Stranger Things Spinoff Will Explain the Rock That Took Over Henry Creel, Say Duffer Brothers

The Stranger Things universe is expanding, as the Duffer Brothers have confirmed that a new live-action spinoff is in development.

According to the Duffer Brothers, the Stranger Things spinoff is a “completely different story in a completely different location with completely different actors and characters.”

The Duffer Brothers also confirmed that the Mind Flayer’s rock from the briefcase, which took over Henry Creel in Stranger Things 5, will be an important topic in the Stranger Things spinoff.

In a recent interview with Variety, Matt Duffer said, “Spinoffy, yeah. You pinned us down. So annoying. I do want to explain, just because people’s expectations go in certain directions: The spinoff is going to delve into that and explain that, and you’re going to understand it.”

He added, “But it’s a completely different mythology. So it’s not a deep exploration of the Mind Flayer or anything like that. It’s very fresh and very new, but yes, it will answer some of the loose threads that are remaining.”

Speaking to Deadline, Ross Duffer revealed that the Stranger Things spinoff will not follow popular fan theories, will not be set in Montauk, and will not focus on familiar characters like Hopper or the kids. Instead, it will tell a much smaller, more focused story in a new direction.

Ross Duffer said, “We’ve said this before—the spinoff idea we have is still in the early stages, but it is an entirely new mythology. It is connected and will answer some questions people have, including lingering questions that weren’t answered in the finale. But at the end of the day, it has its own story and its own mythology.”

Here’s the full synopsis for Stranger Things 5:

“The fall of 1987. Hawkins is scarred by the opening of the Rifts, and our heroes are united by a single goal: find and kill Vecna. But he has vanished — his whereabouts and plans unknown.

Complicating their mission, the government has placed the town under military quarantine and intensified its hunt for Eleven, forcing her back into hiding. As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, so does a heavy, familiar dread.

The final battle is looming — and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything they’ve faced before. To end this nightmare, they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time.”

The cast of Stranger Things 5 includes Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers, David Harbour as Jim Hopper, Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair, Noah Schnapp as Will Byers, Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield, Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler, Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers, Joe Keery as Steve Harrington, Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley, Priah Ferguson as Erica Sinclair, Brett Gelman as Murray, Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna, Cara Buono as Karen Wheeler, Amybeth McNulty as Vickie, Nell Fisher as Holly Wheeler, Jake Connelly as Derek Turnbow, Alex Breaux as Lt. Akers, and Linda Hamilton as Dr. Kay.

All seasons of Stranger Things are now streaming on Netflix.