Frank Darabont Says Working on STRANGER THINGS Season 5 Is the Most Fun He’s Ever Had as a Director

Netflix is going big for the final season of Stranger Things, and they’ve brought in a legendary filmmaker to help close out the saga.

Frank Darabont, the Oscar-nominated director behind The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile, is stepping behind the camera for two episodes of Season 5, and according to him, it’s been the most enjoyable experience of his entire career.

During the Stranger Things Season 5 premiere, Darabont spoke with ComicBook about his time working on the series, saying:

“It was such a pleasure to do this. I think I had more fun directing these two episodes than I’ve ever had fun directing before, I mean just actual fun.

“As much as it was a huge challenge, there was so much to keep in mind, and you know cold nights and all that stuff.

“It was such a pleasure working for the Duffers. I think they’re brilliant, and you can see it in their storytelling and the heart of the show.”

Darabont went on to praise both the cast and crew for creating such a positive and collaborative atmosphere on set.

“And I love this cast man, I loved working with every one of these actors. I love them so much, and the crew, triple A crew. My DP, my AD, the grips, the gaffers. I mean all of them, it was such a beautiful machine. A well-oiled machine.”

Despite not assembling his own team like he typically would on a film or show, Darabont said the experience exceeded every expectation.

“When you step into a situation like that, I didn’t get to cast it. I didn’t get to pick my DP. Usually, as a director, you’re choosing your team.

“Here, I just showed up kind of on faith, like with my fingers crossed, going ‘oh I hope they’re not a* and I hope they’re good’, and they were superb, superb beyond my hopes.”

For Stranger Things Season 5, Darabont directed Episode 3, “Chapter Three: The Turnbow Trap,” and Episode 5, “Chapter Five: Shock Jock.” It’s the director’s first time behind the camera in over a decade, following his 2013 TV series Mob City.

With a resume that includes The Mist, The Majestic, The Shield, and The Walking Dead, Darabont’s return to directing is a major win for Netflix and The Duffer Brothers. And judging by his experience, fans can expect something truly special from his episodes.

Stranger Things Season 5 will roll out in three parts: Volume 1 (Episodes 1–4) drops on November 26, Volume 2 (Episodes 5–7) arrives on Christmas Day, and the grand finale lands on New Year’s Eve, with each release hitting Netflix at 5 PM PT.