Last updated: 7 November 2026
Netflix has greenlit Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure, a live-action prequel set in the 1950s. It was announced on 6 November 2026, Stranger Things Day, and is set to premiere in 2028.
It is a brand-new story with new heroes and villains. Eleven, Mike, Dustin and the Hawkins gang are not part of it.
What Is Other Worlds About?
The series is set decades before the events of Stranger Things, and even before the stage play Stranger Things: The First Shadow. The creators say it brings new characters, new themes and new mythology to the franchise.
The Duffer brothers have also said it is not an anthology. Expect one connected story rather than a different tale each season.
Every Clue in the Teaser
The first teaser is short, but it is packed with hints.
- The date: 19 April 1955.
- The place: Marion, Nevada, a desert town near a restricted area.
- The image: an abandoned bicycle at night, with town lights in the distance.
- The sky: a disturbance that looks like a wormhole forming.
- The song: “Sh-Boom” by The Chords, which fans will remember from Season 5, Episode 4.
The Nevada setting matters. What’s on Netflix expects the show to dig into the Henry Creel backstory, including the strange rock young Henry found in a scientist’s briefcase in the Nevada caves.
Where Other Worlds Fits in the Stranger Things Timeline
| Year | Story | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure | Live-action Netflix series (2028) |
| 1959 | Stranger Things: The First Shadow | Stage play about a teenage Henry Creel |
| 1983 to 1987 | Stranger Things Seasons 1 to 5 | Netflix series |
Who Is Making It?
Kate Trefry is the showrunner and co-creator. She wrote The First Shadow, so the 1950s side of this world is already hers. Matt and Ross Duffer co-created the series and executive produce.
Joe Wright, director of Pride & Prejudice and Atonement, will direct the first three episodes. Shawn Levy also executive produces.
The Duffers will not run the show day to day, because of their overall deal at Paramount. Their Stranger Things work is carved out of that deal.
Cast, Filming and Release Date
No cast has been announced yet. The Duffers say casting comes next.
Filming is planned in New Mexico, reportedly starting in 2027. Netflix is targeting a 2028 premiere.
FAQs
Is Other Worlds a Stranger Things prequel?
Yes. It is set in 1955, nearly three decades before Season 1.
When will Other Worlds release on Netflix?
In 2028. No exact date has been announced.
Will Eleven be in Other Worlds?
No. The Duffers have said it will not follow Eleven, Mike, Dustin or other Hawkins characters.
Who is the showrunner of Other Worlds?
Kate Trefry, who wrote the stage play The First Shadow.
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