'Stranger Things' creators promise emotional finale

Hit Netflix series nears its end with blockbuster action

LUCCA, ITALY:

As Netflix's flagship sci-fi phenomenon 'Stranger Things' heads toward its much-anticipated conclusion, creators Matt and Ross Duffer have promised an epic, emotional send-off that will close one of television's most successful sagas.

Speaking at the Lucca Comics & Games convention in Italy, the duo described the upcoming fifth season as their biggest and most heartfelt yet. Ross admitted the process of unveiling the final season was "nerve-wracking," while Matt added that "the scale of it is bigger - more action and more special effects - but it's also by far the most emotional season because it's the end of the story for all of these characters."

First released in 2016, 'Stranger Things' captured global audiences with its nostalgic 1980s setting, supernatural mystery, and endearing ensemble cast. Centred around the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, it follows a group of children who uncover terrifying forces from an alternate dimension known as the Upside Down.

Over nearly a decade, the show has grown into one of Netflix's crown jewels, spawning games, immersive experiences, and even a Tony Award-winning stage play. Actor Gaten Matarazzo, who portrays the lovable Dustin Henderson, said the final days of filming were filled with "tears, giggles, and hugs." Having spent 10 years together, the cast's farewell reflected the real emotional bond behind the story's fictional friendships.

The fifth season, which premieres in three parts - on November 26, December 25, and December 31 - promises both spectacle and sentiment. The finale will also screen in select cinemas across the US and Canada, transforming its conclusion into a shared event for fans.

In the newly released trailer, the stakes are higher than ever. Hawkins is now under military lockdown, with Vecna, the sinister villain of Season 4, launching new horrors. "Nothing in Hawkins is normal anymore," Matt Duffer said, describing a town riddled with surveillance and fear.

Ross added that the final chapter starts "in chaos," breaking from the series' usual rhythm. AGENCIES