Stranger Things Season 5 is confirmed as the final chapter in the Duffer brothers' epic sci-fi horror saga, and the final volume of the story of Eleven, Will and the town of Hawkins is beyond expectations. The two-part season 4 finale of Stranger Things saw the heroes in a final confrontation with Vecna while Hawkins faced another feud caused by the villain. The story still has one last arc to cover, and Stranger Things Season 5 will finally end Eleven's fight against Vecna and the Upside Down, one way or another.
The Duffer brothers planned Stranger Things' expansive story from the start, with a multi-season story mapped out before Netflix introduced the world to Eleven, Hawkins, or the Upside Down. Since the show's debut in 2016, Eleven and the other Hawkins heroes have gone through incredible hardships, losing friends and family and saving the world on multiple occasions. For each victory, however, the Upside Down grows smarter, unleashing new nightmares. It is clear that before Stranger Things season 5 ends, there will have to be a final showdown of epic proportions.
The latest news on Stranger Things season 5
Filming ends on the fifth and final season of Stranger Things
After filming almost all of 2024, the latest news confirms that Stranger Things season 5 has ended. Coming more than two years after Season 4 premiered, the long-awaited fifth and final season of the Netflix hit has finally wrapped production, although an extensive editing period is still expected. While the somewhat somber occasion means the series has moved one step closer to release, the 2025 launch window has not been shortened.
To commemorate the event, a series of BTS images from season 5 were revealed that include the cast, crew and even horror icon Frank Darabont, who came out of retirement to direct a few episodes.
Stranger Things Season 5 Production Status
Filming for Season 5 ended in December 2025
Filming would span almost all of 2024, before wrapping up in December
There is no Stranger Things season 5 release date yet, but Finn Wolfhard offered the potential early 2025 release window (through HQ). This was before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA attacks, and Stranger Things was among the many shows that were postponed. Due to this, filming could not begin until early 2024. Filming would span almost all of 2024, before wrapping up in December. In July 2024, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos confirmed Stranger Things season 5 will arrive in 2025but this rather broad window has not been narrowed down to a more specific range.
Stranger Things Season 5 Cast
The main cast is returning for the last time
Although there was no official Stranger Things season 5 cast announcements, most – if not all – of the main cast are expected to return. Stranger Things managed to avoid any controversial reformulations and Stranger Things season 5 should be no different. Even cast members whose characters died will likely be on screen again, including Sadie Sink's Max – whose fate was in question at the end of season 4. However, recent images show that Max is possibly alive after his terrifying ordeal, and Sadie Sink will no doubt play some role in season 5.
Additionally, Linda Hamilton is joining the Stranger Things season 5 cast. THE Stranger Things The season 5 casting announcement for Hamilton hinted at a connection to the Upside Down, meaning it's a possible villainous role for the iconic sci-fi action hero. Set photos revealed the return of Amybeth McNulty as Vickie, and Cara Buono will reprise her role as Karen Wheeler. Matthew Modine's evil Dr. Brenner is also returning, despite “dying” in season 4.
The confirmed cast of Stranger Things season 5 includes:
|
Actor |
Stranger Things Role |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Millie Bobby Brown |
Eleven |
|
|
Finn Wolfhard |
Microphone |
|
|
Noah Schnapp |
Go |
|
|
Caleb McLaughlin |
Luke |
|
|
Gaten Matarazzo |
Dustin |
|
|
Sadie Pia |
Max. |
|
|
David Porto |
Jim Hopper |
|
|
Winona Ryder |
Joyce |
|
|
Joe Keery |
Steve |
|
|
Maya Hawke |
robin |
|
|
Natalia Dyer |
Nancy |
|
|
Charlie Heaton |
Jonathan |
|
|
Matheus Modine |
Dr. Brenner |
|
|
Linda Hamilton |
Unknown |
|
|
Bret Gelman |
Murray |
|
|
Jamie Campbell Bower |
Vecna |
|
|
Amybeth McNulty |
Vickie |
|
|
Priah Ferguson |
Erica Sinclair |
|
|
Dear Buono |
Karen Wheeler |
|
|
Joe Crest |
Ted Wheeler |
|
|
Nell Fisher |
Unknown |
|
|
Jake Connelly |
Unknown |
|
|
Alex Breaux |
Unknown |
|
Stranger Things Season 5 Story Details
How will the series end?
Vecna is defeated in Stranger Things Season 4 Part 2 But He Is Not Killed and His Disappearance almost certainly marks his return as the final season's villain. Meanwhile, the four gates that have opened in Hawkins connect at their center, opening chasms in the city with the suggestion that anything (or anyone) in the Upside Down can now enter the city. According to the Duffers, there is already a firm plan for the Stranger Things season 5 story, as revealed in his letter to fans:
“There are still many exciting stories to tell in the world of Stranger Things; new mysteries, new adventures, new unexpected heroes. But first we hope you'll stick with us as we finish this story of a powerful girl named Eleven and her brave friends, of a failed police chief and a fierce mother, of a small town called Hawkins, and of an alternate dimension called the Upside Down. As always, we appreciate your patience and support.”
It is known that Stranger Things Season 5 will conclude the story, which means the last batch of episodes will need to be even more climactic than the ones before. The fate of characters like Max is still in the balance, and Season 5 will have to address the coma immediately to satisfy fans' curiosity. It's unknown at this time how the final season will raise the stakes, but expect even more of the Upside Down to invade Hawkins.
Stranger Things season 5 trailer
Watch the first teaser below
As the wait for the series' final chapter stretches on, the latest news arrives in the form of a teaser for Stranger Things Season 5 reveals episode titles. Done in the style of the show's iconic opening, Netflix has now revealed all 8 episode titles ahead of the return of Stranger Things in 2025. Although the names don't reveal much, It's important to note that the title of episode 2 has been slightly redacted. Instead of announcing the full title, it is simply listed as “The Vanishing of______”, with the name blurred out.
This means that the character in question will likely be familiar to the public and Netflix is avoiding spoilers as best as possible. Since the inciting incident of the entire show was the disappearance of Will Byers in the first season, it stands to reason that the final release is mirroring the structure of the debut season.
The titles of the 8 episodes are:
- “The Crawl”
- “The Disappearance of ______”
- “The Rainbow Trap”
- “Sorcerer”
- “Jock Shock”
- “Escape from Camazotz”
- “The Bridge”
- “Right Side Up”