With Stranger Things’ final season making its way to Netflix in November, there are a lot of predictions and conspiracies going around. Stranger Things has had a good, long run spanning from 2016 to almost 2026. Fans have adored and followed the show devotedly for ten years. Ten years of plot twists, laughter, thrills, and heartbreak. This show has touched the hearts of many. It’s definitely made me sob a time or two. Especially because I felt like I’ve grown up with the cast myself. I started Stranger Things as a little girl in sixth grade and now it’s ending as I’m in my junior year of college. It’s wild to see this amazing story finally conclude. These are my predictions for Stranger Things 5!
Deaths
I think there are many possibilities for many characters to die in ST5. Everyone is on the chopping block this season which is absolutely terrifying.
There are some deaths that seem like they are going to inevitably happen. Eleven and Steve are speculated to be the most likely deaths.
Eleven has had close calls with death since season one, and I believe that the only way she’ll be able to kill whatever villain they face is going to be if she sacrifices herself. She would give Hopper and Mike a goodbye without telling them she was going to die fighting.
Steve is a beloved character who has done nothing but protect other characters and comfort the audience. Steve is one of my FAVORITE characters, and I hate to say it, but he could very well die this season. It seems obvious but also too heartbreaking not to do. I predict he would die the same way Eleven would. He would sacrifice himself for Dustin or Robin in a small-scale battle, most likely dying in Dustin’s arms.
Less obvious deaths are feasible as well. The Duffer Brothers give off the vibe that they are going to include some random or surprise deaths that we do not see coming. I feel like these deaths would be most likely Dustin, Lucas, or Robin.
I feel like Dustin’s death would definitely be from saving Steve. It would be a situation where we are absolutely certain Steve is going to die. For example, Steve’s about to get shot or something sharp is headed for him. In the end, Dustin would jump in front of him/sacrifice himself instead. Dustin is such a lovable character that the audience loves so deeply. Because his death would hit home for a lot of people, the Duffer Brothers are very likely to kill him off.
Lucas’ death would probably be sacrificing himself for Max or trading Max’s life for his own. Max’s life was almost taken, and Lucas would do anything for her, so I feel like it’s not too far-fetched. Lucas would be such a surprise to kill, much like Dustin. They’re both been in the show since season one. I believe his death would be devastating and shocking.
Robin’s death would be completely random. Like she had just defeated a creature and while she’s celebrating another creature comes out of nowhere. It would be abrupt and sudden. Robin is a character that we slowly fell in love with. She’s so innocent yet assertive at times which makes her so endearing. And would make her death unbelievable.
Villains
Villains are hard to predict. We know for certain that Vecna is making a return to the show. But I have a feeling that Vecna is not the only villain we will come across. The Duffer Brothers love their twists and turns. And I think having the same villain is a tad boring. I think there is some bigger bad waiting to unleash itself on Hawkins.
This could mean the ultimate return of the Mind Flayer. While we saw it’s “end” in ST3, I believe it wasn’t truly defeated. I think it was hurt but not destroyed. I would love to see a huge final battle between Eleven and the Mind Flayer. It would be such a full circle moment since the Mind Flayer was introduced so long ago and has been prominent in each season except the last. It would be the perfect climax fight.
But I would also not mind seeing a new “big bad” introduced. Something bigger than Venca, something bigger than the Mind Flayer. Something new and just as horrific.
Returns/cameos
I would DIE to see some characters make surprise appearances in the final season! I think the top three I would love to see would be Eddie, Billy, and Barb.
Eddie is a newer character who died in the same season where he debuts. A lot of fans fell in love with this character and hoped blindly that he is somehow alive. While I believe he is truly dead, I do think a tribute to his character in some form of another would give the fans closure.
Billy’s character had an arc similar to Steve. They were both introduced as bullies and characters that the audience hated. But with masterful storytelling, we started to empathize with both of them. Billy got such a great redemption with a heartbreaking end. I think some kind of moment between him and Max would allow for this character to be put to rest. Or even Billy telling Lucas to take care of Max would also be such a great moment.
Finally, Barb was one of the first real deaths that shocked fans. #JusticeForBarb was a huge part of the Stranger Things fanbase when season one aired. Many felt sorry for Barb and wished she had more screen time. I think giving Barb a cameo would really bring the story all the way back to its roots. Barb’s return would bring nostalgia and comfort to so many viewers. Especially, giving Nancy and Barb a scene together to talk or have a true goodbye would heal so many fans.
Ending for all
I think the ending will be a large-scale final battle between Eleven and the main villain, whether that’s Vecna, the remnants of the Mind Flayer, or some new kind of evil. Eleven will ultimately have to sacrifice herself to save Hawkins and the world. With a tearful goodbye to Mike, Hopper, and the others, she will end the evil as well as herself in the process. This will also lead to permanent closure of the gate, sealing off the Upside Down for good. Despite her death, I’m sure they will hint at her still being alive.
I think that everyone else who remains will leave Hawkins. Or I think Hawkins will turn into some kind of Area 51 that the government will continue to study. Either way, I think those who are still living after the battle at Hawkins will be scarred for life. But I think they will still be close with each other and attempt to live happy lives. I think after all the heartbreak the Duffer Brothers will put us through in ST5, they will leave us with a message of hope.
final thought
I really, really hope that this is the end. I’m not a big fan of creators who claim a last season but then continue on. Stranger Things have given us more than enough these last ten years. As much as I hate to see it go, I think it’s time to move on. This chapter has ended, and the book should be shut.