After one of the great cliffhangers in the show’s history, fans are eager to gather every detail aboutStranger Things 5. Understandably, season 5, the finale of Netflix’sStranger Things,is now one of television’s most highly anticipated events. Since Vecna succeeded in tearing open a massive gate to the Upside Down, audiences now expect the heroes of Hawkins to engage in an epic final battle against the evil psychic and his army of monsters.
At this point, details regarding the season to end all seasons have been scarce, and the world likely won’t get to see the show’s last episodes for quite a while. In the meantime, here’s everything that has been revealed and should be expected fromStranger Things 5.
Stranger Things season 5 release date
LikeStranger Thingsseason 4, the final season will be split into multiple volumes. Volume 1 (episodes 1-4) will premiere on July 30, 2025. Volume 2 (episodes 5-7) will premiere on July 17, 2025. The series finale willpremiere on August 25, 2025.
Will Stranger Things season 5 get a theatrical release?
While the season’s premiere date is still unknown, it has beenrumoredthat the first episode will be shown in theaters, just like how the season 4 finale got a theatrical screening. Considering the epic plot and scope of said finale, this venue implies audiences will get a cinematic treat right out of the gate.
Is there a trailer for Stranger Things 5?
According toStranger Things Hub, Netflix shared exclusive footage ofStranger Thingsseason 5 with journalists at the Next on Netflix event. The trailer is said to depict Max running through The Void, Vecna after recovering from his injuries from season 4, Eleven wearing oversized clothes to hide her identity, someone being attacked by Vecna, and the Demodogs from season 2 returning. Eleven is also shown, supposedly using her psychic powers in the Upside Down. There are also supposedly shots of the stained glass window from the Creel House and Will in the Upside Down.
Netflix finally released a first look atStranger Thingsseason 5 to announce the release dates of its episodes. While most of the video featured archival footage from previous seasons, it does show new footage of Joyce wielding an ax against a Demogorgon, Karen and Holly Wheeler holding each other in fear, and armed soldiers surrounding an orange light erupting from the floor. The video ends with Will screaming for everyone to run, heralding the arrival of something big and terrifying.
On August 05, 2025, Netflix released an official teaser forStranger Thingsseason 5. This exhilarating video features shots of Hawkins occupied by the military, stationed in front of a gate to the Upside Down. There are also shots of heroes facing off against Demogorgons, the Mind Flayer swirling up a radio tower, and Vecna returning with a spiky new form.
Stranger Things season 5 cast
Season 4 spent a lot of time introducing a variety of new characters like Eddie, Argyle, Dmitri, Yuri, Vecna, and Victor Creel, to name a few. This all contributed to the season’s extraordinarily long runtime, which many audiences took issue with.
Fortunately, the Duffers revealed onNetflix Geekedthat the fifth season will not bring in any new players to join the war for Hawkins, leaving more time for the show to focus on the original cast and developing their characters. It will also give audiences a break from the show’s habit of introducing lovable characters and quickly killing them off. We’re likely going to see all of the originals at some point, but here’s a quick breakdown of who’s still in play:
The new season will focus solely on the originals, which is certainly a welcome move for the final season. Of course, there may or may not be a cameo — through a flashback or something — of Joseph Quinn’s Eddie Munson, who did perish last season in a glorious battle of metal and blood. When asked whether or not Eddie will appear, Quinnsaid, “I do know [the answer], but I’m not telling you.”
As for newcomer Argyle, actor Eduardo Franco stated in aYouTube channel interviewwith Steve Varley that he doesn’t think his character will return. “It’s nice to hear that there’s some kind of concern or something, you know what I mean? But I’ve never, I never got a phone call, so I think, yeah, I think that’s it,” he said.
Another recurring character will not appear in the final season: Dustin’s mom. Actor Catherine Curtin, who plays Claudia Henderson on the show, confirmed in aninterviewwith the Monday Morning Critic Podcast that she will not return for season 5.
“I went off and did [Saturday Night],” said Curtin. “I’m not a part of theStranger Thingsseason 5, but I have interacted with a few of those guys, and what I’m told is that it’s kind of amazing, and they work their butts off, and that it’s brilliant. And I think it will not disappoint.”
Who is joining the cast of Stranger Things season 5?
For the show’s first four seasons, Holly Wheeler has been played by twins Anniston and Tinsley Price; however, the character’s alleged recasting suggests that she will have a much larger role, one that requires Nell Fisher’s talents. Fisher was featured prominently in the trailers for season 5. The young actor was evenseenriding bikes with Mike and Will during shooting, implying that she will join her brother’s Party in their adventures throughout Hawkins.
According toKnight Edge Media, Netflix is looking for a new actor to play Hopper’s dead daughter Sara as a 5-year-old in season 5. She was previously portrayed by Elle Graham in season 1. Since it looks like Sara will reappear in the show, perhaps Hopper will still have to overcome the pain of his daughter’s loss in what could be a satisfying climax to his character’s series-long arc.
Is Stranger Things 5 Linda Hamilton’s final role?
During an interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, Linda Hamilton revealed that she was contemplating retiring from acting when she was approached for her role inStranger Thingsseason 5. Hamilton cited physical pain as the reason why she considered walking away from it all. But it turns out that her agent made the choice for her.
“I was getting ready to doseason 3 ofResident Alien. I was like, ‘Dude, I don’t even know if I’m going to get there. I hurt.’ (Laughs.) And he’s like, ‘Oh, you don’t mean that.’ When I said retirement, cut to two weeks or so later,Stranger Thingscalled him and said, ‘Is Linda Hamilton available from June to June?’ And he went, ‘Yes.’ He didn’t even ask me.”
Hamilton’s role inStranger Thingsseason 5 hasn’t been revealed yet, but she was signed on as a recurring cast member. And if Hamilton had to set aside a full year for that season, it suggests that her role is bigger than a mere guest appearance.
As for her future in acting, Hamilton said “I’d come out of retirement to do [Stranger Things], yeah. And I think that’s going to give me another 15 minutes with a new audience, which is cool … I’m really happy. I’m really happy with the work I’m getting now. It’s not justResident AlienandStranger Things. I’m getting some good movie roles that allow me to not be the military person. I really just love the challenge. I just love acting.”
The cast negotiated a pay raise for season 5
Given the enormous success ofStranger Things, it only makes sense that members of the core ensemble should be paid handsomely for their work on the show. According to reporting in Puck News, these pay raises were separated into three tiers.
Winona Ryder and David Harbour are supposed to be paid $9.5 million for the season. Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, and Sadie Sink will make a little over $7 million for the season. Series regulars such as Natalia Dyer, Maya Hawke, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery will make $6 million for the final season.
Stranger Things season 5 plot
With the major questions out of the way, let’s discuss some of the other details we know or that the showrunners have confirmed.
Eleven has gone missing?!
Who’s really looking for Jane Hopper?
You’re not ready for what’s to come in Stranger Things 5#NextOnNetflixpic.twitter.com/Zql24JRxaS
— Netflix (@netflix)July 26, 2025
As part ofStranger Things 5‘s marketing campaign, Netflix shared a post onXfeaturing a missing poster for Jane Hopper. This poster states that she disappeared on July 12, 2025, and she was last seen walking alone wearing a hooded jacket at Hawkins High School. This isn’t the first time Eleven has gone missing inStranger Things. However, since the Upside Down threatens to consume Hawkins, it is possible that she will try to face off against Vecna alone.
It is also reasonable that Eleven would try to disguise herself with her choice of clothing. Season 4 saw Lt. Col. Jack Sullivan trying to find and kill Eleven, believing her to be responsible for the murders caused by Vecna. The fact that the Upside Down ripped through Hawkins around the time that she returned would make him even more committed to capturing her, hindering her ability to face Vecna.
Stranger Things season 5 will have a time jump
According toScreen Rant, like the show’s previous seasons, season 5 will begin quite some time after the fourth ended. The fact Eleven has a missing poster reporting her disappearance on July 19, 2025, all but confirms this. One might assume that the show will pick up after season 4’s shocking cliffhanger, but the show’s creators understandably want more time to pass, given that most of the cast is still maturing and that the last two seasons took two to three years to complete. It is also worth noting that season 4 took place in late March 1986, which means the show will at least pick up almost two months after the finale.
When discussing the plot of season 5, Gaten Matarazzo revealed toThe Directthat the show has big plans for Dustin’s character and Hawkins as a whole:
“The rest of [Hawkins], obviously, [is] now finally well aware that some s*** is going down… I think it’s the same vibe we know and love about this gang and getting on their adventures and, of course, the ultimate goal of stopping all this and preventing the Upside Down from infiltrating. But in the context of some pretty serious blows to the group. Of course, Dustin suffered a pretty serious loss at the end of [season 4], and you witnessed the death of a really, really close friend…”
Netflix revealed that season 5 will take place in the fall of 1987. This places the new story about a year after season 4 and around four years after season 1 began. However, the show willreportedlyjump from 1987 to 1988, having madecasting callsrequesting vintage cars from 1988. At this time, it’s unclear if the show’s conflict will last another two years or if the show will cut to a year after its conclusion to show the characters’ lives after the war with Vecna is finished.
This time jump could have the series return to Hawkins long after the residents have evacuated the town, which could become overrun by Vecna’s forces from the Upside Down. However, who wouldn’t want to see the chaos unleashed on the invasion’s first day in the vein ofA Quiet Place: Part Two?
Season 5 will take place entirely in Hawkins
Season 4 ofStranger Thingsproved to be the show’s biggest yet in terms of scope. It followed the heroes living separately from each other and traveling through Hawkins, California, Russia, and even the Upside Down. In contrast, the final season will primarily follow the cast in Hawkins and the Upside Down, with the protagonists and the militaryreportedlytrying to prevent both worlds from merging.
While that may not sound like anything new,the Upside Down did seep through the giant Gate that ripped through Hawkins, so audiences may see the town turned into a post-apocalyptic wasteland warped by the alternate realm. Nevertheless,leaked production photosdepict locations in Hawkins occupied by the military, indicating that the latter is still trying to maintain order and contain the Upside Down.
More recently, someleaked set photosthat have since been taken down reveal shots of Vecna in Hawkins and the military in action. One would imagine that Vecna will use his psychic powers to fight off the military in anAkira-style rampage through Hawkins.
Hawkins Hospital, Creel House, and other locations confirmed
Photos onXrevealed that an Upside Down version of Hawkins Lab is being built for the next season. This implies that the characters will explore this alternate lab, or that Vecna will turn his former prison on Earth into his new fortress.
It appears that the show will revisit many more familiar locations in Hawkins. Ross Duffershared set photos on Instagram, revealing a shot of Castle Byers, the childhood fort that Will tore down in season 3. There have even beenwhispersthat filming will occur at the Hawkins Community Pool set from the third season.
Other set photosreveal filming for scenes at Hawkins Memorial Hospital, most likely surrounding the comatose Max.More recent photosshow Caleb McLaughlin and Maya Hawke on this set together, indicating Lucas and Robin will be present at the hospital at some point.The same goes for the military.
There have even beenreports of filmingtaking place in May and June at the Creel House, Vecna’s childhood home and base of operations within the Upside Down in season 4. What’s surprising is that it seems to appear when it was in its prime, before Vecna killed his mother and sister.
But it doesn’t seem like the show will return to locations only in Hawkins. There are also shots of Hopper in what looks like the Nina Project facility, where Dr. Brenner helped Eleven regain her powers and unlock her repressed memories of Vecna in season 4.
Also, some of the cast and crew were previouslyspotted filming scenesat a radio station set, a new location in the world of Hawkins. The context of these scenes is unknown, but radio devices have been crucial in previous seasons, from the kids’ signature walkie-talkies to Eleven using radio to focus her telepathic powers. On top of that, it isallegedthat Robin & Steve will run the new WSQK radio station together in season 5. For this reason, it is likely that the duo’s new careers will play a part in how they battle the Upside Down in the last season.
BTS shots of the production revealthat a church will be used as another new location in Hawkins for the next season. Not only that, there have been shots of this church wrapped in vines, indicating that it will be another location featured in the Upside Down.
Joyriding into the Upside Down?
More recently,leaked set photosandprevis shotsfrom the production suggest that a thrilling and flashy scene will occur in Steve Harrington’s car. The orange lights seen in the latter imply that Jonathan and Nancy’s team will actually drive into the Upside Down.
Will plays a greater role in season 5
Will Byers played an important part in the show’s first two seasons, having been the first person to be dragged into the Upside Down and come back alive. Though the previous two seasons explored Will’s isolation from his friends and his closeted sexuality, he has very much taken a back seat from the rest of the group. However, Matt Duffer revealed toColliderthat season 5 will have a strong focus on Will and show him “come into his own.”Someeven claim he will have a love interest.
Will has long shared a psychic connection with Vecna and the Upside Down’s hive mind, giving him the ability to sense their presence and activity. This power could be crucial to his role in the show’s final episodes, and it could even become the key to stopping Vecna once and for all. Since the show began with Will’s disappearance, it’s only fair that it ends with him getting the spotlight.
Will also has a new haircut. In photos shared toRoss Duffer’s Instagramto commemorate Will’s birthday on March 22, Schnapp’s bowl cut in season 4 has been replaced with shaggy bangs for season 5. The second photo appears to be a flashback of an old Will lying next to a young Will in Castle Byers.
A post shared by Ross Duffer (@rossduffer)
Cut season 2 content will be in Stranger Things season 5
In an article by Netflix Tudum, the Duffer Brothers have revealed that the final season will use a lot of leftover ideas that they came up with for season 2. That alone has significant implications. The series’ second season shows Will struggling to live his life after returning from the Upside Down as he becomes possessed by the Mind Flayer and, therefore, Vecna. Perhaps the latter will attempt to possess Will once more after his body was wounded in the season 4 finale.
It has been rumored onXthat Vecna will try to take control of Will’s body, just like in season 2, with the former saying, “We are going to do such beautiful things together, Will… Such… beautiful things.”
These reports do fit withwhispersthat the heroes will explore the Upside Down tunnels that were formed beneath Hawkins in season 2. Though the Gate that created them may have been closed, the new portal that tore through the town in season 4 will likely reintroduce these tunnels.
The second season also depicts Eleven exploring her past and reuniting with her old friend from Hawkins Lab, Kali. As a result, the final season may show Will once again being overcome by Vecna’s influence, and Eleven may team up with Kali one last time to save Hawkins and close the Gate once and for all.
The finale is going to be emotional
While talking toThe Hollywood Reporter, the Duffer Brothers and executive producer Shawn Levy made it clear that the season’s storyline is going to be an emotional rollercoaster of a ride. “We did get our executives to cry, which I felt was a good sign that these executives were crying.”
Levy also made it clear that the story will center on the beloved characters. “Season five is already so clearly taking care of these stories of the characters because that’s always been the lifeblood ofStranger Things.”
Another little tidbit they shared is that the theme, tone, and experience would go full circle, meaning the fifth season will be more reminiscent of the show’s earlier seasons, just on a bigger scale. Whatever the case may be, we’re excited, and we can’t wait.
Will there be any new monsters?
Each season of the show has introduced a new breed of monster from the Upside Down, with the fourth giving audiences the flying Demobats. If the next season follows this pattern, Vecna could pull out all the stops and introduce some new creatures to attack Hawkins. Nancy did have a vision of a “giant monster with a gaping mouth” leading Vecna’s army of monsters. While she could be referring to the Mind Flayer (as it fits this description of the Spider Monster in season 3),Comic Book Resourcestheorized that this mystery monster is actually the dreaded Thessalhydra.
In the world ofDungeons and Dragons, the Thessalhydra is a large, reptilian creature with eight heads akin to a hydra, all connected to an enormous mouth. This creature is presumably the one that was roaring and causing earthquakes in the Upside Down in season 4. The season 1 finale did show the boys fighting against the beast in their DnD campaign, so just like with the Demogorgon, this seemingly small scene could have foreshadowed their greatest battle yet.
How many episodes will be in Stranger Things season 5?
Eight episodes have been confirmed for the show’s upcoming season. On August 07, 2025, in celebration of “Stranger Things Day,” Netflix released a video on X listing the titles of all eight episodes:The Crawl,The Vanishing of[UNKNOWN],The Turnbow Trap,Sorcerer,Shock Jock,Escape From Camazotz,The Bridge, andThe Rightside Up, in that order.
In the fall of 1987, one last adventure begins. Stranger Things 5 coming 2025.pic.twitter.com/JNs5lznAwl
— Netflix (@netflix)July 08, 2025
Based on the second episode’s title, it seems Vecna or one of his monsters will take another character into the Upside Down, just like Will in season 1. The victim’s identity is unknown, but according to insiderJeff Sneider, the second episode in the season is titledThe Vanishing of [Spoiler] Wheeler.Based on this leak, the character who disappears is most likely Mike and Nancy’s sister, Holly, who may be taken by Vecna in the vein of Carol Anne inPoltergeist(which was a strong inspiration forStranger Things).
Similarly,leaked photosat the Creel House set shows Nell Fisher sharing a scene with Jamie Campbell Bower, who seems to be playing Vecna without any monster makeup. This implies that the latter will try to lure Holly by appearing to her in his original human form through another psychic illusion, much like Pennywise from Stephen King’sIt. Talk about stranger danger.
It is alleged onXthat Vecna will refer to himself as “Mr. Whatsit” in his human form. Literary enthusiasts will recognize this as a reference to “Mrs. Whatsit,” a character in the bookA Wrinkle in Time. It makes sense thatStranger Thingswould referenceA Wrinkle in Time, as both stories follow a group of kids who travel through interdimensional portals in a quest to defeat a cosmic evil entity.
Holly’s kidnapping might coincide with an allegedhospital set photorevealing that Holly’s mom, Karen, will be admitted after a vicious mauling by a Demogorgon. This would make Mike and Nancy’s war against Vecna even more personal and give an often-overlooked character in the series a greater role in the story. It may even force the kids to open up to their parents about the secret lives they have hidden for so long.
The meaning of episodes 4 and 7’s titles are vague, but they could be referencingThe Exorcistdirector William Friedkin’s 1977 film,Sorcerer. The movie in question features a scene in which a group of men try to move a truck filled with unstable dynamite across a rickety bridge. Since the military is now stationed in Hawkins, is it possible that the show’s heroes will try to nuke the Upside Down?
The sixth episode’s title says a lot, as Camazotz is the name of a notorious creature fromDungeons & Dragons. As a god of bats and evil, Camazotz is a bloodthirsty predator who commands an army of bats and spreads disease. This character is very similar to Vecna, who describes himself as “a predator, but for good,” and controls a swarm of flying Demobats. However, Camazotz could either be the name of Vecna’s new lair or another bat-like creature the villain will unleash on the heroes.
On the other hand, Camazotz may be another reference toA Wrinkle in Time. In said book, Camazotz is a dark planet ruled by the evil entity known as “IT.” Given the similarities between IT and Vecna/The Mind Flayer, it is suggested that Camazotz will be the name of a territory controlled by the latter, most likely within the Upside Down or the Upside Down itself.
The final episode’s title also says a lot about what will happen at the series’ end. The phrase “The Rightside Up” is the opposite of “The Upside Down,” acting as a contrasting parallel to the season 1 finale named after the latter. The choice of name implies that the season 5 finale will wrap up the war between Hawkins and the Upside Down and that everything will return to normal. Perhaps the Upside Down will be restored to its original state.
How long is each episode anyway?
It’s unknown how long each episode will be, but because the first one’s script isrumoredto be 100 pages long, this episode may clock in at around 100 minutes. The Duffer Brothers also stated onHappy Sad Confusedthat the series’ last episode will have a runtime similar to season 4’s two-and-a-half-hour finale.
This will surely make for a big conclusion, and the Duffers have even stated that it will give “all the characters a proper send-off,” describing it as “Return of the King-ish with eight endings.”
Who will helm each episode of Stranger Things season 5?
The Duffer Brothers will direct the first episode of the season, andpossiblythe second and fourth. Likewise, Shawn Levy is rumored to be the director of the season’s sixth episode. Along with the upcoming blockbusterDeadpool & Wolverine, Levy previously directed two episodes in each of the show’s seasons, including the fan-favoriteDear Billy.
Also, director Frank Darabont willreportedlylead the production of two episodes of the new season (possibly the third and fifth episodes). Darabont is famous for helming three acclaimedStephen King movie adaptations:The Shawshank Redemption,The Green Mile, andThe Mist. Since King’s works have heavily influenced the Duffers in the making ofStranger Things, having a director well-versed in adapting such stories seems like a match made in heaven. These whispersseem to have been confirmedby one of the show’s writers, Kate Tefry.
Who’s dead or dies in Stranger Things season 5?
Season 4 featured some major character deaths that shocked many audiences, including that of Eleven’s “papa,” Dr. Brenner. Though this isn’t the first time that Brenner appeared to bite the dust in this series, the Duffers confirmed onHappy Sad Confusedthat the doctor is dead “for real this time.”
Newcomer and fan-favorite Eddie Munson also gave his life fighting off a swarm of Demobats to protect Dustin and Hawkins. While it’s pretty clear he died, actor Joseph Quinn toldE! Newsthat he is hoping to return to the show as Eddie, at least for a brief cameo. “I’d be very up for it,” said Quinn. “But yeah, let’s see.”
Lastly, poor Max briefly died after Vecna broke her bones, allowing him to create the giant gate to the Upside Down. Though Eleven restarted her heart, Max was left in a comatose state, leaving her ultimate fate unclear. “I have no idea what’s coming in [season 5] and what that looks like,” Sink said toDeadline. “Max’s storyline is very up in the air ’cause, obviously, she’s in a coma, and Eleven can’t find her in the void. So who knows where she is and what state she’s in?”
As for who might leave the land of the living inStranger Thingsseason 5, we don’t really know, and there hasn’t been much shared about it. When asked about who dies in the show’s final season, actor Paul Reisersaidhe can’t tell anyone because he doesn’t know. “If I tell you, a bullet… You see a little red light on me here? There’s somebody watching us at all times,” he joked. Based on this statement, Netflix is hiding spoilers with the kind of strict attention that Marvel Studios displays with its releases. We’re just going to have to wait to find out what happens.
Will Steve survive at the end of season 5?
There have been fears about Steve’s fate in the final season.Leaked BTS footageof the production at the radio station set seems to reveal that Steve will be in danger at some point. The teaser trailer for season 5 also showed Nancy in tears, wiping blood off her hands. This could mean someone close to her has died, which could be Steve or Jonathan. Despite this, actor Joe Kerrypromised“good things” for his character this season based on what he read about it.
What will we learn about the Upside Down in Stranger Things season 5?
The Upside Down has long been one of the show’s greatest mysteries. This parallel universe is an almost exact copy of the human world, but season 4 revealed it was not always like this and that it looked the same as Hawkins on the day the series began, the day Eleven first opened the Mothergate.
According toNetflix Life, audiences will finally get some concrete answers about this strange world in the next season. The Duffer Brothers even revealed in aninterviewthat they had a 25-page document outlining the mythology of the series, particularly the Upside Down, since they started making season 1. “The only thing we don’t delve into in [season 4] volume 2 is Upside Down lore,” said Ross Duffer. “We hint at it. I’m sure someone on Reddit will be able to maybe piece it together, but a lot of those answers for the Upside Down, or that is really what the basis of season 5 is about.”
How Stranger Things: The First Shadow connects to season 5
The popular Netflix series recently took over London’s West End with its stage play prequel,Stranger Things:The First Shadow, which follows the origins of Henry Creel and many of the show’s other adult characters. Fans of the show may want to follow this play, as the Duffers said in an email toEW, “The First Shadow definitely gives fans some no-so-subtle teases and hints as to where certain storylines are heading in season 5. It touches on several themes and ideas that we will continue to explore in the show.”
Netflix announced thatThe First Shadowwill make its premiere on Broadway on June 29, 2025. The fact that it be presented in the United States so close to the final season’s premiere suggests that the events of the play will be addressed in the show, giving fans the chance to prepare by watching the play.
InThe First Shadow,it is revealedthat Henry first entered the Upside Down (then known as “Dimension X”) when he was living in Nevada as a child. He returns to Earth 12 hours later with his psychic powers and an overwhelming urge to kill, which he gained after being infected by the Mind Flayer. This twist suggests that the Mind Flayer will end up the show’s final antagonist after all, as it likely altered Henry’s memories to make him believe the life story he told the heroes in season 5.
The play also revealed that Bob’s sister, Patty, shared a romantic bond with Henry as a child, allowing him to hold onto his humanity before embracing his darkness and becoming Vecna. Since Patty survives by the end of the play, she could return to Hawkins in season 5 to help stop Vecna once and for all.
Is Stranger Things season 5 going to be the final season?
The Duffer Brothers have confirmed that season 5 will indeed conclude theStranger Thingsstory and plotline. That means that when it’s all done, Eleven, her friends and companions, the Upside Down, and most characters involved in the story will be sunset — hopefully, with a satisfying wrap-up.
What did David Harbour say about Stranger Things season 5?
When discussing the show’s fifth season in an interview withDiscussing Film, David Harbour was upfront about how it needs to be its last season. “I think it’s a great show, even if I wasn’t in it,” he said. “Now we’re almost nine years from filming the first season, and I think itistime for it to end. But it is, of course, very bittersweet.”
The good news is that even though this is the last season of the mainline series, we may see more Netflix shows and content set in theStranger Thingsuniverse. The Duffers have teased a potential spinoff or two. While talking toVariety, they said, “There are still many more exciting stories to tell within the world ofStranger Things. New mysteries, new adventures, new unexpected heroes.”
Only Finn Wolfhard knows what the Stranger Things spinoff show is about
Apparently, Finn Wolfhard was able to guess the concept for the new show. “Somehow, Finn Wolfhard – who is one crazy smart kid – correctly guessed what it was going to be about. But aside from Finn, no one else knows!”
“We haven’t told anyone the idea yet, much less written it,” they added later on. “We think everyone – including Netflix – will be surprised when they hear the concept, because it’s very, very different.”
Whatever the case may be, with the Duffers, we’re certainly in for a wild ride, so buckle up while you still can.
If you want to take a trip down memory lane and recap some of the story beats, be sure to check out our guide on theten most important moments inStranger Things. You might also be interested to see the magicbehind the vines and gore of season 4’s VFX.
What went down during Stranger Things season 5’s filming?
AfterNetflix confirmedthat the show’s final season officially began production, they shared a picture from the cast table read taken on August 11, 2025, by Atsushi Nishijima. From left to right, you can see Noah Schnapp, Millie Bobby Brown, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Cara Buono, Joe Keery, Amybeth McNulty, Charlie Heaton, Brett Gelman, Maya Hawke, Natalia Dyer, Jamie Campbell Bower, Priah Ferguson, Linda Hamilton, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Ross Duffer, Matt Duffer, Finn Wolfhard, and in case anyone was worried about the return of Max, Sadie Sink is there as well.
Varietywas the first to report that principal photography ofStranger Thingsseason 5 would begin in January. Via social media, Heaton, Keery, Hawke, and Dyer were reportedly on set in Atlanta on January 5. Those performers are notably the teenage heroes of the show, Jonathan, Steve, Robin, and Nancy, all of whom have had experience in the Upside Down by this point.
PopBasetweeted the below image, which shows stars Maya Hawke and Joe Keery getting ready to shoot a scene forStranger Things‘ upcoming fifth season, on January 9.
Maya Hawke and Joe Keery behind the scenes of filming for ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5.pic.twitter.com/vgTj3GhFKu
— Pop Base (@PopBase)August 22, 2025
On February 17,Ross Duffer shared on Instagramthe first glimpse of what Nancy Wheeler will look like in season 5.
The new image doesn’t give much insight into what’s going on with Nancy, but it does suggest some time has elapsed since season 4. Her hair is longer, and she’s wearing clothes made for colder weather. How much of a time jump is there? Maybe Ross will give us more clues in future Instagram posts.
On March 15, Ross Duffer shared a new carousel of photos with the caption, “Weeks 9-10.” The first photo features a picture of Harbour’s Hopper. In previous seasons, Hopper sports a trademark mustache. However, the new photo shows Hopper sporting a new beard. The subsequent photos include a behind-the-scenes look at the Duffers in front of the station wagon, an Alf poster, a set of feathery high heels, a photo of the rainbow room with the caption, “Blood References,” a realtor’s billboard, a sign that reads, “Brozone,” and a fishbowl with marbles that represent the number of days that have been filmed in season 5.
What’s going on with Max in Stranger Things season 5?
Another day, another production image (or two) ofStranger Thingsseason 5 popping up on Twitter. This time, it’sDiscussingFilmthat shared two new images from the series, with both featuring series stars Sadie Sink (as Max) and Caleb McLaughlin (as Lucas) in what looks like a pivotal moment.
Sadie Sink and Caleb McLaughlin behind the scenes on the final season of ‘STRANGER THINGS’.pic.twitter.com/SXg1IZV6TI
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm)June 22, 2025
To refresh everyone’s memory, Max was left in a comatose state the last we saw her in season 4, with some believing she could pass away. Since Sink’s star has risen since that season thanks to her acclaimed supporting turn inThe Whale, it seems Max will have a larger role to play in season 5 than originally thought.
A preview of what Stranger Things season 5 will be like
We recently got a sneak peek of what the upcoming season ofStranger Thingswill be like. On the Twitter account@strangerwriters, which is the official account for theStranger Thingswriter room, an anonymous writer shared the following Tweet:
Season 5 is like if season 1 and 4 had a baby. And then that baby was injected with steroids.
— stranger writers (@strangerwriters)August 06, 2025
Whoa! While not exactly detailed, the Tweet gives you a reasonable parameter as to what season 5 will be like: epic like season 4, but with a more personal touch like the show’s season 1. This makes sense, as the writers will most likely want to keep up exploring the bigger picture and just how powerful the Upside Down can be in the final season. If you remember, season 4 had more monsters, more characters, and more of a detailed backstory about Eleven, the origins of Vecna, and how the Upside Down came to be in Hawkins.
Because this is the last season, the writers also want to return to what made the show so special: a tight focus on the four friends — Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will — and how their bond helped those around them (Joyce, Sheriff Hopper, Eleven, Nancy, Jonathan). With season 4’s finale leaving everyone back in Hawkins, it makes sense to return to the original season’s tight focus on those characters.
One of the actors happy to return to Hawkins is Wolfhard, who spent the majority of season 4 away from Dustin, Lucas, and Will. When he watched season 4, Wolfhard was “jealous” of the scenes in Hawkins, so he’s happy that the core group of characters will be together in season 5.
Even when I finally watched the show, my favorite part was watching the other guys in Hawkins. I just liked that storyline so much,” Wolfhard toldThe Hollywood Reporter. “So, yeah, not being around everyone all the time was definitely a bummer about filming4, but5is the opposite. We’re all together all the time.”
SHE BROKE IN??#milliebobbybrown#strangerthings#eleven#strangerthings4#strangerthingsedit#milliebobbybrownedit#interview#damselmovie#netflix
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As for Eleven, Millie Bobby Brownsaidthat, despite not knowing how the series ends, she saw her character’s ending written on the directors’ whiteboard, which left her stunned and walking away very slowly. One can only imagine what kind of conclusion would leave her so shocked. Nevertheless, Brown hyped up the fifth seasonsayingthe show’s final episodes are “unbelievable.”
Even Jamie Campbell Bower had someexciting things to sayabout season 5. “If you thought last season was nuts, this season is just out of control, wild, like it’s bonkers. It really, really is. It’s bigger. It’s just completely insane,” said Bower.
Saying goodbye is hard
With season 5 set to be the show’s last, several stars have voiced their angst regarding its inevitable end. One of them is Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin on the show. The actor recently stopped byThe Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallonto promote his new Broadway musical,Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Of course, Fallon couldn’t resist asking aboutStranger Things, and Gaten was more than happy to share his somewhat sad feelings about the show’s end.
Gaten was recently seenon social mediashooting a scene in which Dustin seems to be visiting Eddie’s tombstone, which is vandalized in a likely reference to 1976’sCarrie.Without a doubt, this looks to be the setup for an emotional final arc for Gaten’s iconic character.
Gaten Matarazzo behind the scenes on the final season of ‘STRANGER THINGS’.pic.twitter.com/K82VKYeQAp
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm)August 18, 2025
Also, in aninterview with RadioTimes.com, Matarazzo shared more of his thoughts about the series coming to an end:
“I think it was just this weight that was officially lifted. I think we always forget how anxious the process of creating something from so long ago and not being able to see that light at the end of the tunnel, per se, or see that end in sight.
“And after finally, recently having read everything that’s going to be on the page, it really was like this overwhelming beam of light that surrounded the whole crew and cast. And I remember we finished reading it, and it was just like a pure reminder of family. That’s like what the show is to all of us, and to be at wrap-up is intense, to say the least.
“It’s bittersweet — lots of bitter right now because a lot of us are going to miss it like crazy, but we’re now really, really excited because we’re hitting semi toward homestretch of filming,” Matarazzo said.
On a similar note, Maya Hawkedescribedmaking this final season as “heartbreaking” in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “I mean it’s the end of a really long journey,” she added. “Longer for some of my castmates, even, than me. So it is heartbreaking. “Though Hawke only joined the series in season 3, her breakout performance as Robin and the writing surrounding her made it seem like she was always a part of the show. It will surely be hard to say goodbye to Robin once the show ends.
When it finally came to reading the script for the series finale, everyone in the cast was heartbroken over the show coming to an end, at least according to David Harbour. “The end of this episode when we were reading it – just us reading it – about halfway through, people started crying,” Harboursaid. “Then about the last 20 minutes, it was just uncontrollably crying, waves of different people. Noah Schnapp being my favorite.”
Nevertheless, much of the cast seems ready to move on from the show now that their careers have reached staggering heights. In particular, David Harbour toldEntertainment Weeklythat he is keen on leaning toward starring in movies after the series ends.
“I’m trying to navigate some of that,” Harbour said. “It’s tricky because you don’t want to s*** on the people that love you for this thing that you did that you also love. But at the same time, you kind of want to leave the nest. I got more in me. I got different stuff in me, and I want you guys to see that. I don’t want people yelling ‘Hopper’ on the street every five minutes for the rest of my life.”
Don’t worry … it’s not all a game
Duringan interview withMetroon the red carpet for the newStranger Thingsplay in London, the Duffer Brothers went on record to debunk a popular fan theory about the show’s ending. The theory claims that the show will turn out to be a long and elaborateD&Dgame played by the show’s main characters, thus explaining the many connections between the plot and the popular role-playing game.
However, the Duffer Brothers have outright denied the theory, with Matt replying with a firm “no” to the suggestion. Ross added that “would be the equivalent of ‘that’s all a dream.'” The siblings reiterated that “(they’ve) known where (they’ve) been going for a while” and “feel comfortable with it.” Fans must wait a while longer to see their ending, but at least they can rest easy knowing it won’t be a cop-out.
But the cast is still having fun
Kinda late but here are the new pictures from the duffer brothers. I will do a analysis either tonight or tomorrow.pic.twitter.com/dSCIAdttdq
— Stranger Things News (@UpsideDownScoop)June 11, 2025
New pictures from the set of Stranger Things have been released!#StrangerThings#StrangerThings5#Netflixpic.twitter.com/6tczz5qRdB
— Stranger Things News (@UpsideDownScoop)July 18, 2025
Behind-the-scenes photos show the cast and crew of the show having a blast filming the final season. After nearly spending a decade working and growing up together, it’s no wonder everyone’s having the time of their lives as they near the end of the show. Luckily, Netflix isallegedlymaking a BTS documentary on the fifth season, so fans may be able to get a better glimpse of all the camaraderie.
