The cast and creators of Stranger Things hit the red carpet in early November to celebrate the monumental premiere for season five’s first volume. Journeying from Hawkins, Indiana to Los Angeles, California, the faces behind the explosive show reminisced as the epic, decade-long adventure finally comes to a close. Returning to Hawkins one last time, Director Shawn Levy reveals he directed not one, but two episodes for season five.
Much like the roots that anchor Vecna to the Upside Down, Levy has been attached to the cross-dimensional series from the very beginning. He has executive produced since season one, and even had a small cameo in season one episode four, “The Body.” He fondly shares his contribution to season five, which marks the first ever collaboration between him and the Duffers.
“Like always, I direct two episodes every season, but because of Deadpool & Wolverine I couldn’t do three and four like I’ve done every year,” Levy tells Deadline. “So I directed six, and I co-directed episode seven with the Duffer brothers, which is the first time that we’ve shared directing duties. It felt like a really fitting commemoration of this brotherhood the three of us have forged over the years.”
Episode six and seven of Stranger Things 5 are titled “Escape from Camazotz” and “The Bridge,” respectively. Both release on Christmas day, leading up to the highly-anticipated series finale on New Year’s Day. According to Levy, it’s going to be an emotional watch.
“I was in the pitch when we first told that story—every outline, every script—but still nothing prepared me for watching Episode 8, which I did about 2 weeks ago,” he says. “You can ask Matt and Ross. I Facetimed them from Star Wars in London weeping. I couldn’t get it together. That’s how moving this finale is. It really sticks the landing, and the brothers have just nailed it.”
At Thursday’s premiere, Levy also reveals details surrounding another one of his upcoming projects. Star Wars: Starfighter is just over halfway through filming. Returning to a galaxy far, far away, the 2027 film will star Ryan Gosling. The idea of seeing Ken in outer space can be described as nothing short of sublime.
Volume One of Stranger Things 5 hits Netflix on November 26.