Matt and Ross Duffer became household names thanks to Stranger Things, but their journey in the film industry began long before their Netflix success. Back in the early 2010s, they were writing scripts, collaborating with M. Night Shyamalan, directing horror films, and dreaming of building their own cinematic universe. Today, they have their own studio, an impressive filmography, and several potential hits on the horizon.
Early Work: Cult Horror Films
The Duffer brothers started their careers with short films. In 2011, Warner Bros. purchased their script for Hidden, though the film wasn’t released until 2015. Their work caught the attention of M. Night Shyamalan, leading them to join the team behind Wayward Pines on Fox. Both projects are worth watching — although the second season of Wayward Pines saw a noticeable drop in momentum.
Breakthrough: Stranger Things
After Wayward Pines, the Duffers set out to bring their biggest idea to life — a series about teenagers, the supernatural, and the nostalgia of the 1980s. Netflix backed the project, with Shawn Levy joining as a producer. The first season debuted in the summer of 2016.
The show became an instant hit, earning a 95% "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It has since spawned three more seasons, with the fifth and final season set to premiere in 2025.
What’s Next: Upcoming Projects
In 2022, following the success of Stranger Things Season 4, the Duffer brothers founded their own production company, Upside Down Pictures. Here’s what they’re working on:
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Death Note Series — A new adaptation of the iconic Japanese manga and anime. This isn’t a remake of Netflix’s poorly received film but a completely fresh take, where Light Yagami faces off against detective L.
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An Adaptation of The Talisman — A screen version of the novel by Stephen King and Peter Straub. The project is helmed by Stranger Things writer Curtis Gwinn and follows a boy searching for a mystical talisman to save his terminally ill mother.
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A New Stranger Things Spin-Off — This series will be "1000% different" from the original. It will introduce new characters and an entirely fresh storyline, unrelated to Eleven and her friends. The brothers promise a bold new approach and unexpected discoveries.
With Stranger Things nearing its conclusion, the Duffers are ready to move forward, ensuring their signature blend of mystery and nostalgia continues to captivate audiences.
