In 2016, Millie Bobby Brown first entered the public eye via Stranger Things, but a recent update from Netflix has hinted that another project could be her next big franchise. Despite premiering eight years ago, Stranger Things has definitely maintained its popularity. With four seasons streaming on Netflix and a fifth on the way, the sci-fi series continues to be beloved and highly anticipated. Millie Bobby Brown is at the heart of this. Eleven is the core of Stranger Things, and the series is the most important of Millie Bobby Brown’s upcoming series.

Stranger Things may have given Millie Bobby Brown her start, but the actress isn’t wholly defined by the show. She has taken on several new projects since Stranger Things’ premiere, most of them successful. One particular highlight is the Enola Holmes franchise. Brown plays Enola, the intelligent and precocious younger sister of Sherlock Holmes, who sets out to solve the mystery of her mother’s disappearance. More recently, Millie Bobby Brown led a fantasy movie that has done surprisingly well, and could be her path forward after Stranger Things season 5.

Why Millie Bobby Brown’s Damsel Is Now One Of Netflix’s Most-Watched Movies Ever (Despite Bad Reviews)

Damsel Is Netflix’s 8th Most-Watched Movie Ever

The biggest reason why Damsel could be Millie Bobby Brown’s next franchise is because the movie has proven to be quite successful. Netflix recently revealed that Damsel is its 8th most-watched movie of all time for the platform. The film has a total of 137.2 million views and 251.5 million streaming hours. These statistics, though exciting, are rather unexpected. When Damsel first premiered in March 2024, the movie received largely negative reviews. It earned a 56% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, three months after its release, the movie broke into Netflix’s coveted top ten.

Damsel has grown so popular because of Millie Bobby Brown’s star power and the movie’s reviews reflect this. While many criticized the film’s weak storytelling, they often praised Brown, who gave a strong performance despite the subpar movie around her. Typically, a movie with negative reviews such as Damsel’s would not see such an increase in viewership. However, it is Millie Bobby Brown who continues to bring audiences in. Her talent and Stranger Things fame are the fuel pushing Damsel along to such great heights.

Damsel’s Popularity Makes It More Likely To Be Millie Bobby Brown’s Post-Stranger Things Franchise

Damsel’s Success Makes Sequels More Likely

Although there is still a year before Stranger Things’ end, Millie Bobby Brown needs a plan following the end of her iconic franchise. Damsel could be the way to go. Now that the fantasy epic has secured a place among Netflix’s most-watched movies, it is more likely than ever that Damsel will get a sequel. Even though Damsel‘s reviews weren’t overwhelmingly positive, audiences are still watching it, so a sequel would not be too outrageous. If this happens, Millie Bobby Brown could have her next big franchise already lined up and ready to go.

Damsel is a good choice for Millie Bobby Brown after Stranger Things because of the projects’ similarities. As Princess Elodie, Brown has brought elements of Eleven into a brand-new story. Like Eleven, Elodie can be blinded by her own ignorance, but when she discovers the power within herself, she can fight back against her enemies. Both characters are fierce and admirable in that way. Luckily, though, Damsel’s fantasy setting is different enough that the movie stands apart from Stranger Things. It is a step in a new yet familiar direction for Brown.

What Future Damsel Movies Could Look Like

A Damsel Sequel Could See Elodie Saving More Lives

Although Damsel had a clear-cut ending, the potential for sequels is strong. The first movie set up Elodie as a powerful character committed to justice and fairness. With these qualities, it would make sense for the princess to continue saving lives and taking down corrupt kingdoms like the Aureans. Elodie’s title as princess is another avenue the Damsel 2 movie could go down. Perhaps Elodie has responsibilities as a princess that she must fulfill, which could lead her into another story of adventure. Ultimately, the possible storylines are pretty much endless.

Above all, a Damsel sequel should try to be better than the original movie. Although the film has managed to gain significant viewership, its bad reviews are not so easily ignored. If Damsel 2 suffers from the same problems as its predecessor, there is no guarantee that it will bounce back as well. Therefore, Damsel 2 must provide a stronger story and better special effects, tightening up on quality. If this happens, Millie Bobby Brown will have a much better chance of succeeding post-Stranger Things.