Before Hawkins, there was Marion. Netflix has officially announced Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure, a new live-action prequel series from the creators of Stranger Things. Set in the 1950s, the upcoming show will explore a different chapter of the supernatural universe created by Matt and Ross Duffer. The series is scheduled to premiere exclusively on Netflix in 2028.
The announcement arrived on 6 November 2026, celebrated worldwide as Stranger Things Day. The new project brings together the Duffer Brothers and longtime Stranger Things writer Kate Trefry, with acclaimed filmmaker Joe Wright joining as director of the first three episodes.
Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure – What Is the New Netflix Series About?
Other Worlds takes viewers back to the 1950s, decades before the events that introduced audiences to Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will and the supernatural mysteries surrounding Hawkins, Indiana.
The new series will introduce a different setting, new heroes, unfamiliar villains and previously unexplored elements of the Stranger Things mythology.
The promotional tagline, “Before Hawkins, there was Marion,” signals a move beyond the familiar locations of the original series.
Although Netflix has not revealed the complete storyline, the creators have confirmed that Other Worlds will offer a fresh adventure while retaining the supernatural mystery, horror and emotional storytelling associated with Stranger Things.
The series also takes place before the events depicted in the stage production Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which explores Henry Creel’s troubled past in Hawkins during 1959.
Other Worlds Netflix Release Date, Cast and Crew Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure |
| Streaming Platform | Netflix |
| Release Year | 2028 |
| Exact Premiere Date | Not Announced |
| Format | Live-Action Prequel Series |
| Genre | Science Fiction, Supernatural Mystery, Horror |
| Story Setting | 1950s |
| Creators | Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Kate Trefry |
| Showrunner and Writer | Kate Trefry |
| Director | Joe Wright (First Three Episodes) |
| Production Location | New Mexico, USA |
| Production Companies | Upside Down Pictures, 21 Laps |
| Executive Producers | Kate Trefry, Joe Wright, Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Shawn Levy, Paul Dichter, Shelley Meals, Andrea Sperling, Pavlina Hatoupis |
| Cast | Yet to Be Announced |
| Streaming Status | Officially Announced |
Kate Trefry Returns to the Stranger Things Universe
Kate Trefry, who has been associated with Stranger Things as a writer, will serve as showrunner, co-creator and writer of Other Worlds.
She also wrote the script for Stranger Things: The First Shadow, establishing an important creative connection between the original television series, its theatrical expansion and the upcoming prequel.
Trefry will executive produce the new series alongside the Duffer Brothers and other members of the production team.
The creators describe the project as an opportunity to explore new mysteries while preserving the horror, wonder and emotional depth that made the original series successful.
Joe Wright to Direct the First Three Episodes
BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning filmmaker Joe Wright will direct the first three episodes of Other Worlds.
Wright is known for acclaimed productions including Pride & Prejudice, Atonement and Darkest Hour.
His involvement brings an established cinematic perspective to the new Netflix series.
Production is planned to take place in New Mexico, although the announcement has not confirmed the filming start date.
The casting process is also an upcoming stage of development, with the principal actors yet to be revealed.
How Other Worlds Connects to Stranger Things and The First Shadow
The original Stranger Things series debuted on Netflix in 2016 and became one of the platform’s most recognisable global entertainment franchises.
Across its first four seasons, the series accumulated more than 1.2 billion views, according to Netflix.
The franchise has expanded beyond the original Hawkins storyline through stage productions, animated adventures and immersive experiences.
Other Worlds will explore an earlier period than both the original television series and The First Shadow.
Rather than simply revisiting established characters, the upcoming show will introduce a new ensemble and explore different themes, locations and supernatural mysteries within the same fictional universe.
The Duffer Brothers and executive producer Shawn Levy have indicated that the new story will retain the creative identity of Stranger Things while developing its own characters and mythology.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 and Other Franchise Expansions
Netflix has also expanded the franchise through the animated series Stranger Things: Tales From ’85.
Set during the winter of 1985, the animated adventure follows the Hawkins characters as they encounter new monsters and investigate another paranormal mystery.
The first two seasons are available on Netflix.
The franchise also includes Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a stage production exploring events connected to Henry Creel before the original television storyline.
Additional fan experiences have been introduced through Netflix House locations, including Philadelphia and Dallas.
These projects demonstrate how Netflix is continuing to develop Stranger Things through different formats and storytelling approaches.
When Will Other Worlds Release on Netflix?
Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure is officially scheduled for release in 2028, exclusively on Netflix.
The streaming service has not announced an exact premiere date, episode count, complete cast or official language availability.
With Kate Trefry leading the creative team, Joe Wright directing the opening episodes and the Duffer Brothers returning as executive producers, the upcoming prequel represents another major expansion of the Stranger Things universe.
While waiting for Other Worlds, viewers can revisit all five seasons of Stranger Things on Netflix and explore the franchise’s additional animated and theatrical stories.
