As the new season of Stranger Things appears in three parts over the course of the rest of the year, fans are more eager than ever to guess how it all ends. With new clues emerging from interviews and set leaks, speculation is running rampant. These are the theories shaping expectations for the finale. Warning: spoilers are present.
A leap toward the ‘90s?
Some fans believe the series will jump forward several years, possibly taking place in 1989 or 1990, even. In a thread on BuzzFeed, amywert25 believes, “…it would really bring things full-circle for the show to end right on the cusp of the ’90s.” (BuzzFeed). Not only would it allow the Duffers to expand into early ‘90s fashion and music, but it would also give Vecna time to recover from the brutal Season 4 finale. After all, Henry Creel wouldn’t just return overnight.
The Eddie Munson Resurrection Debate
One of the most popular (and most wanted) theories is Eddie Munson’s return. Many fans point to Dungeons & Dragons lore, specifically the character Kas, Vecna’s vampiric lieutenant, who ultimately turns on him. The parallels are strikingly similar as Eddie dies to bat bites, wielded weapons like Kas, and leaves the mortal world behind in the Upside Down. The Duffers are known for weaving DnD parallels throughout the series, so the idea of Eddie’s revival is too good to pass up. Some even speculate that other victims like Chrissy Cunningham may return in some form. BuzzFeed user EddieTheeMunson claims, “Duffer brothers have said they wish they’d realized how good Joseph Quinn and Grace Van Dien’s chemistry was before they killed her off!(BuzzFeed).
Eleven’s Final Stand
A darker theory suggests the series may end with Eleven sacrificing herself to permanently close the gate between worlds. Fans have theories, like Matthew Ramage who says, “Eleven will definitely have to sacrifice herself to destroy the Upside Down forever.” (BuzzFeed). Many fans believe her death could be the final key to destroying the Upside Down once and for all. Another theorist, chris86, believes that “If Eleven dies, then Mike might as well die, too. He’d be way beyond heartbroken to go on without El.” (BuzzFeed). Some argue that if Eleven dies, Mike Wheeler may not survive emotionally, or at all. Though this theory is heartbreaking, it aligns with the show’s long-running themes of self-sacrifice, trauma, and the cost of fighting evil.
Vecna’s Origins, and a Shocking Family Tree?
Among the more surprising theories is the idea that Vecna may be Eleven’s biological father. Theorist maddisonm49eae7c83 says, “I read a theory that Vecna is actually Eleven’s biological father, and I can’t get it out of my head.”(BuzzFeed). Though it’s one of the more absurd speculations, there is evidence of twisted parent-child relationships, such as Brenner’s experiments and Henry’s early involvement in the program. Whether this is a misdirection or a buried truth, it has certainly built the fandom’s imagination.
The Fate of Max Mayfield
Max’s uncertain fate is one of the biggest mysteries heading into the final season. After surviving Vecna’s attack (physically, but not mentally), many believe she’s trapped inside Vecna’s mindscape alongside other victims’ souls. ImmyMageMaximoff says, “I think that Max is trapped somewhere in Vecna’s mind, (that’s why Eleven couldn’t find her) where the souls of all the other victims are (Chrissy, Fred, Patrick, the Creels, and all the lab children).”(BuzzFeed) Some say that Max could be some sort of bridge between Eleven and Vecna; others say she may become Vecna’s puppet, echoing Billy’s arc, forcing Lucas to make a devastating choice.
As Stranger Things prepares for its final season, fans are left trying to piece together clues, callbacks, and character arcs into many different possibilities. Whether the show ends in tragedy, or some bittersweet middle ground, one thing is certain: Hawkins is headed toward the biggest battle yet, and the Upside Down is not letting go without a fight.