“Hand him the keys”: Stranger Things Season 5 Reportedly Eyeing ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ Director to Save Series After Noah Schnapp Controversy
Mia Phillips
Updated on April 03, 2026
The Stranger Things creators have been planning on a perfect ending to the beloved Netflix series. Following the season 4 episodes that racked up nearly 2 billion hours of streaming on Netflix, anticipation for the final season is at an all-time high. But, the Duffer brothers are in major distress over Noah Schnapp’s controversy.
As the actor found himself mired in controversy that landed him repeated backlash over his “Zionism is s*xy” stickers and his like on racially inappropriate videos, the Stranger Things creators are now trying hard to save season 5. In an attempt to do so, The Shawshank Redemption director is making headlines for being eyed to direct two episodes.
Also read: Like Noah Schnapp, Multiple Stranger Things Stars Originally Auditioned For A Different Role
Stranger Things Creators Want a Perfect Ending
Over the years, Matt and Ross Duffer have created a massive influence on audiences with their beloved Netflix show Stranger Things, based in 1980s Indiana. Serving fans with four back-to-back nail-biting seasons, the creators are now planning to offer a perfect ending to the show, with their highly anticipated 5th season.
However, there seems to be grave distress surrounding the show, as one of the titular actors Noah Schnapp, landed himself in the quicksand of controversies. According to reports, the young actor initially started making headlines during the Israel-Hamas war, when he posted an Instagram story with friends passing stickers of “Zionism is s*xy” and “Hamas is Isis”.
Further, Noah Schnapp’s controversies emasculated when he offended the queer community and was later heard using racial slurs in a resurfaced clip of him singing along to Freaky Friday. Although Schnapp’s controversies divided his fanbase, the online community slowly moved past it. But somehow, the Duffer brothers are worried about the controversies’ impact on Stranger Things.
Stranger Things Creators are Eyeing Frank Darabont
Willing to offer a perfect ending to the show amid Noah Schnapp’s controversies, the Stranger Things creators are reportedly looking for a renowned director to save it. According to reports from The Insneider, Jeff Sneider revealed that The Shawshank Redemption filmmaker Frank Darabont is in the talks to direct two episodes of the Stranger Things finale.
Considering his influence on acclaimed projects like The Walking Dead, The Green Mile, and more, Frank Darabont is being considered the best choice to save Stranger Things. Following the alleged headlines, fans appear excited for the new take on the Netflix show. Especially since Darabont has been previously appreciated for his artful, arresting work in Days Gone Bye, the pilot episode that kick-started The Walking Dead.
Oh shit! Frank Darabont is a great director! He hasn’t worked much since The Walking Dead debacle, but this would be awesome!
— RJ (@ResonantJustice) December 19, 2023
Great news!! He’s responsible for The Mist, Shawshank, and most importantly The Walking Dead’s incredible transition to live action. Love that he’s returning to episodic TV!
— Rob (Ro2R) (@Ruleof2Review) December 20, 2023
Hand him the keys
— David 💭 (@Daveyofthedead) December 19, 2023
Would be great to have Darabont back in the game. Nobody adapts Stephen King better than him. Sadly, the source doesn't sound very believable. If it were true though, the Duffers should let him direct all episodes of the Talisman miniseries.
— Jack Sawyer (@JackSawyer0815) December 20, 2023
Wonderful to bring new directors in set
— Arnold🎬🍿 (@Iam__Arnold) December 20, 2023
Now, Frank Darabont appears to be taking the “outside filmmaker” slot for Stranger Things season 5, just like season 2 featured two outside directors Andrew Stanton and Rebecca Thomas. Although Darabont awaits confirmation from the Duffer brothers, the upcoming Netflix show seems to be the perfect vehicle for his comeback, since his unceremonious exit from AMC’s The Walking Dead.
