Netflix announces ‘Stranger Things’ prequel, set to debut in 2028

The Stranger Thingsuniverse is expanding.

On Nov. 6, Netflix announced Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure, a prequel to the original hit series as well as stage show Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

Set for a 2028 release, Other Worldscomes from original series creators the Duffer Brothers, as well as Stranger Thingswriter and The First Shadowplaywright Kate Trefry. The announcement comes as part of Stranger ThingsDay, as Nov. 6 marks the anniversary of Will Byers’ (Noah Schnapp) disappearance in 1981.

 “We’ve been dreaming of Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure for many years now, and to see it become a reality is surreal and exhilarating,” the Duffer Brothers said in a statement. “It’s Stranger Things, but also thrillingly fresh, with a new setting, new heroes and villains, and new … actually, we’re not allowed to say any more. Now, on to casting. In the meantime — watch the skies, nerds!”

Aside from the tease of a location that probably won’t be Hawkins, Indiana, and new characters, plot details for Other Worldsare fairly thin. However, the teaser video accompanying the announcement offers up a few clues. The video shows an abandoned bicycle outside what appears to be a government facility, not unlike Hawkins Lab. From there, a title card appears, reading “April 19, 1955. Marion, Nevada.”

The timeline and setting are intriguing, as Dr. Martin Brenner’s (Matthew Modine) Nevada-based experiments to learn more about Dimension X (aka the Abyss) play a key part in Henry Creel’s (Jamie Campbell Bower) backstory in both The First Shadowand Stranger ThingsSeason 5. However, those experiments took place in Rachel, Nevada, not the fictional town of Marion.

Could Other Worldsbe exploring an entirely new set of experiments tied to the Upside Down? We’ll have to wait until 2028 to find out.

Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventurehits Netflix in 2028.

Want more film and TV news and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletteror get Mashable push alertstoday.Recommended deals for you

HBO Max
—
top pick for premium content

Disney+
—
best for families

Hulu
—
popular choice for originals

Peacock
—
low-cost choice for live sport