On December 31st, 2025 (or New Year's Day 2026 depending on where you are in the world), the Duffer Brothers gave us their definitive coming-of-age story and officially closed the basement door on the Hawkins, Indiana characters as they always intended.

Matt and Ross Duffer have been very clear in their stance that they don't want to do a sequel with the OG Party as adults, labeling it a "gross cash grab" and we, the fans, agree. We believe the magic of Hawkins belongs strictly to the 1980s and the Duffers' creative vision. Therefore, it is imperative that Netflix respects the integrity of the original characters' endings---specifically the hard-won futures of Lucas and Max, Dustin, Mike, and Will (as well as the older teens plus Joyce and Hopper), and the ability to choose what we believe happened to Eleven. 

So here is our ultimatum: If Netflix forces a sequel in 5, 10, 15, or 20 years (or whenever), we intend to exercise "Death of the Author" in terms of its canonicity.  We will categorize any such project as non-canonical corporate fan-fiction and pledge to boycott any content that contradicts the Season 5 epilogue. 

Netflix should also be aware that contradicting the Season 5 epilogue and/or ruining the characters' endings could very well tank the rewatch value of the original series. Remember, us hardcore fans are the ones who buy the merchandise and host rewatch marathons every anniversary, and we don't play about our favorite characters, ships, or crucial plot points!

The basement door is closed. Now, lock it.  

SOURCES: 

Snippet from the Josh Horowitz podcast re sequels (It's super obvious they don't want to do it though if you watch the interview) 

THR article with the "gross cash grab" quote​

Their stories are done here. That's it...​

Variety "This is a complete story. It's done."