Highlights
- Stranger Things writers give an update on season 5 amid industry strikes, hoping for a resolution so production can proceed.
- The use of AI replacing actors could threaten the livelihoods of working actors, impacting the future of shows like Stranger Things.
- Despite the lack of plot details, the news of the Stranger Things writers returning to work is reassuring for fans of the show.
The Stranger Things writers posted online an update about the final farewell of Netflix's flagship show. But it wasn’t without a caveat.
As it stands now, Stranger Things has had some hangups before it can officially go into production. Hollywood has been embroiled in a dual strike of epic proportions over the past few months. The WGA and SAG-AFTRA have gone on strike in light of streaming services, making it almost impossible to earn a living in the industry. On Wednesday, September 27th, the WGA officially reached terms with the AMPTP, meaning shows can finally go into production – at least on the writing side. SAG has yet to come to terms and is considering striking on the video game side.
Perhaps this motivated the Stranger Things writers to produce an update regarding season 5 of the Netflix series. “Hope the studios make a fair deal with SAG soon or else season 5 is looking like this:” @strangerwriters posted on Twitter. They added a motion graphic resembling Joe Keery, who plays the fan-favorite and quotable Steve Harrington. They went on to add context to the post. “FYI this is pre-vis for a scene in ep 1. So technically your first look at season 5. We told Joe he has to perform it EXACTLY like this,” they joked.
Considering the events at play, this is a surprising update. Stranger Things is Netflix’s biggest streaming commodity and historically keeps things close to the vest. While this isn’t close to revealing any plot details, any news is better than no news. Just hearing that the Stranger Things writers are back to work is reassuring.
On a more serious note, SAG and producers not agreeing could have serious consequences. The writers can write as many scripts as they want, but that will go nowhere without actors to play the roles. The biggest issue is the use of AI in place of actors. This could seriously jeopardize a working actor’s ability to make a living in their chosen profession.
If a production company can pay an actor for only one day, replicate their image, and use it in the future without compensating the performer, there would be no need for actors. Audiences would never see the likes of actors like Keery or even Maya Hawke again -- even if she wants Robin Buckley to die anyway. Stranger Things would be the last unique show we would see in our lifetimes.
Stranger Things seasons 1-4 are streaming on Netflix.
Source: @strangerwriters/Twitter