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Credit: NetflixCancel culture has made an impact on the Netflix hit television series Stranger Things, just as it was close to planning the final season.
If you’ve been keeping up with the latest updates coming out about Stranger Things, you know that it was just a matter of time before the popular show was set for its fifth and final season before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes came about. This put a pause on the development of the show and put developing a script, negotiating potential contracts, and working out final details all behind schedule.
Now, as the writers have come back to work and the actors are finalizing a deal that will allow for filming to begin, fans have begun to wonder how long it might be before the hit Netflix television series is back with new content on the streaming platform. The Duffer Brothers have been staging out scenes with Funko! Pops, but they may be facing an uphill battle.
The brainchild of the Duffer Brothers, Matt and Ross, the series unfolds in the eerie town of Hawkins, Indiana, unleashing supernatural mysteries that grip audiences globally. Central to the show’s allure is its exceptional ensemble cast, a mix of seasoned actors and rising stars.
Millie Bobby Brown’s portrayal of the mysterious Eleven garnered widespread acclaim, catapulting her to stardom. Alongside her, Finn Wolfhard (Mike), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas), and Noah Schnapp (Will) form a dynamic young cast that resonates with viewers through their chemistry and genuine performances. Meanwhile, Winona Ryder and David Harbour add depth to the series as Joyce Byers and Chief Jim Hopper.
Beyond their on-screen personas, the Stranger Things cast has become a cultural phenomenon in their own right. Millie Bobby Brown, in particular, has transitioned into a role model for many, even as she is ready to leave the series behind. The camaraderie among the cast members, evident in interviews and social media interactions, has endeared them to fans, creating a sense of community that extends beyond the screen.
As the series progressed through multiple seasons, the cast matured both in their craft and in navigating the challenges of fame. The authenticity they bring to their roles has resonated with audiences, fostering a deep connection that goes beyond the typical fan-actor relationship.
The announcement of Stranger Things Season 5, confirmed by Netflix, sent waves of excitement and nostalgia through the fanbase. However, the joy is tempered with a hint of melancholy, as it was revealed that this season would be the final chapter in the Hawkins saga. While Season 5 has been confirmed, the lack of a filming start date has left fans eagerly awaiting updates. Though Netflix has not offered any official updates, the latest developments from the show have not shed a positive light on its development.
First, David Harbour has confirmed that production for the fifth season will take about a year to film. After that, post-production will take around 8-10 months before the product is available on the streaming platform. This means fans will likely have to wait close to two years before Stranger Things Season 5 is ready to be released. If that weren’t enough, a legion of fans have expressed backlash toward Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), particularly for his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Schnapp was seen in a video that went viral holding stickers that “Hamas is Isis” and “Zionism is Sexy.” While he has a staunch group of supporters, he has also angered many on social media, several of whom say they’re going to cancel their Netflix account over his views.
Noah Schnapp handing out “Hamas is Isis” and “Zionism is sexy” stickers
Noah Schnapp handing out “Hamas is Isis” and “Zionism is sexy” stickers pic.twitter.com/PXVHC80Jmt
— lexie (@gomezquality) November 13, 2023
This prompted thousands of fans to post their opinions on Schnapp, including many threatening to cancel their Netflix subscriptions and boycott Stranger Things, which Inside the Magic covered.
“Please the Duffer Brothers need to cancel Noah Schnapp from the upcoming season of #StrangerThings. What a disgrace he is and his fans go around hailing about how he’s on the RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY shut the crap everyone you’re embarrassing,” @haanyea said on Twitter (X).
Another fan said they should “cancel him like he never existed,” while others shared that they’d be abandoning the series.
“Absolutely cancel him, no need stranger things, no need him anywhere. So cancel him like he never exist,” @waaatsmyname said on Twitter (X).
One said they were “bringing cancel culture back” for Stranger Things.
“Bringing cancel culture back for Noah Schnapp + Stranger Things s5,” @uroossaa said on Twitter (X).
While there are those who disagree with Schnapp, many others came to his defense.
“I’m talking about the outrage surrounding this young actor. Noah Schnapp (Stranger Things.) The cancel mob are after him. Can’t be a Jew with an opinion in the USA apparently,” @sammiepressdee said on Twitter (X).
At this point, Netflix and Stranger Things have not issued any official statements.
Inside the Magic will keep you updated on the latest developments as Stranger Things begins filming soon.