As the anticipation builds for the final season of Stranger Things, McDonald’s has taken a bold step by collaborating with Netflix for an exclusive themed meal. The tie-in has already launched in countries like Spain and Brazil, sparking international excitement.
With special menu items, collectible toys, and nostalgic packaging, this McDonald’s Stranger Things collaboration is capturing the attention of fans around the globe. But what exactly is included, and will it make its way to the UK?
What Is the McDonald’s Stranger Things Collaboration All About?
The McDonald’s x Stranger Things collaboration is a marketing campaign designed to celebrate the upcoming final season of the beloved Netflix series. This themed meal is more than just a menu tweak, it’s a full-blown fan experience, offering limited edition packaging, branded collectibles, and a new sauce inspired by the show’s “Hellfire Club”.
The partnership taps into the retro, sci-fi aesthetic of Stranger Things while leveraging McDonald’s global reach and influence.
It marks one of the most high-profile fast-food collaborations of the year and follows a growing trend of entertainment brands teaming up with food giants to bring immersive experiences to everyday products.
Which Countries Have Launched the Stranger Things Meal at McDonald’s?
Currently, the McDonald’s Stranger Things meal is officially available in Spain and Brazil. These countries are among the first to enjoy the full range of items included in the collaboration.
In Spain, McDonald’s has released promotional materials and special meal boxes that feature key characters and imagery from the series, including the Demogorgon and the Hellfire Club.
There is no official confirmation yet on whether the promotion will be extended to the UK or USA, but fans are hopeful. McDonald’s is known for launching region-specific campaigns before rolling them out globally, so this could just be the beginning.
What’s Included in the McDonald’s Stranger Things Meal?
The Stranger Things meal at McDonald’s is crafted to appeal to both fans of the show and loyal customers of the brand. Each meal includes:
- A Big Mac
- Medium Fries
- Medium Drink
- A serving of Hellfire Sauce
- A Blind Box Collectible Toy
The blind box format means each toy is a surprise, adding a layer of excitement and collectibility. The packaging itself is also themed with iconic visuals from the series, making it a must-have for collectors and fans alike.
What Is the Hellfire Sauce and Why Is It Special?
The Hellfire Sauce is perhaps the most unique element of this collaboration. Inspired by the Hellfire Club, the Dungeons & Dragons-themed group featured prominently in Season 4—the sauce is designed to have a fiery, bold flavour that matches the high-stakes energy of the show.
Though exact flavour profiles have not been detailed by McDonald’s, early reviews suggest a spicy, pepper-forward sauce with a tangy aftertaste. It stands out from standard McDonald’s condiments and is only available for a limited time as part of this special meal.
Who Are the Characters Featured in the Collectible Toys?
Each Stranger Things meal comes with a blind box toy, meaning the buyer won’t know which figure is inside until it’s opened. The following characters are included in the current toy lineup:
- Dustin
- Eleven
- Lucas
- Mike
- Will
- Demogorgon
The toys are stylised and collectible, likely to become popular among fans and resellers. This kind of randomised packaging has long proven effective in generating excitement and repeat purchases.
Could the Stranger Things Collaboration Come to the UK or USA?
At the moment, there has been no official announcement from McDonald’s regarding a UK or USA release. However, fans and industry insiders are speculating that the collaboration could expand, especially given the hype surrounding the final season of Stranger Things.
McDonald’s has a history of launching successful cross-promotions with entertainment properties like Pokémon, BTS, and Marvel, many of which began in specific regions before reaching a wider audience. Given the global appeal of Stranger Things, it would be surprising if this collaboration stayed confined to just a few markets.
How Are Fans Reacting to the McDonald’s Stranger Things Launch?
Fan response has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram, are full of unboxing videos, reviews of the Hellfire Sauce, and discussions about the toys. In Spain, where the collaboration is currently active, some restaurants have already run out of certain toys due to high demand.
UK fans have expressed both excitement and frustration, excited at the potential for the meal to arrive locally, and frustrated at being left out of the initial rollout. The Demogorgon figure, in particular, has caught fans’ attention, with many expressing their eagerness to get their hands on one.
Why Are Fast-Food Brand Collaborations So Popular with TV Shows?
This collaboration is part of a broader trend where entertainment properties partner with lifestyle brands to create immersive, real-world experiences. For fast-food companies like McDonald’s, these promotions generate buzz, drive sales, and tap into cultural conversations.
For shows like Stranger Things, collaborations offer extended visibility beyond the screen and keep fans engaged between seasons. The nostalgic tone of Stranger Things also aligns well with McDonald’s own retro branding, creating a natural synergy.
What Should UK Fans Know While Waiting for the Launch?
While there is no official word on a UK release, fans can stay informed by following McDonald’s UK social media accounts and signing up for promotional newsletters.
In the meantime, those eager to get their hands on the collectibles may find them on resale platforms or through international trading groups.
Alternatively, fans can explore other licensed Stranger Things merchandise available through major UK retailers such as HMV, Amazon UK, and Forbidden Planet.
McDonald’s Stranger Things Meal Launch by Country
| Country | Meal Availability | Hellfire Sauce | Blind Box Toys | Official Packaging |
| Spain | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Brazil | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| United Kingdom | No (TBD) | No | No | No |
| United States | No (TBD) | No | No | No |
Final Thoughts: Is the McDonald’s Stranger Things Collab Worth the Hype?
While currently limited to Spain and Brazil, the McDonald’s Stranger Things collaboration is generating considerable global interest. Between the exclusive Hellfire Sauce, collectible figures, and themed packaging, the partnership taps into fan culture in a meaningful way.
UK fans may need to wait a bit longer, but if McDonald’s history is any indication, there is still hope for a broader release. As the final season of Stranger Things approaches, the timing couldn’t be more ideal for this kind of immersive promotion.
FAQs
What is the McDonald’s Hellfire Sauce made of?
While the exact ingredients haven’t been revealed, the Hellfire Sauce is described as a spicy, tangy condiment inspired by the Hellfire Club from Stranger Things.
Are the Stranger Things toys available separately from the meal?
No, currently the collectible toys are only available as part of the special meal and come in a blind box format.
Is the McDonald’s Stranger Things promotion coming to the UK?
As of now, there is no official announcement regarding a UK release, but fans are optimistic based on previous global rollouts.
Can I collect all the Stranger Things characters in one go?
Each toy is in a blind box, so there’s no guarantee of receiving a specific character. Collecting all may require multiple purchases or trading.
How long will the Stranger Things meal be available?
Availability will vary by country and demand. In Spain and Brazil, the promotion is limited-time only, likely for a few weeks or while supplies last.
Is this collaboration tied to a specific season of Stranger Things?
Yes, the timing of the release aligns with the build-up to the final season of the show, expected to premiere soon.
Are there other McDonald’s collaborations with Netflix shows?
As of now, Stranger Things is the most prominent Netflix title involved with McDonald’s, though future collaborations are possible.
