The creators of the global phenomenon Stranger Things have revealed that Netflix executives intervened to cut two particularly graphic scenes from the hit series to ensure it remained within its age 15 certification. This included a complex special effects shot costing a staggering $40,000 (approximately £30,663) that was deemed too sickening for audiences.
The Scenes That Went Too Far
In a recent interview, co-creators Matt and Ross Duffer, known collectively as the Duffer brothers, disclosed the specific moments that crossed the line. Ross Duffer explained that one cut scene occurred in season three, depicting the gruesome death of the character Bruce. ‘It was when Bruce was melting. His nose melts into his face and Netflix said, “Absolutely not!”’ he told The Times.
His brother Matt recalled the financial sting of the decision, laughing as he noted, ‘It’s too bad because it was like a $40,000 shot!’ The only other instance of Netflix demanding a cut was in the show's very first season, where the camera showed the bullet passing through the head of beloved diner owner Benny Hammond.
Growing Up With the Audience
Despite these specific cuts, the Duffer brothers have always intended for the show's fear factor to evolve. They set out with a clear plan to ‘scale up’ the intensity with each successive season, mirroring the ageing process of both its young cast and its original audience.
When Stranger Things first premiered, the core group of child characters were around 12 years old. With the final season launching nearly a decade later, the creators feel their mission to mature the horror alongside its viewers has been accomplished. ‘We keep getting new audiences,’ Ross added. ‘Hopefully parents don’t get too mad at us.’
What to Expect from the Final Season
Looking ahead to the much-anticipated season five, which premieres on November 26, Matt Duffer offered a mix of reassurance and a tantalising tease. He stated that the new season is overall ‘not as violent’ as the fourth season, which heavily paid homage to the horror classic A Nightmare on Elm Street.
However, he delivered a bombshell for fans, revealing that the final chapter contains ‘the most violent death of any season.’ The identity of the character who meets this grisly fate remains one of the show's most guarded secrets.
The final season will be released in a unique three-part structure:
- Volume One: November 26
- Volume Two: Christmas Day
- The Finale: New Year's Eve (a two-hour special)
With the first five minutes of the new season already generating buzz by delving into Will Byers' time in the Upside Down, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to one of Netflix's biggest-ever series.
