The end is near. On November 26, Netflix will launch the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. A conclusion awaited for years, as the series has captivated millions of spectators around the world. But in Hawkins, not everyone will see the end credits.
Since the show’s debut, Matt and Ross Duffer have been careful with character deaths. Despite the supernatural threats, the main heroes always escaped. An approach that some, like Millie Bobby Brown, have publicly criticized. The creators then justified themselves: “It’s not Westeros, it’s Hawkins.”
But this time, the situation changes. The Duffers confirmed that season 5 would contain “the most violent death of all”. And everything suggests that one of the main characters will die there.
Three heroes in great danger in Stranger Things
Steve Harrington, crowd favorite…doomed?
His arc is worthy of a spin-off: from unbearable athlete to the group’s designated “babysitter”, Steve Harrington has become a cult character. However, his journey seems directly written for a tragic end.
Saved at the last minute several times, attacked by Demodogs, then tortured by the Soviets, he embodies the hero ready to do anything to protect others. And this is precisely what is worrying: a heroic death would mark the ideal dramatic apotheosis. “His death would be devastating, so perfect for a series finale.”
Will Byers, the circle closes
From episode 1, Will was the one who disappeared. Linked to the Upside Down from the beginning, possessed, tormented, he has become the symbol of supernatural threat. What if his story came full circle with a final sacrifice?
The Duffer brothers themselves recalled: “Stranger Things is a show about Will.” Everything converges towards him. Vecna could use him as a bridge between the two worlds, which would make Will a ticking time bomb…or the only one who could destroy Vecna from the inside.
Lucas Sinclair, the unexpected heroic gesture?
One detail panicked fans. In an interview, Caleb McLaughlin said: “My ending was different, so I don’t know.” Simple awkwardness or hidden confession? Added to this is a popular theory since season 4, fueled by the lyrics of Max’s favorite song: “And I’d get him to swap our places.” A death of Lucas to save Max… would be painful, but consistent with his arc of loyalty and sacrifice.
And the others? What we know
- Eleven : impossible to predict. Too central to die, but a sacrificial ending is possible.
- Max : clinically dead in season 4, but still alive. His awakening could be a major twist.
- Nancy, Robin, Jonathan : exposed, but less targeted in official communication.
- Dustin, Mike, Erica : very little risk.
- Hopper and Joyce : already passed through the “presumed death” box, unlikely that they will disappear again.
Ross Duffer confided: “The goal has always been to make the series evolve based on the ages of the characters and our audience.” In short: the end of Stranger Things will be up to everyone’s journey.