The masterminds behind the global phenomenon Stranger Things, Matt and Ross Duffer, are officially setting their sights on a new, highly ambitious project. As their flagship series approaches its grand finale, the acclaimed creators have announced their next venture: a brand-new live-action television adaptation of the iconic Japanese manga and anime, Death Note, for Netflix.
From Hawkins to the Shinigami Realm: A New Chapter Begins
Under their newly formed production banner, Upside Down Pictures, the Duffer Brothers are diving into a completely different genre. While Stranger Things is a nostalgic sci-fi horror, Death Note is a dark, psychological thriller and supernatural crime drama. The original story, created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, follows a brilliant high school student named Light Yagami who discovers a mysterious notebook. He learns that any human whose name is written in the notebook will die, leading him to embark on a twisted quest to rid the world of criminals, all while being pursued by a enigmatic detective known only as L.
This won't be Netflix's first foray into the Death Note universe. The platform previously released a live-action film adaptation in 2017, which received largely negative reviews from critics and fans. The Duffer Brothers' series aims to be a fresh start, a more faithful and expansive retelling of the complex source material. The brothers will serve as executive producers on the project, with the writing and showrunning duties handed to Haley Z. Boston and Linda Hsieh.
Stranger Things Finale and Expanding the Universe
This announcement comes as the Duffer Brothers are deep in production on the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. The beloved series is set to conclude its epic story, bringing the saga of Eleven, Mike, Dustin, and the battle against the Upside Down to a close. However, the end of the main series does not mean the end of the Stranger Things universe.
Through Upside Down Pictures, the Duffers are actively developing several spin-off projects set in the world of Hawkins and beyond. These include a stage play set within the mythology and an animated series. Their commitment to Death Note demonstrates their desire to branch out and tackle diverse storytelling formats and genres, establishing themselves as powerhouse producers beyond their initial hit.
A Packed Slate for Upside Down Pictures
The Death Note series is just one of several high-profile projects on the Upside Down Pictures roster. The company has an exclusive overall deal with Netflix and is building an impressive portfolio. Other announced projects include:
- An original series from creators Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance).
- An adaptation of Stephen King's iconic novel The Talisman, co-produced with Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment.
- The aforementioned Stranger Things spin-offs, including the animated series.
This move solidifies the Duffer Brothers' transition from successful showrunners to major studio heads, curating a slate of genre content for a global audience. The live-action Death Note series represents a significant test of their ability to translate a beloved, culturally distinct property for international viewers, a challenge they are eager to undertake after years of building their own original world.
While an official release date has not been set, the project is in active development. Fans can expect the final season of Stranger Things to premiere first, likely in 2025 or 2026, with the Death Note adaptation following afterward as the next major chapter in the Duffer Brothers' creative journey.
