Netflix announces 'Stranger Things' spin-off as Duffer brothers form new production company

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Other projects under the Duffer Brother’s newly formed production house ‘Upside Down Pictures’, include a novel type of a stage-play that is set within the Stranger Things world followed by a series adaptation of Stephen King and Peter Straub’s ‘The Talisman’ along with a live-action adaptation of anime show ‘Death Note’ which are currently in development and planning stages. The fifth project in this intriguing slate is an original series from ‘Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ duo Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews.

In a recent interview with Variety, the Duffer Brothers spoke about their new production house ‘Upside Down Pictures’ and also shared how they felt lucky to have Hilary Leavitt spearhead their new production house. They said, “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.”

Giving an insight into the type of engaging and powerful stories they aim to share with audiences through Upside Down Pictures, the Duffer Brothers added that Upside Down Pictures aims to conceptualize and create, “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.”

Speaking about her early experiences of watching films in childhood and the excitement of creating a new company with the Duffer Brothers, Hilary Leavitt said, “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.”

The live-action ‘Stranger Things’ spinoff is based on an original idea by the Duffers. Upside Down will produce this spin-off series with Shawn Levy’s ‘21 Laps’ banner in collaboration. The much-talked-about ‘Stranger Things’ stage play is set within the supernatural world of the show and is being produced by Sonia Friedman along with Stephen Daldry and Netflix. Stephen Daldry will also direct this play whereas 21 Laps serves as associate producer for the stage play adaptation. ‘The Talisman’ is being produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment and Paramount Television with Stranger Things executive producer Curtis Gwinn onboard as the creator. Additional details have been kept under wraps by the Duffer Brothers.

Ted Sarandos who is the co-CEO and chief content officer of Netflix, talking about the Duffer Brothers said, “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.”