Stranger Things creator reveals exactly when we'll finally learn the truth about the Upside Down: "This is something that has been planned for 10 years now"

1. Entertainment
2. TV
3. Sci-Fi Shows
4. Stranger Things

Stranger Things creator reveals exactly when we'll finally learn the truth about the Upside Down: "This is something that has been planned for 10 years now" News By Mireia Mullor published 28 November 2025

There is still a lot to be revealed in the Netflix show

Comments (0) ()

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Netflix)

With the first four episodes of Stranger Things season 5 now available to watch on Netflix, fans are closer than ever to getting real answers about the show's most burning questions, including the truth behind the Upside Down. After almost a decade, it's about time.

The show's creators Matt and Ross Duffer recently teased that upcoming episodes will deliver more information about the mysterious realm, unveiling some long-awaited revelations regarding how the story started in the first place. "Especially as we get into Volume 2, we start to answer more and more why Will was kidnapped and how it ties in with Holly and all of this. Everything sort of comes full circle," Matt Duffer told Deadline.

With five seasons' worth of storylines as well as the stage play Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Stranger Things still has a lot to reveal, including the connections between the Upside Down and Dimension X, and Vecna's master plan.

You may like

• Stranger Things creators say season 5 will finally reveal "what the Upside Down actually is" after "purposely" holding back for "almost 10 years": "We really wanted the show to come full circle"
• Stranger Things season 5 will finally explain the Netflix show's biggest mystery: what the Upside Down is
• Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 ending explained: who dies and how those huge revelations set up volume 2

Ross Duffer teased that we will start to understand some of these elements "pretty early on" in the upcoming Volume 2. "That really is a Volume 2 thing, where we really get into the Upside Down, and we explain what it is. Again, this is something that has been planned for 10 years now, and it just now, obviously is the time to reveal it," he explained.

Before discovering what's in store for the next batch of episodes, we still need to recover from everything that has happened in Volume 1, from an unexpected return all the way from season 2 to that final twist between Will and Vecna (you can read all the spoilers in our Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 ending explained).

The beloved show is putting all the pieces together for its epic finale, which will be released in a little over a month.

For more, read our Stranger Things volume 1 review, and check out our Stranger Things season 5 release schedule so you can get ready for the next chapter. In the meantime, choose one of the other best Netflix shows for your next watch.

Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. CATEGORIES Netflix Streaming Services Mireia MullorContributing Writer

Mireia is a UK-based culture journalist and critic. She previously worked as Deputy Movies Editor at Digital Spy, and her work as a freelance writer has appeared in WeLoveCinema and Spanish magazines Fotogramas, Esquire, and Elle. She is also a published author, having written a book about Studio Ghibli's 'Kiki's Delivery Service' in 2023. Talking about anime and musicals is the best way to grab her attention.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Logout Read more Stranger Things creators say season 5 will finally reveal "what the Upside Down actually is" after "purposely" holding back for "almost 10 years": "We really wanted the show to come full circle"    Stranger Things season 5 will finally explain the Netflix show's biggest mystery: what the Upside Down is    Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 ending explained: who dies and how those huge revelations set up volume 2    Stranger Things creators say they've known the final scene for "six or seven years," and "always knew what the last 40 minutes were going to be"    Stranger Things creators defend season 5's three-part split, and you'll be fine with it too once you hear their plans for Volume One's "mega-movie"    Stranger Things creators say there are shots from the final episode of the Netflix show in the latest trailer, and that one blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment "plays a very important role on the show"    Latest in Sci-Fi Shows How well do you know Star Trek?    Stranger Things fans are divided about maligned season 2 episode after the return of a key character in season 5: "It was pointless"    Stranger Things fans think season 5's standout character is hilarious newcomer Derek Turnbow, and we agree    Stranger Things star says Vecna and Will's relationship mirrors that of Harry Potter and Voldemort, and the side-by-side shot is uncanny    Stranger Things fans have noticed that Steve and Will didn't interact until season 5: "Acting like coworkers on different shifts"    Vecna's master plan is way more terrifying than we first thought as fans spot a major clue in season 5 volume 1    Latest in News Silent Hill f owes its popularity to fan art, theories, memes, and more, say leads: "Games that do get talked about even months after release are the ones that are fun to theorize about"    Old copy of Fortnite from before it went free-to-play sells for $42,500, and while you might think that's weird, remember that the person who bought it probably won't play it anyway    Stranger Things creator reveals exactly when we'll finally learn the truth about the Upside Down: "This is something that has been planned for 10 years now"    Palworld dev isn’t impressed by "so-called" AAA, prefers indies since they "include the kind of systems you can’t find in other games": "AAA titles are overwhelmingly about graphic quality and fidelity"    Demon Slayer's Tanjiro actor and manga diehard says Infinity Castle sequel fights could surpass the Akaza showdown: "It's gonna blow some minds, for sure"    GTA 6 might've won the "Most Wanted Game" award at the Golden Joysticks, but The Witcher 4 wasn't far behind    GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

1. 1Escape from Tarkov review: "An extraction shooter that will make you truly miserable if you let it, but can offer dizzying highs you won't find elsewhere"
2. 2Fans think this is the best strategy board game ever made, and I have to admit that they've got a point
3. 3Constance review: "If Hollow Knight: Silksong seems too daunting, this wonderful paint powered adventure should do nicely"
4. 4This enthralling team board game is perfect for playing with family this Thanksgiving
5. 5Kirby Air Riders review: "This racer is also equal parts fighting game, minigame collection, and roguelike – and I'm shocked at how well that works"

1. 1Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery review: "Brings Knives Out back to its roots for a sequel that's almost on a par with the original"
2. 2Wicked: For Good review: "Builds to an incredibly cathartic conclusion, but isn't quite as captivating as Part 1"
3. 3The Running Man review: "Some fun action and Glen Powell's star power aren't enough to energize this disappointing Stephen King adaptation"
4. 4Predator: Badlands review: "Die-hard fans may be disappointed, but as a blockbuster action-adventure, Badlands kills it"
5. 5Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc review "Storytelling just as compelling as the chainsaws, devils, and visually excessive fight scenes"

1. 1Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 review: “Can the Duffer brothers stick the landing? It’s sure looking like they will”
2. 2Pluribus season 1 review: "Easily one of the year's best dramas"
3. 3The Witcher season 4 review: "The Henry Cavill-less fourth season is the best yet"
4. 4IT: Welcome to Derry review: "A supremely confident step back into the history of Stephen King's cursed town and killer clown"
5. 5Splinter Cell: Deathwatch review: "A pale imitation of the long-dormant stealth franchise"