Right from the get-go, Stranger Things captivated its audience entirely. Much like Vecna, the series has enchanted its fans, ensuring they return whenever they are in need of some spine-tingling entertainment. The sci-fi horror drama is nearing its conclusion, with the highly anticipated fifth and final season set to debut on Netflix next year.
And if the reports are true, Stranger Things season 5 is bringing a renowned filmmaker out of “retirement” – Frank Darabont. If you didn’t already know, the man is responsible for helming one of the finest films in Hollywood, The Shawshank Redemption. Having him direct a few episodes of Stranger Things would be a move in the show’s favor. However, his fans don’t seem too excited about this alleged job.
Frank Darabont is Reportedly Directing Stranger Things
Stranger Things has had a good run so far and has built itself a fanbase that swears by the show’s uniqueness and storytelling. Now that it is nearing its end, it makes sense that the show would want to go out with a bang. And who better to help create that “bang” than The Shawshank Redemption director Frank Darabont?
The 1994 film has a score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and was heavily praised by critics all over and was even nominated for 7 Academy Awards in 1995. Needless to say, it was one of Darabont’s best works. The director went on to work on more notable projects including The Walking Dead.
He was last credited as a director in 2013 (Mob City) and in 2021, he hinted that he had retired from directing. Now, it looks like Stranger Things has managed to pull him out of his “retirement.”
Insider Jeff Sneider reported in December 2023 that Darabont was “in talks to direct two episodes” of the Netflix show and will be taking the “outside director slot for Season 5.” Recently, Sneider again reported that Darabont will be directing episodes three and five for the final season.
UNCONFIRMED Stranger Things S5 episode titles (subject to change):
501: The Crawl – The Duffer Bros.
502: The Vanishing of [Spoiler] Wheeler – Duffers
503: The Turbow Trap – Frank Darabont
504: Sorcerer – Duffers
505: Shock Jock – Darabont
506: Escape From Camazotz – Shawn Levy— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) April 25, 2024
When a fan replied that he was hoping the news of Darabont’s supposed involvement in the show is legit, Sneider wrote him back stating “He’s in.”
I reported Darabont's involvement a long time ago. He's in. The Duffers threw him a lifeline.
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) April 25, 2024
We are just going to have to wait and see if Sneider was right on the money with his report or not.
Fans Don’t Seem Too Pleased with the Report
While one would think that Darabont’s involvement in Millie Bobby Brown‘s show should be a thing to celebrate, it looks like his fans are not excited about the idea at all. It’s not as if they don’t think the filmmaker would do a good job, rather, they believe that Stranger Things is not worthy enough for Darabont’s comeback.
From calling it a “mid comeback” to a “downgrade,” fans are clearly not looking forward to seeing Darabont work with Stranger Things. Take a look at how they reacted to the news on X:
What a mid comeback for an absolute legend…. trash show
— MáD MàX (Furiosa Season) (@koreankraken) April 26, 2024
Is stranger things still cool? They were cool in 2016 til 2020 it was okay, latest season didn't even bothered to watch
— Rahul Soni (@ssoonniiii) April 26, 2024
God, what a waste. They couldn’t get him on a good show?
— Gale Anne Ya Hurd? (@safetymasc) April 26, 2024
That’s too bad he picked such an overrated show to come back for, dude is a legend.
— Shane (@shaneconnlly44) April 26, 2024
What a downgrade.
— Himayet (@Atrafi12) April 26, 2024
Does this show deserve the legend?
— resrctor (@ArpVfx) April 26, 2024
If the report is true, Darabont making a comeback with Stranger Things would certainly be a good thing for his career if he is looking for a revival. The show’s popularity just might prove to be the push he needs to come back to filmmaking.
Stranger Things season 5 will be released on Netflix in 2025.
