Duffers expand Stranger Things universe
In addition to the books and comics that have already been created around the Stranger Things series, there’s much more on the horizon, according to the Duffer Brothers. The projects […]
In addition to the books and comics that have already been created around the Stranger Things series, there’s much more on the horizon, according to the Duffer Brothers. The projects […]
In addition to the books and comics that have already been created around the Stranger Things series, there’s much more on the horizon, according to the Duffer Brothers. The projects will be for their Upside Down Pictures, headed up by Hilary Leavitt.
“It didn’t take long into our first meeting with Hilary, where we bonded over films like Jaws, Home Alone and Speed, to know we had found a kindred spirit. Hilary’s passion for storytelling is perhaps matched only by her passion for the storytellers themselves, for whom she is fiercely protective. No wonder so many writers and directors are drawn to working with her. She is a rare talent indeed, and we feel extremely grateful to have her at our side as we build Upside Down Pictures,” the Duffers said in a statement. The projects will tell “stories that take place at that beautiful crossroads where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, where big spectacle co-exists with intimate character work, where heart wins out over cynicism.”
“I remember the first movie I saw in the theater, the first VHS tape I got for Christmas, the first international one-sheet I bid for on eBay because it was cooler than the domestic. And the first time I met Matt and Ross. All of these seminal moments have led to this ridiculously cool opportunity to build a company with the Duffer brothers where we produce movies and television because we love movies and television. This love is at the core of Upside Down Pictures, where we’re able to collaborate with other artists on projects across the full spectrum of genre. We all love what we do and are excited to do more and more,” added Leavitt.
The projects will include a live action spin-off from the series, with a stage play coming set within the worlds of the show, produced by Sonia Friedman, Stephen Daldry (who will also direct) and Netflix. The Duffer Brothers are still working on the adaptation of Stephen King and Peter Straub’s The Talisman for Amblin and are planning anall-new live-action television adaptation of the renowned Japanese manga and anime series Death Note and an original series from creators Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews (Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance).
“Matt and Ross are an exceptionally unique talent with a vision so crisp and clear. They are all about the details — it’s no accident that Stranger Things has pierced the zeitgeist to become the epic pop culture phenomenon it is today. We’re excited to continue telling new stories with them as they grow Upside Down Pictures and to welcome Hilary as creative partner,” said Netflix’s Ted Sarandos.