Netflix‘s Stranger Things has been a cult phenomenon in every sense of the word. The series has spawned countless tributes, fan-creations, and adaptations since it first aired last July.
The show hasn’t even got around to airing its second series (27 October though, be there or be square) and the excitement is already at fever pitch.
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One of the most well-known Stranger Things fan projects is the bar which takes inspiration from the series in Chicago.
‘The Upside Down’ is a pop-up bar that opened in Chicago in late August. The bar contained several big references to Stranger Things including the iconic alphabet fairy lights wall. There were also a range of Stranger Things themed drinks on offer including a syrup-flavoured ‘Eleven’s Eggos’.
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Understandably, the bar has proved a huge success with fans from all over the world flocking to it. In fact, there was some rumours that the bar planned to extend its original six-week opening to remain open for the premiere of Stranger Things series two.
Unfortunately, what goes up must come down, especially if it’s unlicensed.
Netflix got in touch with the Upside Down Bar to demand that they did not extend their run. However, the letter was definitely one of the most quirky, fun, and friendly-sounding cease and desists we’ve ever seen! The letter contains numerous fun references to the series and it’s sure to delight fans.
The full letter to Upside Down bar Chicago:
“Danny and Doug,”My walkie talkie is busted so I had to write this note instead. I heard you launched a Stranger Things pop-up bar at your Logan Square location. Look, I don’t want you to think I’m a total wastoid, and I love how much you guys love the show. (Just wait until you see season two!) But unless I’m living in the Upside Down, I don’t think we did a deal with you for this pop-up. You’re obviously creative types, so I’m sure you can appreciate that it’s important to us to have a say in how our fans encounter the worlds we build.
“We’re not going to go full Dr. Brenner on you, but we ask that you please (1) not extend the pop-up beyond its six week run ending in September, and (2) reach out to us for permission if you plan to do something like this again. Let me know as soon as possible that you agree to these requests.
“We love our fans more than anything, but you should know that the demogorgon is not always as forgiving. So please don’t make us call your mom.
“Thanks,”
Pretty chill, right?
Of course, a cease and desist is a cease and desist, but the bar’s owners say there are no hard feelings. They claim it was always their intent to close the bar on 1 October as they originally planned.
Still, could this mean that Netflix is eliminating competitors before it launches its own Stranger Things experiences? We can only hope.
