The creators of the global Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things have officially debunked a widespread fan theory concerning the show's confirmed spin-off series. Ross and Matt Duffer, known as the Duffer Brothers, clarified the meaning behind a key location mention in the show's epic finale, which aired on New Year's Day, 1st January 2026.
The Finale's Big Hint and Fan Reaction
The supernatural drama's conclusion saw the Hawkins gang finally defeat Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower, and the threat from the Upside Down. In an emotional epilogue set 18 months later, fan-favourite couple Jim Hopper (David Harbour) and Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) enjoy a romantic dinner where Hopper proposes. He also suggests a move to Montauk, New York, after hearing of a police chief position there.
This detail sent fans into a frenzy on social media, with many speculating that the Long Island town would serve as the setting for the planned spin-off. One user on X exclaimed it could be "the spinoff town," while others called it a deliberate Easter egg.
The Duffer Brothers Set the Record Straight
In a post-finale interview with Deadline, the Duffer Brothers confirmed this theory is incorrect. Ross Duffer explained that the Montauk reference is actually a nod to the show's origins. Back in 2015, the series was initially announced as a supernatural drama titled Montauk before the setting was changed to the fictional Hawkins, Indiana.
"There's no Montauk spinoff," Ross stated. "That was more of a wink to the fans, deep-cut fans that know that the show started as Montauk." He did, however, confirm that a hint towards the real spin-off is hidden somewhere within the finale, encouraging fans to look for it during a rewatch.
What the Spin-Off Will Actually Be
The brothers remain tight-lipped about specific details but have revealed crucial information about the project's scope and nature. They confirmed it will not focus on younger characters like Holly (Nell Fisher). Instead, Ross described it as "something much smaller than that."
Most importantly, the Duffer Brothers emphasised that the new series will forge its own path. "The spinoff idea we have... it is an entirely new mythology," Ross said. He added that while it will be connected to the original show and answer some lingering questions from the finale, it will primarily tell its own story with its own distinct mythology.
In a separate chat with Variety, Ross noted there would be some "connective tissue" between the two shows but stressed it would not resemble a shared universe like Star Wars, with frequent character crossovers.
The hunt is now on for the genuine clue planted in the finale, as fans worldwide begin their next rewatch of Stranger Things, available to stream exclusively on Netflix.
