Stranger Things Creators Reveal Their Favorite Scene Is Still the First One They Ever Shot

After four seasons of battling Demogorgons and exploring the Upside Down, the creators of Stranger Things have a surprising favorite moment. Despite the show’s evolution into a global phenomenon with massive budgets and elaborate special effects, Matt and Ross Duffer‘s most cherished scene remains the very first one they ever filmed for the series.

The simple yet pivotal moment comes from the pilot episode, featuring the young cast playing Dungeons & Dragons in Mike Wheeler’s basement. For the Duffer Brothers, this scene represents the moment their long-developed vision finally became a reality.

The Basement Scene That Started It All

The series opener introduced audiences to the core group of friends—Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will—gathered around a game table. This basement sequence did more than just establish the characters; it set the entire tone for the series that would follow.

Matt Duffer recently explained why this scene holds such a special place in their hearts, stating:

“The first scene we shot, which was the scene with the kids playing Dungeons and Dragons in the basement — that’s the first time we had them in a room, in a set, performing a scene from the show with cameras running. Just watching that come together was a massive, massive relief. Even though it was 10 years ago, I’ll never forget that moment.”

The natural chemistry between Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, and Caleb McLaughlin was immediately apparent. The Duffer Brothers have said that watching the young actors interact with such ease confirmed they had found something special.

A Moment of Creative Relief and Validation

For the creators, the first day of filming was about more than just production; it was the validation of their entire creative process. They had spent years developing the concept and pitching it to numerous networks before Netflix finally gave them the green light.

The pressure and anxiety of bringing Stranger Things to life was immense. Seeing the kids perform that initial scene made the years of hard work feel worthwhile. The Duffer Brothers have described it as the moment their stress and doubt melted away, replaced by the excitement of seeing their story come to life.

The scene also cleverly established the show’s unique blend of science fiction, horror, and coming-of-age drama. The kids’ enthusiasm for the Dungeons & Dragons game, where they face a fictional Demogorgon, foreshadowed the real-life supernatural adventures that would soon consume their lives.

How the Final Season Revisits the Beginning

As Stranger Things approaches its conclusion with Season 5, the series is revisiting its roots through advanced technology. The new season uses digital de-aging to bring back younger versions of characters, creating a direct link to that first season.

In the opening minutes of Season 5, viewers see a de-aged Will Byers, portrayed by young actor Luke Kokotek with Noah Schnapp’s facial features digitally added. This flashback shows Will trapped in the Upside Down, sheltering in Castle Byers. Schnapp sought advice from his co-star Millie Bobby Brown, who underwent a similar process for Season 4 flashbacks of Eleven.

Brown found the process of looking back at her younger self revealing. She reflected on how her approach to acting has changed since the beginning of the series a decade ago.

The Road to the Finale

The Duffer Brothers have known how they wanted to end the series for years. They revealed that they’ve had the final scene in mind since around Season 2, which gave them a “North Star” to guide the story. Ross Duffer confirmed, “We always knew what the last 40 minutes were going to be.”

The final season will provide answers to the show’s biggest mysteries, particularly concerning the nature of the Upside Down. Matt Duffer emphasized that “every character’s ending needed to feel right,” prioritizing satisfying conclusions over simply giving fans what they might expect.

Season 5 is being released in three volumes. Volume 1 premieres on November 26, 2025, with Volume 2 following on December 25, and the two-hour series finale arriving on New Year’s Eve. In an unprecedented move, Netflix will also release the finale in more than 350 movie theaters.

Even as they prepare to say goodbye to the world of Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers’ continued affection for that very first basement scene highlights the enduring importance of the characters and relationships that started it all.

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