The world of Hawkins, Indiana may have officially closed its gates with the Stranger Things Season 5 finale on New Year’s Eve, but conversations about what comes next for the franchise are just getting started. While Netflix has big plans to expand the universe, one key piece of information has now been confirmed by actor Randy Havens, who played the beloved teacher Mr. Clarke on the show.
Havens recently addressed the future of the series and dropped a significant update regarding the Duffer Brothers’ involvement in any upcoming live-action projects. According to the actor, fans should not expect Matt and Ross Duffer to return as writers for the planned spin-off series.
Randy Havens Clarifies Duffer Brothers’ Role in Future Projects
Randy Havens, who appeared throughout the series as the kind and knowledgeable science teacher Keith Clarke, has been speaking out recently to clear up misconceptions about the show’s future. Following the emotional series finale, rumors began circulating about potential spin-offs and whether the original creators would remain at the helm.
Havens addressed this directly, confirming that while the Duffer Brothers are not walking away from the franchise entirely, they will not be the ones writing the live-action spin-off. The actor explained that the brothers have made it clear they are ready to pass the torch when it comes to the day-to-day writing duties for any new series set in the Stranger Things universe.
This confirmation aligns with what the Duffer Brothers themselves have shared in recent interviews. The creative duo has been open about their desire to explore new storytelling opportunities while remaining involved as producers. Matt Duffer mentioned in a recent conversation that while they love the world they built, they are excited about working with a “clean slate.”
What the Live-Action Spin-Off Will Actually Look Like
With Havens confirming that the Duffer Brothers will not write the spin-off, many fans are now wondering what the new project will actually entail. Based on multiple interviews and official statements, the live-action series is shaping up to be something quite different from the original show.
The upcoming spin-off will feature completely new characters and will be set in a different decade, moving away from the 1980s timeline that defined Stranger Things. The location will also change, meaning viewers will not be returning to Hawkins or following the lives of Eleven, Mike, or the rest of the gang.
Ross Duffer described the project as an opportunity to build “new mythology and new characters.” He emphasized that while the tone and storytelling style will feel familiar, the actual story will be fresh. The brothers have also confirmed that the spin-off will not focus on the Upside Down or the Mind Flayer, which were central to the original series.
The Mystery Rock Connection
One intriguing detail that has emerged involves a seemingly small moment from the series finale. The Duffer Brothers have hinted that the spin-off will explore the origin of the mysterious rock connected to Henry Creel, also known as Vecna. In the final episodes, viewers saw a briefcase containing this rock, which played a role in Henry’s backstory.
Matt Duffer explained that this element was intentionally left somewhat vague because it will be addressed in the spin-off. “The spinoff is going to delve into that and explain that, and you’re going to understand it,” he said. However, he was quick to add that the new series will not be a deep exploration of the Mind Flayer or the Upside Down. Instead, it will use that loose thread as a starting point for an entirely new mythology.
This approach means the spin-off will acknowledge the original series while standing on its own. Viewers who have not seen Stranger Things will still be able to follow the new story, but longtime fans will recognize certain connections.
An Animated Spin-Off Is Also on the Way
In addition to the live-action project, Netflix is developing an animated spin-off titled Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. This series will take place between Seasons 2 and 3 of the original show and will feature the characters fans already know. The voice cast includes Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven and Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max Mayfield, among others.
Unlike the live-action spin-off, the animated series will be set in the familiar world of Hawkins and will involve the core group of kids. The Duffer Brothers are serving as executive producers on this project, which is scheduled to premiere on Netflix later in 2026.
The animated format allows the creative team to explore storylines that might not have fit into the live-action series while maintaining the spirit of the original. Eric Robles is serving as showrunner for the animated project.
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Why the Duffer Brothers Are Stepping Back from Writing
For fans who have followed the series since its debut in 2016, the news that the Duffer Brothers will not write the live-action spin-off might come as a disappointment. However, the brothers have been transparent about their reasons for stepping back.
Matt Duffer recently shared that his favorite part of working on Stranger Things has always been the creative process of making the show, rather than the stress of releasing it. He described the release period as his “least favorite part” and expressed genuine excitement about the opportunity to work with a completely new team of writers on the spin-off.
The brothers have also signed a four-year deal with Paramount that will begin in April 2026, following the expiration of their Netflix agreement. This new partnership will focus on developing large-scale theatrical films through their production company, Upside Down Pictures. With this major commitment on the horizon, it makes sense that they would hand over writing duties for the Stranger Things spin-off to other talented creators.
Ross Duffer confirmed that while they will not be the showrunners, they will remain “heavily involved” in guiding the creative vision of the new series. This means they will still have input on major decisions, even if they are not writing scripts or overseeing daily production.
What This Means for the Future of the Franchise
The confirmation from Randy Havens that the Duffer Brothers will not write the live-action spin-off signals a shift in how the Stranger Things universe will evolve. Rather than trying to recreate the magic of the original series with the same creative voices, Netflix and the Duffers are choosing to expand the world by bringing in fresh perspectives.
This strategy is common in television, where successful shows often lead to spin-offs that explore different corners of the same universe. By allowing new writers and showrunners to take the lead, the franchise can grow in unexpected directions while the original creators focus on new projects.
For viewers who grew attached to the Hawkins kids, this approach ensures that the ending of Stranger Things Season 5 remains the definitive conclusion for those characters. The Duffer Brothers have stated repeatedly that they always intended for the fifth season to be the final chapter of the main narrative. The spin-off will not undo or continue their stories but will instead introduce audiences to a new world with its own rules and mysteries.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
The Stranger Things finale brought a decade-long story to a close, and the reaction from fans has been mixed. Some viewers loved the emotional conclusion, while others felt certain elements were left unresolved. The upcoming spin-off may address some of those lingering questions, particularly those related to Henry Creel’s backstory and the origins of the strange forces that invaded Hawkins.
Netflix is clearly committed to keeping the franchise alive, but the approach is more measured than some fans might expect. Rather than rushing a new series into production, the streaming platform and the Duffer Brothers are taking their time to develop something that feels fresh.
The live-action spin-off is still in the very early stages of development. Casting has not yet begun, and no release window has been announced. Some industry observers estimate that the earliest the series could debut is 2027, but that remains speculative at this point.
For now, fans can look forward to the animated series arriving later this year, along with a behind-the-scenes documentary titled One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5, which is already available on Netflix.
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