‘Stranger Things’ Directors Talk Working on the Supernatural-Horror Series, Reveal Plans for Possible Season 2 on Netflix

‘Stranger Things’ directors Matt and Ross Duffer discussed working on the brand new supernatural-horror series as well as their major influences. They also revealed plans for a possible second season on Netflix.

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, filmmaking brothers Matt and Ross Duffer discussed the creative process on bringing the supernatural horror and drama television series to life. They admitted to taking turns with directing responsibilities so as not to burn themselves out.

Ross said, “We think so much alike and we've been doing this together for so long, and it's not like some teams, where one person is devoted to the visuals and the camera and one's to performances, but we both like both things equally, so I would say that we sort of just trade off.” Matt added, “Yeah, if I'm fried mentally, incapable of directing for a second, Ross is there and will take over. Or at least, together we can somehow manage make it through the day.”

The brothers proceeded to talk about their major influences in creating the show, citing Stephen King’s novel ‘It’ as one of their biggest inspirations. Although they praised King’s other works, Matt admitted that it was the author’s 1986 horror novel that left the biggest impact.

They noted that they also paid homage to other horror greats such as John Carpenter and Wes Craven. Ross explained, “I think it's almost divided, in a way, into thirds. I mean, it's very simplified. Because the teens are almost in that, whether it's Carpenter, King or Wes Craven. It's like they're in that Halloween mode where they're having s*x and getting into trouble and there's obviously darkness that comes with that that's symbolized by this monster.”

He added, “With the kids it's more, yes there's the Spielberg stuff, but that's where it gets a little confusing, because part of it is the Spielberg stuff like E.T., and because with adults, we really wanted that Close Encounters feel with Joyce and stuff, or Jaws, where it's like these people that don't really believe in the extraordinary coming encounter with that, and that's where you get the sense of wonder with the Christmas lights and all that, which is what we really wanted.”

During another interview with Collider, the Duffer brothers admitted that they planned to stick to eight episodes for season 1. Ross said that when they first pitched the show to the network, they all agreed on an eight-episode run. Matt explained, “People say, “They need to make way more episodes,” but I like to think one of the reasons it works for people is because it’s paced and it feels like a movie, and that’s because it’s not too long. I think, if we pushed it to 13 episodes, we’d have to start coming up with all these bullsh*t adventures they’re going on, that aren’t directly tied to the main tension. Eight felt about right. But if we’re developing Season 2 and it feels like seven or nine or eleven, Netflix would support any of those lengths.”

When asked about their plans for more seasons on Netflix, Ross admitted that they haven’t thought that far ahead in the creative process. He said, “We don’t know, specifically. We’re very weary of making it go on past the point it should. You want to end on a high note. That’s the goal. We’ve had initial discussions, but we haven’t quite landed on it.”

Matt agreed saying that he couldn’t imagine maintaining the show past seven or eight seasons. He revealed that they would keep the original characters even though new ones would be introduced. The brothers also admitted that they may have to bring in new filmmakers into the show while maintaining its trademark cinematic feel.

‘Stranger Things’ is a supernatural-horror and science-fiction drama created by the Duffer Brothers for Netflix. It premiered on the network on July 2016. It stars Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, and Caleb McLaughlin among others.