As Stranger Things approaches its fifth and final season, the looming uncertainty of character fates intensifies. Given the show’s history, it’s evident that not all beloved characters will survive. In this narrative, three central figures stand out as particularly vulnerable. Throughout the first four seasons of this Netflix sci-fi horror phenomenon, the writers managed to keep their core protagonists alive, with the exception of Billy, who, though credited as a main cast member, spent much of his time as an antagonist before his heroic sacrifice.
Season 5 is set to consist of eight episodes, titled: “Chapter One: The Crawl,””The Vanishing of [TBA],””The Turnbow Trap,””Sorcerer,””Shock Jock,””Escape from Camazotz,””The Bridge,”and “The Rightside Up”(as reported by Tudum by Netflix). Notably, the narrative has kept the primary cast—including Eleven, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Max, and Will—unchallenged by death, along with key adults like Joyce, Hopper, and Murray. With season 5 approaching, it’s highly likely that the stakes will rise, resulting in one or more of these characters facing mortality.
3 Steve Harrington
Played By: Joe Keery
Despite my personal desire to see Joe Keery’s character, Steve Harrington, survive, the evidence suggests that he may not evade death this season. Numerous clues throughout the series point toward Steve’s potential demise, with the Duffer Brothers’ original intention to kill him off in season 1 acting as a significant indicator of his precarious position.
|
Stranger Things 5 Main Cast |
Role |
|---|---|
|
Millie Bobby Brown |
Eleven/Jane Hopper |
|
Finn Wolfhard |
Mike Wheeler |
|
Noah Schnapp |
Will Byers |
|
Caleb McLaughlin |
Lucas Sinclair |
|
Gaten Matarazzo |
Dustin Henderson |
|
Sadie Sink |
Max Mayfield |
|
David Harbour |
Jim Hopper |
|
Winona Ryder |
Joyce Byers |
|
Joe Keery |
Steve Harrington |
|
Maya Hawke |
Robin Buckley |
|
Natalia Dyer |
Nancy Wheeler |
|
Charlie Heaton |
Jonathan Byers |
|
Priah Ferguson |
Erica Sinclair |
|
Bret Gelman |
Murray Bauman |
Steve’s character arc in Stranger Things has been one of remarkable growth. His journey from a self-centered teen to a courageous figure has endeared him to fans. A heroic sacrifice at this narrative’s close could provide a fitting end to his story. Steve’s demise would not only evoke a strong emotional response from the audience but may also serve as resolution for the love triangle involving him, Nancy, and Jonathan.
2 Murray Bauman
Played By: Brett Gelman
Looking at the precedent set in the series, it seems likely that if any adult character is marked for death, it will be Murray Bauman. His role, while pivotal, has often been comedic in nature, much like past supporting characters who met their end, such as Bob and Eddie. With fan-favorite Hopper already teased for death in season 3, and Joyce unlikely to be targeted, Murray becomes a prime candidate for sacrifice.
His demise might not resonate deeply with fans, as he primarily serves as comic relief. Hence, the Duffer Brothers could opt for his death to increase the stakes without inciting widespread backlash—especially before addressing the potential fallout from Steve’s fate.
1 Eleven
Played By: Millie Bobby Brown
Eleven, portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, remains the cornerstone of Stranger Things, demanding a closer look at her potential fate for season 5. With countless near-death experiences throughout the series, the implications of her survival appear increasingly tenuous. The narrative may lead to a climactic confrontation between her and Vecna, potentially paving the way for a heroic sacrifice that encapsulates the themes of love and selflessness prevalent in the series.
While Eleven has deftly dodged death multiple times, it would not come as a shock if the show concluded with her ultimate sacrifice for the ones she loves. The possibility of losing her in season 5 looms large, enriching the show’s emotional landscape.
Source: Tudum by Netflix