Stranger Things 4 not expected to finish filming until August 2021
By Cody Schultz
A 2022 release date is, unfortunately, looking more likely for Stranger Things 4 as it’s now being reported production on the upcoming fourth season of Netflix’s biggest hit is not expected to wrap until August 2021.
Although Netflix has yet to confirm any information about the status of production on the highly anticipated season, several cast members have hinted at plans for the show to shoot through August 2021 and we can now add David Harbour to the growing list.
During an appearance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live to promote Marvel’s Black Widow, host Jimmy Kimmel took the opportunity to ask Harbour about the status of season 4. Although Harbour hesitated at first confessing to Kimmel that he’s not supposed to spill any updates, he eventually confirmed that production is expected to be done in August.
"“I mean, you’re not supposed to say but I’ll tell you,” Harbour said. “Yeah, I’m almost done. I’ve got one more, like, little stint. We should be done in, like, August. I gotta shave [my head] again.”"
Although Harbour has gotten somewhat of a reputation for misdirecting fans with false information, these particular comments seem to line up with what other cast members have said about the timeline for production on the season.
Admittedly, an August wrap on season 4 would mark an extended production window for the show and does seem to further support the growing theory that Netflix could perhaps be filming two seasons back-to-back. While we’ll have to wait to see if Netflix indeed chose to film seasons 4 and 5 together, one thing that is certain is that it’s starting to look less likely season 4 will be coming in 2021.
When is the new season of Stranger Things coming out?
While there is a slim chance Netflix could surprise us all in announcing a 2021 release date for Stranger Things 4, it’s looking more and more likely that we’re in for an extended wait.
In a recent report from What’s on Netflix, Finn Wolfhard, who stars as Mike Wheeler in the Netflix original series, told fans on Fanmio that Stranger Things season 4 “should be out sometime next year,” i.e 2022. Although Netflix has not commented on any of the rumors, the fact that production is not expected to wrap until August 2021 does seem to support a 2022 release date.
Typically, the newest season of Stranger Things arrives several months after filming wraps as it takes a number of months for the finishing touches to be completed in post-production. Also supporting a 2022 release date is the fact that the series was not included in a shareholder letter promoting some of the big titles coming in the second quarters of 2021.
Although Netflix could have left Stranger Things 4 off the letter in order to throw fans off their track in eyeing a surprise release, one has to believe Netflix would want to promote its biggest series’ return if it was in fact a new season was set to arrive before 2021 came to a close.
As past seasons have arrived at different times in the year, it’s unclear when we could expect the fourth season to arrive but February 2022 has quickly emerged as a favorite — perhaps timed to Valentine’s Day as the show has a history of holiday themed releases.
As soon as any official release date is revealed for Strange Things 4, we’ll be sure to let you know!