An episode director for Stranger Things season 5 has been revealed, and it’s the mastermind behind one of the highest-rated movies of all time. Stranger Things season 5 will bring an end to the long-running Netflix series, with eight episodes coming out at the end of the year. These final adventures for the kids of Hawkins, Indiana may determine the fate of the world as they continue their battle with the Upside Down. While the Duffer Brothers will be handling the story of the final season, as they’ve done throughout the series’ run, other writers and directors are also involved.

The Duffer Brothers are directing the first two episodes and final episode of season 5, bringing the characters of Stranger Things‘ journeys to a close. Shawn Levy has also been confirmed to be returning. However, he’ll only be directing one episode, as opposed to two as in previous seasons. Dan Trachtenberg will also be directing an episode of the final season. However, while Stranger Things season 5’s three-part release was confirmed, the episodes Levy and Trachtenberg are attached to have not been. Luckily, one director’s episodes are already confirmed, and he’s someone that’s a fitting addition to the final season.

Frank Darabont Is Directing 2 Episodes Of Stranger Things Season 5

Darabont Is Coming Out Of Retirement To Direct For Stranger Things

Stranger Things season 5 will see film director Frank Darabont coming aboard the series. The news of his involvement in the show was first announced in September 2024, with the director coming out of retirement after 11 years to join the show. His previous TV show project before the series was 2013’s Mob City, serving as creator alongside writing and directing three episodes each. As for his contributions to the upcoming episodes of Stranger Things, he will be directing two episodes, one in Volume 1, and another in Volume 2.

Darabont will be directing season 5, episode 3, “The Turnbow Trap,” and season 5, episode 5, “Shock Jock.” The first of his episodes will happen in the middle of Volume 1, while the second episode will be the opener for Volume 2. His directing will be complimented by writing by Caitlin Schneiderhan in episode 3, and Curtis Gwinn for episode 5. The titles don’t reveal much about the episodes he’s involved with. However, given his filmmaking career, Darabont is the perfect creative to join the final episodes of the sci-fi series.

Frank Darabont’s Movies & TV Shows Make Him Perfect For Stranger Things’ Final Season

His Highly-Praised Movies Prove He’s Perfect For The Role

Darabont is best known for writing and directing The Shawshank Redemption, a 1994 drama that is considered one of the greatest movies of all time. The film has been preserved in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry, while also pulling seven nominations at the Academy Awards. The movie, based on a short story by Stephen King, would not be Darabont’s last collaboration with the author; he also directed 1999’s The Green Mile, which was nominated for four Academy Awards.

While both his award-winning movies are dramas, he also has some critically-praised horror projects under his belt too. This includes 2007’s The Mist, another King adaptation which received generally positive reviews from critics. He was also responsible for adapting The Walking Dead to television, being the showrunner for season 1 and director for the pilot episode, “Days Gone Bye.” Because of his work on high-profile horror projects, it makes him the perfect director to showcase the more terrifying aspects of Stranger Things.

Because of his work on character-driven dramas and high-octane horror projects, Darabont is the perfect director to join Stranger Things season 5. With the director coming out of retirement for two episodes, his style of filmmaking will be perfect for bolstering these episodes of the show. As the series draws closer to release, the anticipation will keep building for just how memorable his episodes are going to be.

Stranger Things Season 5 Volumes
Release Dates

Season 5, Volume 1
November 26, 2025

Season 5, Volume 2
December 25, 2025

Season 5, Series Finale
December 31, 2025