struggles. That emotional connection is what keeps people coming back season after season.

Ross Duffer: No, we’ve always been drawn to that. Even in our earlier work, we were always drawn to darker themes and darker characters. We were those kids reading Stephen King and watching R-rated movies when we were probably too young to be doing that. So, it’s always been a part of our DNA to explore those darker elements of growing up. And we’re always trying to push ourselves to go even darker, even though it’s difficult at times.

What can fans expect from Season 5 of “Stranger Things”?

Matt Duffer: Season 5 is going to be the biggest and most ambitious season yet. We’re really excited about the direction the story is taking and the new challenges our characters will face. Without giving away too much, we can promise that it will be a rollercoaster ride for both the characters and the audience.

Ross Duffer: We’re delving even deeper into the mythology of the Upside Down and exploring new and exciting dimensions. The stakes are higher, the danger is more intense, and the emotional arcs for our characters will be more complex and compelling than ever before.

Any final thoughts on the journey of “Stranger Things” so far?

Matt Duffer: It’s been an incredible journey from the beginning to where we are now. We never could have imagined the success and impact the show would have when we first started out. We are so grateful to the fans for their support and enthusiasm, and we can’t wait to share the next chapter of the story with them.

Ross Duffer: We’re constantly amazed by the talented cast and crew that we get to work with every day, and we feel incredibly lucky to be able to tell this story. “Stranger Things” has been a labor of love for us, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to continue bringing this world to life.

It was such a powerful and emotional moment that really set the tone for the series. Another favorite moment of mine is when Dustin and Steve form an unlikely bond in Season 2. Their dynamic was so entertaining and heartwarming to watch.

Matt Duffer: For me, one of my favorite moments is when Will communicates with his mother through the lights in Season 1. It was such a creative and unique way to show their connection despite being separated. I also loved the scenes between Hopper and Eleven in Season 2. Their father-daughter dynamic was so touching and beautifully portrayed.

Overall, looking back on the show, there have been so many memorable moments that have made it such a special and impactful series. We’re grateful for the opportunity to create a show that resonates with audiences and helps them navigate their own struggles and challenges.

How do you feel about the evolution of the characters and the performances from the cast over the seasons?

Matt Duffer: It’s been amazing to see the growth and development of the characters and the actors portraying them. From the very first scene we shot with the kids playing Dungeons and Dragons in the basement, to the emotional performances of Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard, it has been a journey of incredible talent and dedication. We knew from the start that they were special, but watching them evolve over the seasons has been truly remarkable.

Ross Duffer: The performances of the cast have really elevated the show to another level. Seeing the chemistry between the characters and the depth of emotion they bring to each scene is what makes the show so compelling. And the addition of new characters like Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower, has added another layer of complexity and intrigue to the story.

What were some of the challenges you faced in creating the final season of the show?

Matt Duffer: One of the biggest challenges we faced was ensuring that we wrapped up the story in a satisfying way while also staying true to the vision we had from the beginning. Balancing the expectations of the fans with our own creative instincts was a delicate dance, but one that we were determined to get right. We wanted to deliver a conclusion that would leave viewers feeling fulfilled and rewarded for their investment in the show.

Ross Duffer: Another challenge was the pressure of bringing everything to a close in a way that felt organic and earned. We didn’t want to rush the ending or leave any loose ends untied. It was important to us that every character had a satisfying resolution to their arc and that the story as a whole came to a meaningful conclusion. It was a daunting task, but one that we approached with care and attention to detail.

What can fans expect from the final season of “Stranger Things”?

Matt Duffer: Fans can expect an epic and emotional conclusion to the story that we have been building for the past five seasons. There will be twists and turns, heartbreak and triumph, and a sense of closure that will hopefully leave viewers satisfied. We wanted to give the characters the send-off they deserved and deliver a finale that would resonate with audiences long after the final credits roll.

Ross Duffer: We poured our hearts and souls into this final season, and we hope that fans will feel the same passion and dedication in every frame. It has been an incredible journey creating “Stranger Things,” and we are grateful for the opportunity to share this story with the world. We can’t wait for fans to see how it all comes together in the end. It’s been nine years or something since I’ve done that. I’m not even sure why I stopped. Maybe life just got in the way, or maybe I lost interest. But now, as I sit down to write this new detailed article, it feels like coming home after a long absence. And what better topic to dive back into than the hit show “Stranger Things”?

One of the things that has always fascinated me about “Stranger Things” is its intricate mythology. How do the Duffer Brothers keep track of all the show’s intricate details? In a recent interview, Matt Duffer admitted that they probably should have something more organized, like a show bible or notecards. But with most of the writers having been on board since at least Season 2, they collectively have a pretty good sense of the show’s mythology. They double-check things when needed or have an assistant verify details.

Ross Duffer added that when Netflix initially wasn’t sure about the show’s mythology, they had to write a document outlining the key elements during Season 1. While they did refer back to it for Season 5, it’s not something they constantly rely on. The show’s mythology mostly lives in their heads, with occasional references for clarification.

Speaking of mythology, the recent Broadway play “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” introduced the backstory for Henry Creel in 1959. How will this play factor into Season 5? Ross Duffer revealed that there are direct connections between the play and the upcoming season. Some callbacks to the play will be featured, providing additional layers to the show’s overarching story.

The Duffer Brothers have also mentioned their desire for the show to evolve with its audience. While Season 4 pushed the boundaries of violence and horror, Season 5 aims to maintain that level of intensity without backtracking. Matt Duffer emphasized their constant effort to make the show as scary as possible, even if they sometimes fall short of their own expectations.

Reflecting on their own sensibilities, Ross Duffer acknowledged that the show’s evolution was a natural progression. They discovered that their taste gravitates towards somewhat mainstream content, which has influenced the accessibility and appeal of “Stranger Things.” Despite wanting to push the boundaries of darkness and horror, they understand the limitations of their sensibilities.

As the Duffer Brothers continue to navigate the intricate world of “Stranger Things,” their focus remains on delivering compelling storytelling and engaging characters. With Season 5 on the horizon, fans can expect a continuation of the show’s captivating mythology and thrilling adventures. And for me, diving back into the world of “Stranger Things” feels like rediscovering a beloved story long forgotten. The journey of the hit show “Stranger Things” has been a rollercoaster ride from its series premiere in Season 1 to the Season 5 premiere. The creators, Ross and Matt Duffer, reflect on the passage of time within the show, estimating that about five years have passed from the beginning to the current season. They attribute the accelerated aging of the characters to the energy of the Upside Down, which adds an interesting twist to the storyline.

The Duffer brothers also discuss the impact of the COVID shutdown on the show, mentioning that subtle changes in the characters’ appearances may go unnoticed by viewers. They touch on the challenges of working with young actors whose voices are changing, expressing relief that technology can help adjust for these changes.

In a candid moment, Matt Duffer reveals that he and his brother are rarely apart, both in work and in life. The longest break they’ve had was three weeks after Season 4, highlighting their dedication to their craft. Looking ahead to the future, they anticipate a brief vacation after finishing Season 5, a rare break in their busy schedules.

As they contemplate what their lives will look like in 2026, the Duffer brothers are excited about the prospect of working on something new after nearly a decade of focusing on “Stranger Things.” They acknowledge the intensity of their work schedule but remain passionate about creating compelling storytelling.

In conclusion, the Duffer brothers’ insights offer a glimpse into the creative process behind “Stranger Things” and hint at exciting possibilities for their future projects. Their dedication to their craft and commitment to storytelling shine through in their reflections on the past and aspirations for the future. The Benefits of Green Tea for Overall Health

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