Stranger Things fans are getting closer to the release of Season 5. The Duffer Brothers have shared exciting post-production updates, while Netflix continues to ramp up its merchandise, teasing what could be in store for the next chapter of Hawkins’ supernatural adventures.
Post-Production Progress: Volume 1 Complete
Ross Duffer, co-creator of Stranger Things, recently confirmed on Instagram that Volume 1 of Season 5 is officially complete. He revealed that Chapter Three: The Turnbow Trap and Chapter Four: Sorcerer have been “locked, mixed, scored, colored,” meaning the episodes are finalized and ready for release.
Duffer described The Turnbow Trap as a “classic Stranger Things episode,” directed by Frank Darabont, the acclaimed filmmaker behind The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and The Walking Dead. Remarkably, Darabont returned from retirement for this episode, signaling the significance of this installment.
Meanwhile, Sorcerer has been described as one of the largest and most complex episodes ever attempted for the series, highlighting the ambitious scope Season 5 is aiming for.
The Instagram post included behind-the-scenes images from the editing booth, teasing fans with the episode titles and giving a glimpse of the intense work going into the season.
Earlier Season 5 Updates
This recent announcement follows an update shared 28 days prior, where Duffer confirmed that Chapter One: The Crawl and Chapter Two: The Vanishing of … were also progressing smoothly in post-production.
Duffer called The Crawl “the most eventful first episode since Season 1,” while The Vanishing of … features the “most intense cold open ever created for the series.” According to the creators, these episodes include moments that the team is exceptionally proud of, ensuring fans will be immediately drawn into Hawkins’ mysteries.
Despite the excitement, some fans expressed impatience over the long wait, highlighting the anticipation surrounding the new season.
Netflix Merchandise Expands Ahead of Season 5
While official promotional campaigns for Season 5 remain limited, Netflix has significantly increased the available Stranger Things merchandise. The online store now features 247 products, including hoodies, clothing, posters, collectibles, statues, games, and phone cases.
Some fan accounts have noted that certain merchandise may hint at plot points for the upcoming season. For example, Hawkins Happenings spotted items potentially revealing the opening scene of Episode 1, as well as hints at a new monster referred to as the “tree flayer.”
Brand Collaborations: Stranger Things Everywhere
Netflix has also strengthened partnerships with major brands to expand the reach of Stranger Things Season 5. Branded food products have already hit stores, with collaborations including Eggos, Walkers, Lays, Doritos, Pringles, Chupa Chups, and Chips Ahoy. These collaborations not only serve fans but also tease potential story elements and tie-ins to the series’ expanding universe.
Fan-tracked accounts, such as Bradley’s Big Buy, have been cataloging these products, noting that merchandise and brand collaborations are growing at an impressive pace as anticipation builds.
Final Thoughts
With post-production complete for Volume 1, Stranger Things Season 5 is shaping up to be an ambitious and thrilling chapter. From the return of high-profile directors to hints of new monsters and expanded merchandise, the excitement around Hawkins has never been higher. Fans will likely be scrutinizing every product release and teaser for clues as the release date draws near.
What are you most excited to see in Stranger Things Season 5? Share your thoughts in the comments below on trendingnewsbuzz.com.
