Stranger Things season five has officially been delayed due to a writer's strike for better pay and working conditions over in the US, where the hit show was being produced.
The thrilling sci-fi series, written by the Duffer Brothers, has been a huge hit on Netflix in recent years, with its fourth series leaving fans desperate for more and scrabbling for answers about where the show could go next.
But whilst the team has been working hard at producing the drama over the past eight months, according to reports by the Express, it has all come to a standstill over the recent Writers Guild of America strike action as the picket lines are drawn.
The Duffer Brothers have confirmed the news online, where they shared a statement in support of the strike and highlighted their solidarity with striking writers by using hashtag #wgastrong.
They wrote on the @strangerwriters page: “Duffers here. Writing does not stop when filming begins. While we’re excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike.
“We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then -- over and out.”
Producer Shawn Levy is adamant the Netflix series, which had been due to hit around early 2024, will bow out on a high with a more than satisfying conclusion.
He told Total Film: "We don't want to be one of those shows that is flailing while it searches for a way to stick the landing … We really want to stick the landing".
One fan wrote: "They've had soooo much time already. What with the Covid shut down and people having other show/movie obligations, you’d have thought this would’ve been written already!"
Another penned: "GUTTED. It’s been two years since the last season and you’re telling me they haven’t written it yet."
It comes as Stranger Things is only the latest in a string of shows that have been effected by the writers strike – which currently has no end date in sight.
The result of this is that late-night shows have been cancelled, production on shows has stalled, and pickets have emerged outside major studios and offices in New York and Los Angeles.
Star-studded actors and actresses including Ted Lasso's Brett Goldstein, Rob Lowe, SNL's Bowen Yang, Sex And The City's Cynthia Nixon, Josh Gad and Clark Gregg have been among those appearing on the picket lines as writers demand better pay due to the sudden surge of streaming services.
On some picket lines, protesters' signs are declaring “We can’t Netflix and Chill if we can’t pay the bills”.
The strike has been supported widely by the industry, with many celebs backing the move saying they would be unable to perform if it wasn't for the dedication and talent from its writers.
Transformers star Pete Davidson brought picketers pizza in New York, while American television host Jay Leno was spotted handing out doughnuts and coffee outside the Disney Studios in LA.
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