Summary
Although aStranger Thingssequel that focuses on Eleven might sound fun, Millie Bobby Brown’s big Netflix career successes explain why this is so unlikely. TheupcomingStranger Thingsseason 5will bring the Netflix hit to an end after nine years when the outing arrives in 2025. Since its debut in 2016,Stranger Thingshas evolved from a surprise hit into a global phenomenon, launching its cast into superstardom. As the show’s central heroine Eleven, Millie Bobby Brown has been one of the biggest breakout stars from the Netflix hit. However, this doesn’t mean she will appear in a sequel series.
Viewers already know thatvariousStranger Thingsspinoffsare in the works since Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos announced this in 2022. However, the nature of these spinoffs has not yet been clarified and, since the original show is set to wrap up soon, it will be interesting to see whether the follow-ups will focus on the same characters. While someStranger Thingsstars may appear in future franchise outings, there are two good reasons to assume that the show’s central heroine won’t reprise her role any time soon. These two reasons are her pair of successful Netflix movie franchises.
Stranger Things Season 4 Ending Explained (In Detail)
Stranger Things season 4, episode 9 came to an epic conclusion with major reveals that will change Hawkins forever. Here’s the ending explained.
Damsel & Enola Holmes Mean Millie Bobby Brown Has Two Stranger Things Replacement Franchises
Millie Bobby Bown’s Netflix Future Is Bright Even Without Stranger Things
Millie Bobby Brown parlayed herStranger Thingssuccess into a starring role inEnola Holmes, a mystery comedy that followed the teenage sister of Sherlock Holmes through Victorian London. Based on the novel series by Nancy Springer,Enola Holmeswas a huge hit for Netflix and Brown and earned positive reviews upon its release.Enola Holmes 2’s mystery storywas similarly successful, proving that Brown could carry a franchise other thanStranger Things. That said, supporting stars like Henry Cavill and Helena Bonham Carter meant theEnola Holmesmovies had some help when it came to star power.
In contrast, Brown’s next project was an even bigger hit and, although Ray Winstone and Angela Bassett appeared in supporting roles,Damselwas a true star vehicle for the actor. Long stretches of this dark fantasy saw Brown command the screen alone, fighting a dragon in a lonely chasm.Damselwas a massive success for Netflix and Brown, meaning it is very likely to get a sequel if not multiple follow-ups. Similarly, the critical and commercial success of theEnola Holmesmovies means the franchise could last as long as its star wants to continue playing the title role.
A Stranger Things Eleven Spinoff Looks Increasingly Unlikely
Brown’s Busy Career Makes A Stranger Things Followup Unnecessary
Brown seems ready to move on thanks to the success of bothEnola Holmesmovies andDamsel, not to mention her debut novelThe Nineteen Steps.
Whether or notStranger Thingsseason 5 kills offEleven, the odds of the series centering a spinoff around the character seem increasingly low. Brown seems ready to move on thanks to the success of bothEnola Holmesmovies andDamsel, not to mention her debut novelThe Nineteen Steps. Brown will also star alongside Chris Pratt inThe Electric State, a sci-fi movie that will see Anthony and Joe Russo adapt the graphic novel of the same name. Thus, even if Brown wanted to pursue another sci-fi project with Netflix, this adaptation would give her another option.
Furthermore, it is hard to deny thatStranger Thingsdoesn’t really need an Eleven-centric spinoff. Eleven’s biggest solo story, the infamous season 2 episode “The Lost Sister,” is frequently viewed as the worstStranger Thingsepisode ever. Although Eleven is a compelling character in terms of her relationships with Mike, Hopper, and the rest of the show’s gang, she might be limited in her adventures outside of Hawkins.Eleven’s most hopefulStranger Thingsendingwould see her get to pursue an ordinary life after defeating Vecna, which, while sweet, wouldn’t be a particularly interesting subject for a spinoff.
Why It’s Good An Eleven Spinoff Probably Won’t Happen
Eleven’s Stranger Things Story Always Needed To End Eventually
Eleven, like the rest of the show’s heroes, deserves a proper sendoff in season 5.
Since Eleven is the best-known character fromStranger Thingsand the show is one of Netflix’s most popular franchises,it once seemed like an Eleven-lead spinoff was inevitable afterStranger Thingsended. However, the world of the series has expanded a lot since “The Lost Sister” proved that sending Eleven off on her own wasn’t necessarily a recipe for success. Eleven, like the rest of the show’s heroes, deserves a proper sendoff in season 5. IfStranger Thingsgives into temptation and instead offers viewers a cliffhanger, this will be more frustrating than exciting.
In an era of endless spinoffs, sequels, reboots, and prequels, it can be tempting to never simply end a series. However,Eleven’sStranger Thingscharacter archas already been a moving, funny, tense, and inventive journey. Seeing her defeat Vecna and save Hawkins might be predictable, but it would also be a fitting conclusion to an otherwise uneven series. Thus,Stranger Thingsdoesn’t need an Eleven spinoff any more than its star Millie Bobby Brown needs one.
