New Hollywood Strike to Shut Down ‘Stranger Things’, Netflix Prepares for Filming Seizure

Just days after Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos confirmed that Stranger Things would debut in 2025, a new threat has loomed that could leave the production delayed yet again, which would be quite grim for the future of the show, which has already faced numerous setbacks on the way to the finish line.

Since its inception on Netflix in 2016, the Duffer Brothers’ Stranger Things has transcended the boundaries of traditional television to become a cultural phenomenon of global proportions. The series’ enduring popularity is attributable to its masterful fusion of science fiction, horror, and a nostalgic homage to the 1980s.

Centered in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, Stranger Things follows a core group of endearing adolescent characters—Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and the enigmatic Eleven—as they navigate the complexities of growing up while confronting extraordinary, supernatural occurrences. Their unwavering friendship serves as a cornerstone as they collectively grapple with the challenges posed by their otherworldly encounters.

As the series approaches its climactic conclusion, anticipation for the final season has reached a fever pitch among fans worldwide. While specifics regarding the upcoming season have been carefully guarded, recent developments have ignited speculation about an imminent major announcement.

Following a tantalizing tease from executive producer Shawn Levy, it was confirmed that the fifth and final season of Stranger Things is slated for a 2025 release, marking a nearly nine-year journey for the award-winning series. While the announcement of a release date was met with general enthusiasm, a segment of the fanbase expressed disappointment over the extended wait for the series’ conclusion, as it will have taken 9 years for a 5 season show, which is much longer than most. 

It is important to acknowledge that the production timeline has been significantly impacted by the SAG-AFTRA strike, which imposed a hiatus of over 100 days on filming. Additionally, we have seen actor’s schedules interfere with filming. One location, which appeared to be a church in Hawkins taken over by the roots of the Upside Down had to have the set removed and cleared entirely for more than one month due to the actors in the scene not being available to film any longer.

Millie Bobby Brown also took time away from the show to travel to the theme parks in Orlando, as well as to marry her now husband Jacob Bongiovi. 

Today, we have received news of a larger threat in the air.

Stranger Things News has shared: “Stranger Things 5 is pushing to finish filming in Atlanta despite bad weather, worried a Teamsters strike might stop production soon. Let’s pray another strike won’t happen!”

Stranger Things 5 is pushing to finish filming in Atlanta despite bad weather, worried a Teamsters strike might stop production soon. Let’s pray another strike won’t happen! ????️???? #StrangerThings #StrangerThings5 #Netflix pic.twitter.com/GaXdYemTXz

— Stranger Things News (@UpsideDownScoop) July 25, 2024

Another Stranger Things update account, Stranger Things Updates, wrote, “Stranger Things 5 has increased the pace of production for fear that a ‘Teamsters’ strike will stop filming of the series”.

????| Stranger Things 5 has increased the pace of production for fear that a ‘Teamsters’ strike will stop filming of the series.#StrangerThings5 pic.twitter.com/TrgVYPu7Sl

— Stranger Things Updates (@Updates_SThings) July 25, 2024

On Wednesday afternoon, Teamsters Local 89 announced that its members at Amazon’s KCVG Air Hub in Hebron, Kentucky had initiated a strike. The union alleges that the work stoppage is in response to what it characterizes as Amazon’s “illegal and unfair labor practices” at the facility.

According to Stephen Piercey, Communications Director for Teamsters Local 89, employees staged a picket line outside the air hub located at CVG Airport. A long-term Amazon associate, Hunter Collins, described the work environment as “toxic,” alleging harassment and targeted treatment of employees.

The strike represents the latest escalation in ongoing labor disputes between Amazon and its workers, which have prompted an investigation by the National Labor Relations Board. The Teamsters union has publicly stated its goal of securing fair wages, safe working conditions, and respectful treatment for all Amazon employees through unionization efforts.

In addition to the striking Amazon workers, Teamsters Local 705 members from Stokie, Illinois joined the picket line in a show of solidarity, per ABC.

While this does not affect Netflix at the moment, it could spread to cause yet another production shutdown, and it appears that the Stranger Things team is attempting to make up for future lost time in case that does happen, especially now that they have confirmed a 2025 release. Any further delays would likely push the series into 2025, especially due to the fact that filming will wrap in 2025 as is, giving post-production a short turnaround time. Some scenes in season 4, such as Eddie’s death scene, took 5 months to edit, so any filming delays with difficult special effects will likely be shot sooner rather than later.

What’s Going on With Season 5 of Stranger Things? 

As the curtain prepares to rise on the final act of Stranger Things, anticipation for Season 5 reaches a fever pitch. While details surrounding the upcoming season remain heavily guarded, recent developments suggest a major reveal is imminent. Speculation swirls around the potential recasting of a key character, Holly Wheeler, though official confirmation from Netflix is still pending.

Beyond the release date announcement, fans eagerly await a glimpse into the season’s narrative direction. A well-timed video teaser featuring snippets of filmed material could effectively set the stage for the final season’s epic conclusion. A brief, ominous clip showcasing the villainous Vecna could heighten anticipation and reinforce the impending showdown.

The hushed atmosphere surrounding the season has not silenced the cast. Jamie Campbell Bower, portraying the menacing Vecna, describes Season 5 as “totally bonkers,” hinting at an even more intense and unpredictable narrative compared to the previous season. He references the recent London play exploring Vecna’s backstory, suggesting deeper insight into the character’s origins.

Maya Hawke, who joined the cast in Season 3, reflects on the filming experience as “heartbreaking,” acknowledging the emotional weight of concluding this long-running journey. She further fuels excitement by comparing the production process to creating “8 movies,” hinting at a significantly expanded narrative scale with potentially longer episode lengths.

David Harbour, portraying fan-favorite Jim Hopper, assures fans that the final season will not disappoint.

The enigmatic Upside Down, a parallel dimension mirroring Hawkins, remains a central mystery in Stranger Things. Season 4 offered tantalizing glimpses into its chilling past, revealing a state identical to Hawkins at the moment Eleven first breached the barrier. Season 5 promises to definitively answer questions regarding the Upside Down’s nature and purpose.

The Duffer Brothers, the show’s creators, have meticulously crafted the series’ mythology since its inception. They reportedly possess a comprehensive document outlining the Upside Down’s intricate lore, emphasizing its importance in the final season. While Season 4 offered subtle hints, Season 5 promises a deep exploration of this enigmatic dimension, as confirmed by Ross Duffer.

With a major announcement on the horizon, the wait for Stranger Things Season 5 promises to be a thrilling journey filled with anticipation and exciting developments. Fans eagerly await an official reveal, potential casting changes, and a glimpse into the season’s narrative direction. The prospect of a larger-than-life season, brimming with movie-like episodes, further heightens the excitement. As the series approaches its epic conclusion, the exploration of the Upside Down’s mysteries and the fate of Hawkins and its extraordinary characters remains paramount.

Would you be disappointed if the final season of Stranger Things snagged another delay?