The much-anticipated fifth season of Stranger Things is set to conclude the beloved series on Netflix, with several cast members confirmed to return while others will not reprise their roles. The show, which first premiered in 2016, has captured audiences with its blend of supernatural elements and nostalgic 1980s references, focusing on the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana.
In an open letter in February 2022, creators Matt and Ross Duffer announced that the series would wrap up with two final seasons after a successful run. They acknowledged the expansive nature of the story, stating, “Seven years ago, we planned out the complete story arc for Stranger Things. At the time, we predicted the story would last four to five seasons. It proved too large to tell in four but…we are now hurtling toward our finale.”
The Duffer Brothers also explained that the decision to split the fourth season into two parts was due to the season’s considerable length, which exceeded 13 hours. They felt it made sense to release it in two volumes, with the first seven episodes serving as a climax to the second act of the story.
As filming for the final season progresses, several cast members have expressed their feelings about concluding their journeys. Winona Ryder, who portrays Joyce Byers, is confirmed to return, as evidenced by promotional materials for season five. Similarly, David Harbour is back as Jim Hopper, and he hinted at an engaging arc for his character, stating, “I did a lot of training for season 4. He [Hopper] was in a very specific position… But now he’s back in America where they have cheeseburgers, so he will be well-fed.”
Millie Bobby Brown, known for her role as Eleven, has indicated she is ready to move on, saying, “I’m definitely ready to wrap up… But I’m really grateful [for the show].” Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike Wheeler, shared a bittersweet sentiment regarding the series’ end, indicating that the final season feels both “bitter and then sweet.”
Cast member Gaten Matarazzo, who portrays Dustin Henderson, emphasized the excitement of concluding character arcs. He remarked, “There’s an excitement there because you always want to wrap it up… But also, there’s a deep fear… it’s been pretty great job security.” He remains optimistic about the direction of his character’s journey.
Other returning cast members include Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas, Noah Schnapp as Will, and Natalia Dyer as Nancy. Schnapp hinted at a significant focus on Will in the final season, noting, “I think the story opened and started with Will, and I think ending it with him is a nice way for them to wrap it up.”
Fans are curious about Sadie Sink, whose character Max ended season four in a coma. Set photos have confirmed her return, although her storyline remains under wraps. Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington, reflected on the emotional weight of concluding the series, stating, “I owe my whole career to being on that show… So it’s very convoluted. There’s a sense of relief, there’s a sense of sadness.”
While most of the main cast is returning, not all familiar faces will appear in the final season. Eduardo Franco, who joined the show in the last season as Argyle, confirmed he will not reprise his role, explaining, “I never got a phone call about reprising the role.”
Among the cast members confirmed to return is Brett Gelman, who plays Murray Bauman. He expressed confidence in the final season, assuring fans, “The fans are going to love it.” Meanwhile, Priah Ferguson (Erica Sinclair) emphasized the importance of closure in the series, hoping for a resolution unlike the more traumatic endings of past seasons.
The final season of Stranger Things promises to be both a culmination of years of storytelling and a moment of reflection for its cast. As they prepare for what lies ahead, fans eagerly await the series’ conclusion, set to be released in multiple parts. With the Duffer Brothers at the helm, it is expected that the final act will be both thrilling and satisfying for audiences around the world.
