'Stranger Things' Director Shawn Levy Reels in Nostalgia With Snaps From Behind the Upside Down Scenes

Published 11/01/2025, 2:16 PM EDT

Stranger Things month is here, and that calls for a nostalgic celebration of Netflix's legendary blockbuster as it prepares to bid farewell one last time. And who better to lead the hype than the series director, Shawn Levy. The show, rife with monsters lurking in the dark mist of Hawkins, with all its ruckus and trailer, is underlaid by something more: the nostalgia, not only for the audience but for the cast, crew, and the creator, like Levy, who has been the bearer and explorer of this world for years. His reflection seems like entering a time capsule that is alive with the blast of the past.

And when the director unleashes behind-the-scenes photos, it is not merely a matter of promotion but an embodiment of emotions and memory.

Shawn Levy's cut: Behind-the-scenes snaps from the Upside Down

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Shawn Levy recently shared a collection of behind-the-scenes pictures from the production of Stranger Things on X. Deeming it the "adventure of a lifetime," Levy expressed an emotional tribute to each passing day on the set, showcasing an intimate look back at the show's inner workings. The director's words positioned the visuals not just as still images but as fleeting moments that were preserved in moments significant in the heart and identity of the show.

Levy captured the varying degrees of goofiness of the stars when they were teens, their laughs, long nights, the director's mood before takes, and the silent spaces between. Among the images are cast and crew members who seem to be having in-depth discussions, showing joy that just erupted from them and especially amid the racks of equipment and set pieces that signify the show's supernatural tone. Each face carried within years of storytelling blooming into a mix of reverence and farewell, as Levy himself has been emotional, bidding adieu to the show.

‘Stranger Things’ Director Shawn Levy Hints at the Final Episodes of Season 5, Fans React

With the atmosphere of a nostalgic goodbye being quietly dismantled behind the camera, Levy's anecdotes from the show promise more than just visual spectacles. 

Shawn Levy reflects on the final Stranger Things season

Shawn Levy has been a driving creative force behind Stranger Things season 5, and after developing the script for years, he said, "You're lucky if you get one Stranger Things in your life," per The Hollywood Reporter. While chatting with the outlet, during the opening night red carpet of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Levy revealed that the end of the show would be more sentimental than many would think. 

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Levy termed the final season as bittersweet with a mixture of relief and sorrow. He characterized the fifth season as a “beast,” explaining that it took a year to shoot and the last day was experienced as both personal and professional closure. The production was tough yet very significant as a farewell to Hawkins and the universe of the story they had created through the hardships of postponements, strikes, and shutdowns. However, the grim and grittier ending to Stranger Things also forged lifelong connections and friendships for Levy.

Shawn Levy Reveals How ‘Stranger Things’ Taught Him to Keep ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ Under Wraps

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What are your thoughts on Shawn Levy's latest Stranger Things BTS drop? Comment below.

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Ipshita Chakraborty

318 articles

Ipshita Chakraborty is an entertainment writer at Netflix Junkie. Offering thoughtful and compelling storytelling, they cover everything Hollywood and trending, from the latest streaming sensations to behind-the-scenes buzz. With about 7 years of writing experience for online media, Ipshita brings their voice to the coverage through industry analysis and cultural critique, a strength evident in prior work, such as their views on why the Michaela gender swap was needed in Bridgerton.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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