Stranger Things season 5: Everything we know so far about the Netflix show’s final chapter: Stranger Things season 5 has officially begun production. Currently, the Duffer Brothers and their team are working on writing the final season of the Netflix series. On Twitter, the cast and crew shared an update with an image of a whiteboard with an empty logo for Stranger Things season 5, along with another whiteboard that reveals 8 episodes will be in the series.
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Stranger Things season 5
As well as not sharing a release date, the creators have also teased some of what we can expect from the episode, including an epic feature-length finale and a time jump when we return to the Upside Down.
Several theories have been floating around about what could happen after Stranger Things season 4 Volume 2 ended. Some viewers have speculated that Eddie Munson could return as a new villain in the new season. Several theories suggest that Max may be the key to Vecna’s plan, that Dungeons and Dragons may provide a glimpse into who the next big bad will be, and that Eleven’s ‘lost sister’ will aid her in defeating Vecna at the very end.
There is a lot to take in when it comes to this year’s Stranger Things season 5. Here, you will find information on the confirmed cast, potential storylines, as well as our best estimate for when new episodes may be released.
As of August 20, 2022, the Duffer Brothers have begun writing Stranger Things season 5. The news was confirmed by the writers’ room when they tweeted a picture of a blank whiteboard to mark “the first day of work.”
It is important to note, however, that the show has not yet begun production. Season 4 filming, which originally began in February 2020, was completed in September 2021 due to COVID-related shutdowns, and the first seven episodes were not released until May 2022, eight months after production had ended. Seasons typically have taken six to seven months to shoot before the pandemic. When you include lengthy post-production VFX work, it can take well over a year to complete a season. At the earliest, Stranger Things season 5 is unlikely to be released before late 2023.
Although the new season is likely to premiere in 2024, the Duffers have never been afraid to test our patience. Seasons 2 and 3 were almost two years apart before Coronavirus disrupted things, so we know they aren’t afraid to test it. The final season will likely mean that they will want to go big, too, which could lead to season 5 possibly taking even longer than the previous season.
In season 5, although each episode is likely to be longer than its predecessor, the Duffers plan to tighten up the episodes, as in season 4, all episodes were over an hour in length and the finale was nearly three and a half hours.Â
In their interview with Josh Horowitz, they stated that the characters will already be in action and already have a goal and a drive, so I believe that it will carve out a couple hours of time and make this season feel very different. However, they did state that the final episode will likely be feature-length: “I’m certain it’s going to be Return of the King-esque with a total of eight endings.”
Earlier this week, Stranger Things’ Writers’ Room tweeted out an image of their whiteboard, which was divided into eight episodes with four chunks under each episode to storyboard the season’s events. The whiteboard is split up across eight episodes. It’s likely that this will be the final plan for the season, which will have nine extra-long episodes, which was more than half the length of season 4.
Is Stranger Things season 5 the last?
Currently, Stranger Things season 5 is the last chapter in the story of Eleven, her friends at Hawkins, and the Upside Down. However, this does not imply that this is the last Netflix series set in this universe.Â
“There are still many more exciting stories within the world of Stranger Things to tell. New mysteries, new adventures, and new unexpected heroes are all still in the works as we approach the end of the season.” the Duffer brothers hinted at a potential spin-off series upon announcing the end of the Netflix show.
As they later explained, they have not yet revealed the idea to anyone, much less written it. “We hope that the concept will surprise everyone – including Netflix – because it is very, very different. The only person that knows what it will be about is Finn Wolfhard, who is a very, very smart child.”
Stranger Things season 5 plot
It is unclear at this point what the exact plot of Stranger Things season 5 will be, but the Duffer Brothers have offered some clues about what to expect – and teased that a very definite conclusion is on the way. In an interview previously conducted by SFX, Matt Duffer stated, “We know what the ending is.” The conclusion might change, but I believe it is unlikely due to the fact that it is one of those endings that just seems right. It also feels inevitable. However, when it is finally realized, it is of course the ending that has to be envisioned.
Toward the end of Season 4, all three groups – Nevada, Indiana, and Russia – unintentionally joined forces to take down Vecna. During his time at the Creel House, Max baits his mind while Robin, Steve, and Nancy burn down his defenseless physical form in the Upside Down. As Mike and Will simultaneously drown Eleven in a sensory deprivation tank, her consciousness is transferred to Max for assistance with facing off against the giant. It is important to note, however, that Vecna remains far from defeated, as Will states towards the end of episode 9.
I can feel him in Hawkins now that I’m back there. Despite being hurt, he’s still alive. It’s strange to realize who it was now. Although, I still recall what he thinks, and how he thinks. Until he takes everything, everyone, and we kill him,” he tells Mike solemnly. According to a new interview with Collider
As the final episodes of season 5 “circle back to season one,” Will will be the “primary focus.”
“We are beginning to see his coming into his own,” said Matt. “There are a lot of factors that have made this difficult, some of them supernatural. But you are starting to see him come into his own.”
It will be evident in some of the character arcs, not just Will’s, where things are not fully resolved. Also with Steve and Nancy, as well as Nancy’s relationship with Jonathan. Even though the characters may have taken some steps forward, as Will has done, the journey is not yet over. As we attempt to conclude this project next season, all of that will be a significant factor.”
“5 will be pedal to the metal from the very first scene,” he told The Wrap
(opens in new tab)It was wild to see executives crying who I had never seen before, suggesting that whatever happens, it will be emotional.
The upcoming fifth and final chapter has left fans speculating as to what might happen. Since it was revealed that the Upside Down is stuck in November 1983, time travel might play an important role.
Stranger Things season 5 cast
A majority of the cast members are unlikely to leave before Stranger Things ends for good, so it is expected that they will all return to the show in season 5. The role of Eleven will be reprised by Millie Bobby Brown, Mike Wheeler will be reprised by Finn Wolfhard, and Max Mayfield will be returned by Sadie Sink… provided she survives her coma.
It is almost certain that other actors will appear again, including Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley), Joe Keery (Steve Harrington), Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers), Brett Gelman (Murray Bauman), David Harbour (Jim Hopper), and Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers).
A fan of Dungeons & Dragons, he expressed a wish to see the leader of the Hellfire Club return to the show in season 5. He laughed, “I’ll be furious if they don’t.” “I’d love to, if they’ll have me.” However, given that the character died by Demobats in episode 9, we are unsure if this is a likely scenario. (For more information, see our comprehensive analysis of each Death in Stranger Things season 4, Volume 2).
There is no doubt in my mind that I am familiar with season five. Take from that what you will, Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays Vecna/Henry Creel/One, stated elsewhere. This is not a surprising return, given that the gang did not succeed in killing Bower’s big bad in season 4. Let’s hope things go better for them in season 5.