Behind the Curtain with Gelman

In a not-so-strange turn of events but still shrouded in mystery, actor Brett Gelman—known for his role as Murray Bauman in Netflix’s cult show, Stranger Things—recently dished out some tantalizing tidbits about the show’s upcoming season. In an interview about his other gig, Apple TV+ show Lady in the Lake (you know, just casually dropping the many irons he has in the fire), Gelman slipped a few promising pearls about Stranger Things Season 5.”The shoot’s going splendidly,” he assured (probably with a knowing, enigmatic smile we love to imagine). He then let out the hint of a spoiler-free trail, conjuring images of teasers that will trickle down to viewers before the grand revelation through the show itself. “It’s Olympian-level secretive,” he said, maintaining the intrigue. “But I can vouch that the fans, and I quote, ‘you included,’ will give a big thumbs-up to season five.”

Before we all get too excited, remember that Stranger Things Season 5 was slated to start shooting in 2023 – less an eventuality, more an aspiration – but due to the industry’s writer and actor strikes, it only wheezed into life in January 2024. As for the emotional undertone of the lion-hearted cast knowing that this is the last waltz together, co-star Maya Hawke described it as “heartbreaking.” But there’s no time for sentimentality now, folks. After all, we need to keep our funny bones intact for the new season.

On the Other Side of the Camera:

Folks are itching to get this inter-dimensional party rolling again, but precipitation of any kind requires patience. Probing about a release date for the final season, Gelman was cryptic: “Buckle up for a wait, until it lands.” Cue the collective groan! This comment jelled with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos’ recent statement that new seasonal treats, Stranger Things included, are set for 2025. This means the final serving of Hawkins might not hit the screens until the latter half of 2025. Well, hindsight is always a Friday-night marathon, isn’t it?

A Reunion in Hawkins:

Eight is the magic number, folks! This final voyage to Hawkins will consist of eight episodes, with the inaugural one dubbed “Chapter One: The Crawl.” Asides Gelman and Hawke, your favorite Hawkins ensemble is returning – Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers), Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers), and David Harbour (Jim Hopper).

Jamie Campbell Bower is also strapping up to reprise his role as the wicked Henry Creel/Vecna. He added to the hype train, promising a “completely insane” final season, “…like it’s bonkers.” Straight out of the villain’s mouth, you heard it!

Hold your breath, Stranger Things fandom. The usual pandemonium is expected to kick off on Netflix in 2025. Stay tuned for more intriguing tidbits from Hawkins. Until then, remember not to feed Demogorgons after midnight. Stranger things have happened.