Netflix is expanding the Stranger Things universe with a new live-action prequel, Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure, scheduled to premiere in 2028. Set in 1955 in Marion, Nevada, the upcoming series will take viewers several decades before the events of the original show and explore mysteries connected to the origins of Henry Creel, who eventually becomes the terrifying Vecna.

Announced on November 6, 2026, during Stranger Things Day, the project brings back franchise creators Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer, alongside longtime series writer Kate Trefry. Unlike the original series, the new chapter will introduce a different setting, an entirely new group of heroes and villains, and a fresh supernatural mystery.

Stranger Things Other Worlds: Release, Story and Henry Creel Connection

The upcoming series is set in Marion, Nevada, in 1955, placing its story before the events of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, the stage production that explores Henry Creel's troubled past in 1959. The prequel is particularly interesting because it will explore events preceding Henry's exposure to the mysterious otherworldly substance that gave him his extraordinary abilities. This connection could provide a deeper understanding of the supernatural forces behind the Stranger Things mythology. The announcement teaser carries the tagline, 'Before Hawkins, there was Marion.' It offers a glimpse of the mysterious atmosphere surrounding the new setting without revealing the complete storyline.

However, Netflix has not yet disclosed the full plot or confirmed the series' cast. The promise of new characters and an unfamiliar location suggests that the franchise is preparing to expand beyond the familiar Hawkins storyline rather than simply revisit its original characters.

Who is behind Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure?

The series is co-created by Matt and Ross Duffer and Kate Trefry. Trefry, who has worked on Stranger Things since its second season and also wrote The First Shadow, will serve as the show's writer, showrunner and executive producer. Filmmaker Joe Wright, known for movies such as Pride & Prejudice, Atonement and Darkest Hour, will direct the first three episodes and serve as an executive producer. Other executive producers include Shawn Levy, Paul Dichter, Shelley Meals, Andrea Sperling and Pavlina Hatoupis. Production is scheduled to take place in New Mexico.

Expressing their excitement, Matt and Ross Duffer described the project as something they had been dreaming about for years. They also teased that the series would retain the spirit of Stranger Things while introducing new heroes, villains and mysteries. Trefry similarly expressed her enthusiasm about returning to the franchise, promising a story filled with horror, wonder and mystery.

What is the Stranger Things franchise expanding into?

Since its Netflix debut in 2016, Stranger Things has become one of the streaming platform's biggest global franchises. Created by the Duffer Brothers, the original series follows a group of young friends in Hawkins, Indiana, as they uncover a secret government laboratory, encounter the terrifying Upside Down and face supernatural threats. The franchise has already expanded beyond its original five-season television series. Its stage production, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, explores Henry Creel's earlier life, while the animated spin-off Stranger Things: Tales from '85 follows the Hawkins group through another supernatural adventure.

With Other Worlds, Netflix is taking the story further back in time and introducing a new location. The 2028 release will offer fans another opportunity to discover the origins of the strange forces that shaped the Stranger Things universe.

FAQ

1. When will Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure release?

The new Stranger Things prequel is scheduled to premiere on Netflix in 2028. An exact release date has not been announced.

2. Where is the Stranger Things prequel set?

The series is set in Marion, Nevada, in 1955, decades before the events of the original Stranger Things series.

3. Will Other Worlds explore Henry Creel's origins?

The prequel is set before Henry Creel's exposure to the mysterious otherworldly substance connected to his powers, offering an opportunity to explore an important part of the franchise's mythology.

4. Who is creating Other Worlds?

Matt and Ross Duffer and Kate Trefry are co-creating the series. Trefry will serve as showrunner, while Joe Wright will direct its first three episodes.

5. Has Netflix announced the cast of Other Worlds?

No. Netflix has not announced the cast yet. The creators have indicated that casting is the next step.

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