Matt and Ross Duffer, creators of Netflix’s Stranger Things, discuss the show’s popularity and final season with Variety, including the viral success of season four’s Kate Bush scene.
The production of the show’s final season recently wrapped, after nearly a year of filming, and is now entering its post-production phase.
Reflecting on the emotional farewell, Ross Duffer shared, “It was definitely sad. We’re not going to tell the story with these characters anymore, with that crew or those actors. We were all exhausted, but at the same time, we all had to take some time to mourn the loss of it.”
That’s a wrap on Stranger Things. See you in 2025 pic.twitter.com/29htbnDf7E
— Stranger Things (@Stranger_Things) December 20, 2024
One of the most iconic moments in the latest season was the use of Kate Bush’s 1985 classic, ‘Running Up That Hill’, which played a crucial role in the storyline of Sadie Sink’s character, Max. Trapped in a dark dimension by the villain Vecna, Max’s friends use the song to help her break free from his influence, believing her favourite music would help her escape.
The scene went viral on social media, not only for its emotional intensity but also for the creative use of a pop song to heighten tension, making it a defining moment in the series.
The impact of the scene extended beyond the show, highlighting how younger audiences are embracing the mix of older and contemporary music.
In his interview with Variety, Matt Duffer commented on this moment, stating: “You can’t really manufacture it. If you try to manufacture it, you’re almost guaranteed for it to not hit. The Kate Bush thing, I thought that episode was cool, and I love Kate Bush. But no, I wasn’t expecting it to resonate with Gen Z in a particular way. But that is one of the fun things about putting it out.”
The scene also underscores the significant connection between visual storytelling and music, as this pivotal moment reignited interest in Bush’s work.
The song surpassed 1 billion streams, 37 years after its original release, prompting a heartfelt response from the English singer-songwriter, who recognised the achievement with a thank you to fans “for sending this song on such an impossibly astonishing journey.”
Matt Duffer added that these moments often emerge organically, “I know the things we’re excited about, but usually, from the Kate Bush aspect of it, those come out of left field. I’m sure that will happen again. That’s part of the cool thing: You put it out into the world, and it does things that you expect and then it does things that you don’t expect.”
Kate Bush shares rare statement in response to Stranger Things’ “Running Up That Hill” boost.https://t.co/CcUTPBopQ2
— The FADER (@thefader) June 6, 2022
With the conclusion of Stranger Things on the horizon, its legacy and impact on pop culture is undeniable. From its gripping storytelling to unexpected musical revivals, the series has left a mark on both television and music history.
Both Matt and Ross are “working as fast as [they] possibly can” to produce and deliver this final season for all its eager fans.
