Brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, renowned for their creation of the Netflix phenomenon “Stranger Things,” have officially entered into a significant partnership with Paramount Pictures. The duo will transition from Netflix, where they achieved immense success, to a four-year exclusive deal with Paramount that will cover feature films, television, and streaming projects. This new agreement is set to begin after their current contract with Netflix concludes in April 2026.
In a statement regarding the deal, the Duffer brothers expressed their enthusiasm about joining the Paramount family. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining the Paramount family,” they said. “To be part of that mission is not just exciting – it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.” They also emphasized the honor of working with a studio that has a rich Hollywood legacy, reiterating their excitement to collaborate with Cindy Holland and Matt Thunell, who were instrumental in bringing “Stranger Things” to life.
New Projects Through Upside Down Pictures
The Duffer brothers will develop upcoming projects through their production company, Upside Down Pictures, which they co-lead alongside their producing partner, Hilary Leavitt. This partnership marks a reunion with former collaborators, as Holland is now the head of streaming at Paramount, while Thunell serves as president of Paramount Television.
In welcoming the Duffers, Holland reflected on their journey together, stating, “I’ve had the privilege of knowing Matt and Ross for over a decade and worked with them from their earliest stages through their deserving global success.” She highlighted their exceptional storytelling abilities and creative vision, expressing excitement about the new partnership.
Dana Goldberg, co-chair of Paramount Pictures, and Josh Greenstein, co-chair and vice chair of Platform, echoed this enthusiasm. They noted, “We are thrilled that the incomparable Duffer Brothers are joining our Paramount family. Their singular talent for creating stories and worlds that shape culture sets them apart.”
Transitioning from Netflix
The announcement comes as the Duffer brothers prepare for the fifth and final season of “Stranger Things” on Netflix. They will remain involved in the series and their existing development projects after the conclusion of their Netflix contract. Reflecting on their decade-long relationship with Netflix, the brothers acknowledged the creative freedom and support they received from Ted Sarandos, Bela Bajaria, and Peter Friedlander, stating, “A decade in, they are family.”
They also expressed anticipation for their ongoing projects, including “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen” and “The Boroughs.” The brothers hinted at the potential for more stories beyond the beloved town of Hawkins, stating, “We can’t wait to share them.”
As the Duffer brothers embark on this new chapter with Paramount, their legacy as creators continues to expand, promising to deliver ambitious and large-scale projects in the entertainment landscape.
