Stranger Things season 5 has been in development for so long that there is more speculation than ever about the characters’ fates. The Netflix phenomenon initially focused on a group of young friends, but became increasingly complex as they grew up. Each season of Stranger Things has become darker, with season 4 being the darkest yet. Stranger Things Season 5 is believed to include a time jump to take into account the ages of its main cast, and this will allow the series to continue with its heavier themes as it wraps up the story.
Stranger Things Season 4 ended on a cliffhanger, with Eddie Munson dead, Max in a coma, and Vecna arriving in the real world. Although Vecna suffered an incredible amount of damage, he appears to have survived, meaning there’s still at least one big battle ahead. Stranger Things The creators, the Duffer brothers, teased the deaths of some important characters in season 5. Stranger Things While the main characters spent Season 4 wrapping up their stories, some seem more likely to reach the end than others. Here are some of the likely destinations for Stranger Things‘heroes.
14
Erica will become a rogue
A time jump would show an older, wiser Erica
Stranger Things could develop its themes by creating younger characters with exciting new character traits. Stranger Things is heavily inspired by Dungeons and Dragonswith many of the main characters’ fighting styles correlating to the RPG’s character classes. Erica started Stranger Things with disdain for nerdy pastimes, but ends up joining the Hellfire Club as a half-elf Rogue character. Rogues are known for trickery and stealth combat, which Erica excels at despite being constantly underestimated.
If Erica still has Rogue’s talent for avoiding harm that she demonstrated in Season 4, she’s likely to survive the conflicts to come.
If there is a Stranger Things season 5 time jump, Erica will become wiser and more formidable as a character. Dustin has already figured out that she’s a math genius and a political junkie with an interest in Russia, and those skills will almost certainly be crucial in Season 5. If Erica still has Rogue’s talent for avoiding harm that she showed in Season 4, she will likely survive the coming conflicts.
13
Joyce will have her happy ending with Hopper
Stranger Things should give Joyce a moment of peace
Joyce Byers was one of the most tortured characters in the Stranger Things universe, going from a mother in crisis searching for her son to an active part of the battle against Vecna. Still, little did Joyce realize that someone she loves isn’t in danger, so it’s likely that Joyce will lose someone close to her in Stranger Things season 5. However, it is also likely that Joyce and Hopper herself will survive together.
The timeline of Hopper and Joyce’s relationship has been complicated at times, but Stranger Things the season 4 finale made their relationship official. Joyce already lost Bob Newby in Stranger Things season 2, so it seems unlikely that Stranger Things will repeat this storyline and force Joyce to deal with the loss of Hopper as well. The duo is formidable when fighting as a team, and Season 5 will likely explore this new dynamic, further strengthening Joyce.
12
Will Dustin survive to see Suzie again
Dustin actor Gaten Matarazzo hinted that his character will survive
Dustin quickly became a fan-favorite character in Stranger Thingsand may actually be one of the most likely to survive the show. While most of the actors have been tight-lipped about plans for their characters, Gaten Matarazzo has offered Dustin’s fans some hope for his future. Matarazzo addressed Dustin’s Season 5 finale, saying it will be a bookend that wraps up his story well. When Dustin started Stranger Things being bullied, it seems possible that he could become a character to rally around, continuing Eddie Munson’s legacy.
As covered by Screen Rant, Dustin’s romance with Suzie was established in Season 3, leading to a viral moment where the pair sang a song The never ending story together.
Dustin is the character most likely to have a happy endinghaving found love with fellow nerd Suzie, inspiration from Eddie, and popularity among her friends. It was often Dustin, not Will, who became the heart of the group. Since Matarazzo also mentioned the possibility of a Dustin spin-off when he’s 30, his future seems rosier than most.
11
Lucas will avenge Max
Lucas’ personal story must continue with a mission of revenge
Although Lucas has always been a central member of the group, his storyline didn’t feel as developed as that of the other characters until Stranger Things season 4. Lucas’ low-stakes storyline, in which he felt torn between his new and old friends, became a powerful performance as he tried to help Max through his grief over Billy. Lucas’s scene as Max apparently dies is one of the most moving in Stranger Things. Whether Max recovers or not, Lucas has a score to settle with Vecna.
Node Stranger Things Dungeons and Dragons group, Lucas establishes himself as a Ranger from the beginning, which means he is often the last line of defense. The Rangers, like Lucas, protect a group or person from dangers from outside, which is exactly what happens in season 4. Lucas has the most volatile temper of the group and as the Rangers are known for carrying out revenge missions, Lucas needs to avenge Max and cause serious harm to Vecna. However, it can become a one-way mission.
10
Jonathan will be the voice of reason, so go away
Jonathan’s story was set up for him to leave Hawkins
Jonathan’s character arc took him from a troublesome accidental creep to a key character with one of the best scenes in Stranger Things. The moment when Jonathan comforts Will, as he appears to be about to come out, is one of the most subtle and well-acted scenes in the series. Jonathan has often been the voice of reason in Stranger Thingsbut his plot points to him leaving Hawkins for good, one way or another.
While Stranger Things Jonathan’s story from season 5 may seem worrying, it doesn’t necessarily point to his death. Jonathan and Nancy appear to have grown apart, so the miniature storyline in which Jonathan struggles with his college choice could be setting him up to leave Hawkins for good. Jonathan will certainly have a role to play Stranger Things season 5but if Vecna is defeated and Jonathan survives, Jonathan can go to New York University like he always wanted and make a new life for himself.
9
Mike will bring the group back together
Mike has to grow up in The Stranger Things Time Jump
Mike spent a large amount of Stranger Things Season 4 worried about his relationship with Eleven, but unable to express his true feelings for her until the last moment. His friendship with Will has suffered to the point that he can’t see the pain Will feels, and Mike’s speech to Eleven made things worse. As Mike actor Finn Wolfhard confirmed that season 5 will see a return to “leader Mike,” he may have done some soul-searching in the time jump.
This could get an older, wiser Mike back in”leader mode“at a crucial junction in history, giving him an important role to play in Stranger Things season 5.
With Lucas devastated by Max’s condition, Eleven facing yet another supernatural battle, and Will struggling with Vecna’s influence and his sexuality, Mike will need to lead once again. Mike’s best scenes are when he brings his group together even when they are tired and scared. This could get an older, wiser Mike back in”leader mode“at a crucial junction in historygiving it an important role to play Stranger Things season 5.
8
Robin will have a heart-to-heart talk (and maybe save his life)
If anyone understands what’s going on, it will be Robin
Robin and Steve had one of the best friendships in Stranger Things since she was introduced in season three. Robin had some of the best quotes Stranger Thingsand while she’s often one of the funniest characters, season 5 will need her serious side. Robin knows what it’s like to feel like a failure and is the only other main LGBTQ+ character in Stranger Things. This means that she and Will must talk about their shared perspective.
Since Will’s mental state is so fragile, Robin would be the perfect character to show him that he’s not alone. As Vecna has been shown to attack the most mentally vulnerable characters, This could be the friendship that saves Will de Vecna. Robin has become a fan-favorite character, and her empathy will be needed as much as her quick wit. Stranger Things season 5.
7
Hopper will have to choose between Sara and Eleven
Stranger Things Season 5 has a casting call for Hopper’s daughter
The circumstances surrounding the death of Hopper’s daughter Sara were mysterious, leading to several theories that the Hawkins lab was somehow involved. Above the Stranger Things story, Hopper’s relationship with Eleven evolved, with her becoming his adopted daughter. Their dynamic is one of the best in the series, but a ghost from Hopper’s past has been confirmed to appear in Stranger Things season 5.
Hopper family in Stranger Things |
Played by |
Connection to funnel/status |
Jim Hopper |
David Porto |
Alive |
Eleven/Jane Hopper |
Millie Bobby Brown |
Adopted/Living Daughter |
Diana |
Jerri Tubbs |
Ex-wife/Living |
Sarah Hopper |
Elle Charlotte Graham |
Daughter/Deceased |
Stranger Things did a casting call for Sara, and while it’s possible that Hopper’s daughter could appear in flashbacks, there’s another potential explanation. The Hawkins lab once tried to convince Joyce that Will was dead, even showing her a fake autopsy. Sara could be alive or part of the Upside Down. If this is true, then Hopper will be in a difficult position, forcing him to destroy Sara to help Eleven. Stranger Things Season 5 may answer the mystery, but it could make Hopper choose between Sara and Eleven.
6
Nancy’s love triangle will have ended before season 5 begins
As Nancy became a better character, her subplot didn’t do her justice
Nancy’s love triangle subplot is better suited for a secondary character than one of the fiercest characters in Stranger Things. Nancy’s character arc has transformed her into a more updated character, and maintaining this romance storyline would be both distracting and unnecessary, not to mention time-consuming, considering Stranger Things season 5 time jump. Stranger Things season 5 could start with Nancy happily single and fighting the monsters of the Upside Down, or in a safe relationship.
Bringing Nancy’s story full circle with the establishment of her independence would be a fitting ending, allowing her to continue her journey into adulthood. While it’s unlikely she’ll die to save any of the other characters, the upcoming season will likely strengthen her relationships with many. Stranger Things Season 5 will even show Nancy teaming up with Mike for the first time. As Nancy became one of the best weapon users and Mike’s strength lies in his leadership skills, this could involve a major battle scene involving the Wheeler brothers.
5
Steve will die
Steve appears to be prepared for a heroic sacrifice in Stranger Things Season 5
Stranger Things It initially seemed to set Steve up as a villain, but out of all the characters in the series, he arguably had the best redemption arc. He has become a fan favorite, developing an older brother-style relationship with many of the younger characters. Steve has shown that he is willing to put himself in danger to protect them. This character trait could cause Steve to risk his life in Stranger Things Season 5 and finally not being able to escape.
Stranger Things often surprises viewers with unexpected twists and deaths (or lack thereof), but while Steve’s death seems predictable, it can happen under unusual or frightening circumstances, increasing the risk of any further conflicts. Stranger Things I can’t recreate Eddie Munson’s iconic death with Steve as the two were very different characters, but it could still give him a fitting ending involving a sacrifice during a climactic battle.
4
Will become part of the upside down world
This may not be the end of the will, as Upside Down may remain linked to Hawkins
Will’s fate in Stranger Things season 5 is perhaps the most difficult to determineas he is very connected to all the other characters, including Vecna. He could potentially fill any number of roles. It’s clear that Will is artistically talented, with a powerful imagination and fundamental to the Upside-Down. If Will takes command of the Upside-Down, it’s possible he could change its nature.
Simply killing or sealing Will would be a bad move, as his unrequited love for Mike could tire him.bury your gays“trope.
It may be that a character must remain in the Upside Downand if that happens, Will surviving the Upside-Down will make him the obvious choice. Simply killing or sealing Will would be a bad move, as his unrequited love for Mike could tire him.bury your gays” trope. A better option would be for the Upside Down to become a fantastical place that is still tied to Hawkins, with the other characters still able to communicate with Will.
3
Max will fight Vecna in his mind
The Duffer brothers already decided to save Max’s life once
Max was destined to die during his mental battle with Vecnabut the Duffer brothers changed their minds and allowed her to live. Killing her once again would be a strange decision, but so would allowing her to wake up from her coma without explanation. Max actress Sadie Sink joked about it Stranger Things likes to see her running, and since the Duffer brothers have confirmed that Max is alive, Max has at least one more escape to make.
Season 4 ended with Max trapped in a coma, blind, with several broken limbs and her mind out of reach, even to Eleven. Since she is still alive, this suggests that Vecna is keeping her prisoner in a deeper part of his mind. As Max will be running a lot Stranger Things season 5it looks like she’ll need to find a way out of Vecna’s multifaceted mind, or at least find a place to hide and try to contact Eleven. This could allow her to help heroes in the astral plane, even if her body remained damaged.
2
Eleven will lose his powers
Eleven will become a normal person, which can bring him some peace
Eleven’s mysterious powers are at the heart of Stranger Things since the beginning of the series. That said, they clearly cause her harm, as she tends to get nosebleeds when using them. This damage can get worse, putting Eleven’s life in danger and putting a final twist on the situation. Stranger Thingswith the characters discovering that they can no longer trust that Eleven will be able to take on the villains alone.
One of the darkest Stranger Things 5 fan theories suggest that Eleven will sacrifice herself, but as she appears to have done so before, this seems unlikely. Instead, a more fitting ending would have focused on completing Eleven’s efforts to lead a normal life. Giving Eleven the life she tried to find would be a fitting end to one of Stranger Thingsthe best characterswho after all this, certainly deserves some peace.
1
Vecna will be defeated from multiple angles at once
Eleven has already realized that she can’t defeat him alone
For a large part Stranger ThingsEleven defeated the main monsters using her powers by the end of the season. The end of Stranger Things Season 4 highlighted how unlikely it is to simply work this time, as even repeated battles between Eleven and Vecna haven’t brought down the villain. Stranger Things is often compared to a Dungeons and Dragons campaignin which the characters work together. This thematic thread may suggest how teamwork at all levels is the key to defeating Vecna.
Each of Stranger Things The characters’ core strengths will play a significant role in Vecna’s defeat, with Nancy and Steve using weapons to fight her physical body, Dustin potentially running a control center or engineering workshop, Eleven using her inherent powers, and Max fighting Vecna inside. How Dungeons and Dragons had a huge influence on Stranger ThingsTreating the final battle as the explosive final battle of a campaign would be a perfect ending to the show and the best way to take down Vecna.
Source: Screen speech