The Stranger Things finale in theaters tonight is going to be a huge hit.

In an Instagram post, Ross Duffer, co-creator of the series, indicated that approximately 1.1 million people have already confirmed their attendance to see the final episode in theaters tonight for New Year's Eve. This feature-length episode will be released on Netflix at the same time as the theatrical screenings. Ross Duffer also specified that 3,500 screenings, spread across more than 620 theaters, are already sold out. He added that he and his brother and co-creator, Matt Duffer, will attend one or two screenings in Los Angeles. The series has also just surpassed 1.2 billion views and has reportedly contributed over $1.4 billion to the American economy. A box office success that could motivate Netflix. This announcement comes as the penultimate episode, marked by a coming-out scene, sparked controversy on social media, which, in 2026, remains both sadly and utterly mind-boggling. Generally speaking, critical reception of the season appears very mixed, with numerous criticisms targeting the writing and acting throughout its run, to say the least. One central question remains: will the massive success of this theatrical release be enough to influence Netflix's policy on film distribution? Coupled with the platform's CEO's statements regarding a potential Warner acquisition and his stated desire to ensure the continuity of a theatrical release policy, one might almost be tempted to believe it. To be continued.