Netflix’s greatest hit, Stranger Things recently did the extraordinary. It became the most-streamed program of 2022, with over a billion hours watched within a month. The achievement significantly adds to the OTT-giant’s success story. However, did the showrunners, the Duffer Brothers, imagine such a triumph while making the show? Probably not.
The Duffer Brothers received acclaim far and wide for their breakthrough show. Eventually, a brilliant idea was proposed by The Crown director, Stephen Daldry, after the show’s success. But as soon as the brothers heard it, it was also snatched away by Netflix authorities. Regardless, the missed chance still gave way to additional ingenuity.
Netflix’s treachery brought inspiration
Notable British director Stephen Daldry reached out to Netflix’s original content head, Cindy Holland for his idea of developing an original story in the Stranger Things universe, an idea the Duffer brothers loved. Moreover, the people involved were creative geniuses. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child screenwriter, Jack Thorne and producer Sonia Friedman would be working on it, under the ingenuity of Daldry and the Duffer Brothers.
The idea had the potential of a masterpiece brought to life. Sadly, Netflix pressurized Daldry to foresee The Crown first whereas Thorne was indulged in other essential projects. In an interview with The Guardian, Matt Duffer shared,
“When Stephen got sucked back into The Crown, it kind of vanished for a second. And Matt and I just assumed it was one of those dreams that would never be.”
Similarly, Ross Duffer also noted,
“And we were like: ‘Why even… Please don’t tell me this! Why are you dangling something that’s not even possible?’”
Yet, the brothers chose to look on the brighter side and were in for a treat. They began ideating Season 4 and Henry Creel was created. The part that was vaguely touched on in any of the seasons, the backstory of Vecna was explored. Hence, Matt Duffer hinted that it all turned out for the best, and the Netflix delay facilitated it. Therefore, as per Matt, it was
“the best thing ever.”
Creel’s character arc was reeled in Season 4 through momentary flashbacks. A child from the 1950s having superpowers, and a psychotic mind. After moving to Hawkins, Indiana, he tragically turns into Vecna, spreading a dreadful fear in the town for decades. However, Daldry felt it could be better explored in the stage play.
Big stakes on the Stranger Things stage play
Directed by Stephen Daldry, and written by the Duffers’ one of the TV writers, Kate Trefy, Stranger Things: The First Shadow hit Phoenix theatre in London, this November. Now gearing up for the big world premiere on 14th December, a lot is at stake. The Duffer brothers are actively involved, virtually, making sure the stage is set for their breakthrough series to shine on the live stage as well. Therefore, Matt said,
“The goal always was for it to just feel like a mega-episode of the show, but live on stage.”
Matt and Ross Duffer had failed to make it big in Hollywood. Therefore, their ingenuity flourished at a time when they were not at their professional best. Moreover, Stranger Things was not expected to run for more than one season. When in reality, its four seasons have already made huge splashes in the TV industry, while another is in its earlier stages.
