The brilliance of the creators, the Duffer Brothers, is evident in the richly imagined world of Stranger Things, from the eerie Upside Down to its memorable characters, which are deeply loved by fans. Fans cannot get enough of the show and are always eager to consume anything even remotely connected to its universe.  

As Stranger Things approaches its fifth and final season, it has been revealed that the creators had been in works to develop something special nearly four years ago. While the premise appeared promising, the project was ultimately scrapped by the streaming giant.

But what was the show the Duffer Brothers hoped to bring to Netflix, and what led to its cancellation?

Netflix has officially shelved its adaptation of The Talisman, the novel by Stephen King and Peter Straub, which was supposed to be developed by Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer. More than 4 years ago, it was announced that the Duffer Brothers, Matt and Ross Duffer, collaborated with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Partners.  

In an interview with CBR during the Stranger Things 5 press tour, the creators confirmed that this project is no longer part of Netflix’s active development slate. However, the reason behind its cancellation is not known. 

Published in 1984, The Talisman follows a 12-year-old boy named Jack Sawyer on a cross-country journey to save his dying mother. The Duffer brothers are not the only ones who failed to adapt the novel, as it had been long stuck in development.

Despite multiple creative teams attempting to bring it to the screen, no version has successfully moved forward. This is what Ross Duffer hinted at as the curse.

"I’m sorry that we were not the ones to break the curse," he told CBR.

'Stranger Things 5' Becomes One of the Most Expensive TV Seasons, Costing Half a Billion, Tops 'Avengers'

They also expressed their disappointment with it. However, as of now, the Duffer Brothers have much to worry about their ongoing show, Stranger Things, season 5, which seems to be getting scathing reviews.

At this point, every episode of Stranger Things, which follows a group of nerdy kids and Eleven as they battle Demogorgons and Vecna, feels crucial to the story. However, a few particular scenes have been criticized by fans, including Will’s monologue in the coming-out scene. Many felt that it disrupted the intense buildup of the moment, while others believed it was both heartfelt and important to the show’s narrative and timeline.

Elon Musk also weighed in, stressing that the primary focus of the series is science fiction.

"It’s completely unnecessary and forced on an audience that just wants to enjoy some basic sci-fi," Musk tweeted.

Moreover, some viewers felt that the writing was not as strong as in previous seasons and that the characters did not leave the same impact. While certain scenes in Season 5 have faced criticism, several fans have come to the show’s defense. Regardless, audiences have continued to tune in to watch the series, which is currently in its fifth and final season.

Stranger Things’ Cast Breaks Silence on ‘Secret Episode’ Cut as Petition Tops 300K Signatures

Are you watching Season 5, and what are your thoughts on this debate? Let us know in the comments section below.