Stranger Things Season 5 Pauses Production During Writers' Strike

The fate of Eleven, Mike, Max, and the rest of the Stranger Things crew has been put on hold. Series creators Matt and Ross Duffer have announced they are a part of the writers' strike and production on Season 5 won't move forward until a deal happens.

On Twitter, the Duffer brothers voiced their support for the writers' strike as well as gave an update on Stranger Things. "Writing does not stop when filming begins," they wrote. "While we're excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike. We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then--over and out."

Duffers here. Writing does not stop when filming begins. While we’re excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike. We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then -- over and out. #wgastrong
— stranger writers (@strangerwriters) May 6, 2023

The Hollywood Reporter added confirmation from Netflix sources that production was halted on Stranger Things Season 5. Actor Noah Schnapp, who portrays Will Byers, previously said that he'd begin filming the upcoming season this month. David Harbour, who plays Jim Hopper, recently mentioned that he was going to arrive on set in June.

The Writers Guild of America went on strike earlier this month, arguing for better viewership transparency from streaming services as well as higher pay--among other issues. Stranger Things isn't the only big-name project affected, as Marvel's Blade has been put on hold too.

Meanwhile, two huge fantasy TV shows will trudge ahead in face of the strike. House of the Dragon Season 2 and The Rings of Power Season 2 are reportedly going to continue filming.