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'Stranger Things' Finally Explained How The The Upside Down Works, And The Duffers Told Us How They Decided Who Would Figure It Out

2026-02-16 57 Dailymotion

BIG SPOILERS are ahead for "Stranger Things 5," specifically for the Episode 7 “The Bridge”, streaming with a Netflix subscription. Catch the new episodes before you read further.

It was over nine years ago when "Stranger Things" first introduced the Upside Down to audiences, and since then, the demogorgon-filled place has become a cultural touchstone. But, fans have always wondered: “What exactly is the Upside Down?” In the penultimate episode, “The Bridge,” which makes viewing the series a holiday affair, we finally have our answer to the question. When CinemaBlend had the chance to speak to series creators the Duffer brothers, I had a question of my own about giving fans that moment: How did they decide Gaten Matarazzo’s Dustin would be the character to deliver the big news?

Here’s how Matt Duffer explained the major turning point in the history of "Stranger Things."