Netflix has shared the first images from 'The Boroughs,' a new supernatural mystery series executive produced by the Duffer Brothers. The eight-part show features a cast including Alfred Molina and Geena Davis in a story about retirees uncovering secrets. It is set to premiere on May 21.
The Duffer Brothers, known for creating 'Stranger Things,' are executive producing 'The Boroughs,' an upcoming Netflix series that blends mystery and supernatural elements. Created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, who also worked on 'The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,' the show centers on a retirement community where residents discover a dark secret following the arrival of a grieving newcomer.
Alfred Molina stars as Sam Cooper, a man grappling with an existential crisis after the recent loss of his wife. The ensemble cast includes Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Denis O’Hare, Clarke Peters, and Bill Pullman, portraying members of the community who confront these unfolding events.
Directed by Ben Taylor, who also serves as an executive producer and handles multiple episodes, alongside Augustine Frizzell and Kyle Patrick Alvarez, the series is produced by the Duffer Brothers and Hilary Leavitt under Upside Down Pictures.
Addiss and Matthews described their vision in a statement: “From the beginning, we knew we wanted The Boroughs to feel equal parts scary, mysterious, exciting and emotional. The challenge was to create a world that could hold all of these different tones at once. Which is why it was so fun to work with the Duffer Brothers – the masters of balancing heart and horror.” They added, “According to some very unofficial napkin math, our stars bring something like 350 years of craft to The Boroughs. We knew they would be great. We didn’t expect them to be so fun. They can make you laugh or cry with just a look. Makes it whole lot easier on us writers.”
The Duffer Brothers expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting its inspiration from Ron Howard’s 'Cocoon.' They said: “For years, we’ve wondered why no one has made a film like Ron Howard’s wonderful ‘Cocoon’ since, well, ‘Cocoon.’ Then, out of nowhere, Jeff and Will emailed us an idea for ‘The Boroughs:’ a story about retirees and monsters. They were adamant that — unlike so many stories about older characters — this wouldn’t treat aging as a punchline. Instead, it would treat its characters as real people facing real challenges… along with a few supernatural ones. It was exactly the show we’d been dreaming of.”
They further explained the thematic connections: “While the characters are a little older than the kids in ‘Stranger Things’ (they ride golf carts instead of bikes), the spirit is very much the same. At its core, this is a story about belonging and growing up — no matter your age — filled with adventure, wonder, comedy, scares, and tears. And most importantly, you’re going to fall in love with these characters.”
'The Boroughs' is scheduled to release on Netflix on May 21.
