Warning: This article contains spoilers for Season 4 of From on MGM Plus.

Season 4 of MGM Plus horror mystery From has added fresh hurdles and nightmare material for the trapped townsfolk, from massive lethal dolls to plotting villains in yellow suits.

Nearing the close of Season 4, talks with creator and executive producer John Griffin, showrunner Jeff Pinkner and director Jack Bender explored the frightening dolls, the Man in Yellow's presence among the residents and always prioritizing viewers. The fifth and final season is slated to arrive in 2027.

Griffin explained that the intent was never to deliver a grim narrative, though it could involve difficulty, loss and sacrifice, with the aim of satisfying those who follow the tale.

The second-to-last episode of From Season 4 premieres Sunday in the MGM Plus app and on the linear channel at 9 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. PT.

Q: This season of From has felt a bit different for me as a viewer because I know a big secret the From residents do not: the Man in Yellow is walking among them as Sophia. What was the thought process behind letting the audience in on that secret from the very start of Season 4?

Griffin: Much of it came from considering the villain and how he has operated behind the scenes. It seemed fitting to ask how he would most relish this stage of the game and how viewers would enjoy seeing him in action rather than as a vague figure at the edges. The last thing the townspeople would anticipate is this entity living right among them.

Q: From the original monsters that come out at night, to Season 4's giant killer dolls, horrific creatures and visuals are a big part of From. Can you tell me more about bringing these scary dolls to life this season and how you come up with new ways to terrify viewers?

Jack Bender: When I first read about the dolls I thought, oh my, how do we make this distinctive and frightening without turning silly? We studied period dolls and worked with designer Matt Likely and production designer Rachael Grant. Rachael developed the overstuffed appearance. Seeing them as full standing figures led to the idea of waterlogged forms from the lake with dripping seaweed to avoid a clumsy look. Sagging and torn material added a ragged edge that heightened the fear. Visual effects teams delivered on the teeth and other details, making it another strong team effort drawn from the wild ideas of Jeff, John and the writers.

Q: Boyd faces a dilemma this season of protecting people in town or putting them in danger for a theory that could get them closer to going home. What was the thinking behind depicting Boyd's fear for his townspeople this season and the choice he eventually makes?

Jeff Pinkner: Boyd constantly weighs protecting his family against safeguarding the town, a tension that grows sharper ahead. Early on Donna favored enjoying the present since tomorrow was uncertain, while Boyd stressed staying safe to preserve the chance of escape. That back-and-forth has continued across seasons. The core question remains what anyone would do in such a spot and what they value most. For Boyd the impossible choice always drives the drama, and Harold Perrineau brings it vividly to life.

Q: I know that I would love to see all of the citizens of Fromville escape after everything that's gone down. But this show doesn't seem like the kind where there would be a happy ending inevitably, or you know, that might not even be possible. Are you keeping fans in mind as you craft the final season?

Griffin: Absolutely.

Pinkner: Fans are always considered. The show was never built solely on one final mystery answer, as that risks frustrating viewers either way. Instead answers are revealed and the focus shifts to what characters do next, who survives or escapes and how they respond. Writing stays rooted in audience engagement, frustrations and hopes, sometimes leaning into those feelings deliberately.

Griffin: The goal is never to punish anyone involved. The series is best captured by Henry's words to Tabitha about holding onto each other when nothing else remains. Even amid hardship it centers on hope and connection, aiming to reward viewers for the journey regardless of the ending.

Bender: The constant aim was to make events feel real, asking what any of us would do. The what-if element drives strong storytelling while keeping reactions human and grounded no matter the obstacles.