‘Stranger Things’ Director Shawn Levy Talks Final Season

Sadly, our time with Stranger Things is coming to an end, and with that comes the knowledge that we’ll have to say goodbye to Hawkins sooner rather than later. But apparently, for the team behind the hit Netflix show, they knew the end was coming. In an interview with ScreenRant, director Shawn Levy talked about ending the series with the fifth season and how it didn’t feel like such a shock.

“Well, we never wanted to run on fumes and we wanted to only tell as much story as the brothers saw and feel with clarity,” Levy explained. “So it’s been clear for a while that they know exactly where we’re headed and this is the arc. We wouldn’t want to stick around for one moment beyond that vision and the clarity of that voice. So rather than focusing on that sad day that happens who knows when, the end of season five, I’ll just once again reaffirm what I’ve told everyone, which is it has been a long-ass wait for season four. But I swear to God, the world will realize it’s worth it.”

Back when the announcement that season 5 would be the last for Hawkins broke, the Duffer brothers released a statement about the show, stating,

Seven years ago, we planned out the complete story arc for Stranger Things. At the time, we predicted the story would last four to five season. It proved too large to tell in four, but — as you’ll soon see for yourselves — we are now hurtling toward our finale. Season 4 will be the penultimate season; Season 5 will be the last. There are still many more exciting stories to tell within the world of Stranger Things; new mysteries, new adventures, new unexpected heroes. But first we hope that you stay with us as we finish this tale of a powerful girl named Eleven and her brave friends, of a broke police chief and a ferocious mom, of a small town called Hawkins and an alternate dimension known only as the Upside Down. As always, we are grateful for your patience and support. Over and out, Matt and Ross.

Now Leaving Hawkins

While I will be sad to say goodbye to the show, I’m glad that it is going out while we’re all still invested in what is happening to Hawkins, Indiana. With shows like this, we could have pushed it further than it needed to go so that we had 8 seasons or something, but ending it on the Duffer brothers’ terms means that we’re going to get a show that is completely their vision and one that fans will hopefully love.

Stranger Things as reached audiences of all ages. It’s a nod to the ’80s that those who grew up in that time period flock to, kids love it for the characters they’ve met and a new time period to explore (trust me, my 11 year-old niece is having an ’80s-themed party because of this show), and it just reminds us of the movies so many of us loved as kids. Saying goodbye won’t be easy, but I trust the team behind Stranger Things to give us one final ride that will be amazing.

(via ComicBook.com, image: Netflix)