A fleeting reference to a famous coastal town in the Stranger Things series finale has ignited a firestorm of theories regarding a secret expansion of the Hawkins universe. While viewers are busy mapping out a potential new chapter, the quest behind the truth of this specific location has once again brought back audiences to the Duffer Brothers.

The sudden name-drop of Montauk instantly sent the fandom into theory mode, as many convinced themselves it was a stealth tease for a new series.

The Montauk mention instantly sent the Stranger Things fandom into theory mode, with some viewers convinced it was a stealth tease for a follow-up series set on the East Coast. According to the Duffer Brothers, though, the mention had only been there for honorary reasons.

Speaking to Collider, Matt Duffer addressed the Montauk speculation head-on and made it clear the idea was never meant to signal more story to come.

"People thinking that there is going to be a spin-off, No, but I actually think it's really cute. " Matt Duffer explained.

According to Collider, Matt Duffer went on to fully shut down the idea that Montauk is the future home of a Stranger Things continuation. He confirmed there is no spin-off in development for these specific individuals and emphasized that this marks the end of their journey.

A 'Stranger Things' Spinoff? Montauk Easter Egg Sends Fans on a Rampage After Season 5 Finale

The creative team of Stranger Things remains committed to the idea that some mysteries are better left solved forever.

Finality is something the creators, cast, and even Netflix itself have all aligned on following the Stranger Things wrap. Matt Duffer noted that closing the door on these characters was an emotional challenge for the entire cast and crew. He clarified that Netflix is not pressuring the team to revive these specific roles for any future projects.

Instead, the Montauk reference exists purely as an Easter egg for the most dedicated viewers. Longtime fans may remember that the show was originally pitched under the title Montauk before the setting shifted to Indiana. This mention serves as a way for the creators to acknowledge their original vision before moving on to different creative ventures.

The focus for the production team has now shifted toward building entirely fresh narratives within the universe.

"We are all kind of invested in exploring completely new characters and a new mythology," Duffer stated in the interview with Collider regarding the future. Sometimes a location is just a tribute to the past rather than a roadmap for the future, and in the case of Stranger Things Season 5 Vol.3, the former was more true.

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Were you hoping for the Montauk theory to be true? Let us know in the comments below.