Stranger Things creators tease 'movie sequel' season 2: 'We want the Toy Story debate'

The follow-up season is officially being referred to as Stranger Things 2

The creators of hit Netflix series Stranger Things have revealed which films inspired them to proceed with a follow-up season.

If season one of the show created by Ross and Matt Duffer - collectively known as The Duffer Brothers - paid tribute to the films they loved as kids (ET., Stand by Me, The Goonies), season two's existence can be credited to some of the greatest sequels were ever made.

Matt Duffer told EW: “When we started describing it as a sequel, Netflix was like, ‘Don’t do that, because sequels are known to be bad.' I was like, ‘Yes, but what about T2 and Aliens and Toy Story 2 and Godfather II?’“

Such is the show's heft that these inspirations have altered the way in which the streaming service is marketing the forthcoming episodes with director Shaun Levy stating: “Everything the way Netflix is approaching the marketing, the publicity, the licencing, the merchandising, those are all closer to a feature film tentpole franchise model than a second season of a television series.“

In light of this, the second season is officially being referred to as Stranger Things 2.

“The love for this show is so rabid,“ Matt added. “We want people to argue about what season is better. I want the Toy Story debate.”

While dealing with the aftermath of Will Byers' return from the Upside Down, Stranger Things 2 will feature intertwining story strands that all lead to the “Shadow Monster,” a giant creature Will meets in “PTSD-like visions of” his season one experiences.

Ross Duffer said: “It’s all connected to this singular threat, which is tied into this shape that Will sees in the sky.“

The series - which stars returning cast members Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby brown, Winona Ryder, David Harbour and new addition Sean Astin - returns to Netflix on 27 October.