An episode director forStranger Thingsseason 5 has been revealed, and it’s the mastermind behind one of the highest-rated movies of all time.Stranger Thingsseason 5will bring an end to the long-running Netflix series,with eight episodes coming out at the end of the year.These final adventures for the kids of Hawkins, Indiana may determine the fate of the world as they continue their battle with the Upside Down. While the Duffer Brothers will be handling the story of the final season, as they’ve done throughout the series' run, other writers and directors are also involved.
The Duffer Brothers are directing the first two episodes and final episodeof season 5, bringing thecharacters ofStranger Things' journeys to a close. Shawn Levy has also been confirmed to be returning. However, he’ll only be directing one episode, as opposed to two as in previous seasons. Dan Trachtenberg will also be directing an episode of the final season. However, whileStranger Thingsseason 5’s three-part releasewas confirmed, the episodes Levy and Trachtenberg are attached to have not been. Luckily, one director’s episodes are already confirmed, and he’s someone that’s a fitting addition to the final season.
Frank Darabont Is Directing 2 Episodes Of Stranger Things Season 5
Darabont Is Coming Out Of Retirement To Direct For Stranger Things
Stranger Thingsseason 5 will seefilm director Frank Darabont coming aboard the series. The news of his involvement in the show was first announced in September 2024, with the director coming out of retirement after 11 years to join the show. His previous TV show project before the series was 2013’sMob City, serving as creator alongside writing and directing three episodes each. As for his contributions to the upcomingepisodes ofStranger Things, he will be directing two episodes, one in Volume 1, and another in Volume 2.
Darabont will be directingseason 5, episode 3, “The Turnbow Trap,” and season 5, episode 5, “Shock Jock.“The first of his episodes will happen in the middle of Volume 1, while the second episode will be the opener for Volume 2. His directing will be complimented by writing by Caitlin Schneiderhan in episode 3, and Curtis Gwinn for episode 5. The titles don’t reveal much about the episodes he’s involved with. However, given his filmmaking career, Darabont is the perfect creative to join the final episodes of the sci-fi series.
Frank Darabont’s Movies & TV Shows Make Him Perfect For Stranger Things’ Final Season
His Highly-Praised Movies Prove He’s Perfect For The Role
Darabont is best known for writing and directingThe Shawshank Redemption, a 1994 drama that is considered one of thegreatest movies of all time. The film has been preserved in the Library of Congress' National Film Registry, while also pulling seven nominations at the Academy Awards. The movie, based on a short story by Stephen King, would not be Darabont’s last collaboration with the author; he also directed 1999’sThe Green Mile, which was nominated for four Academy Awards.
BothThe Shawshank RedemptionandThe Green Milewere nominated for Best Picture.
While both his award-winning movies are dramas, he also has some critically-praised horror projects under his belt too. This includes 2007’sThe Mist, another King adaptation which received generally positive reviews from critics.He was also responsible for adaptingThe Walking Deadto television, being the showrunner for season 1 and director for the pilot episode, “Days Gone Bye.” Because of his work on high-profile horror projects, it makes him the perfect director to showcase the more terrifying aspects ofStranger Things.
Because of his work on character-driven dramas and high-octane horror projects,Darabont is the perfect director to joinStranger Thingsseason 5. With the director coming out of retirement for two episodes, his style of filmmaking will be perfect for bolstering these episodes of the show. As the series draws closer to release, the anticipation will keep building for just how memorable his episodes are going to be.
