Stranger Things season 5: Everything we know so far about the Netflix show's final chapter

Stranger Things season 5 is currently filming and there have already been a few teases on what's confirmed to be the final season on Netflix.

So far, we've had a sneak peek at the cast at the script read-through, David Harbour promising big things as to how great it will be, and even seen the release of a new West End play that tees up the final chapter.

Plot-wise, we know that Vecna will be back (despite Eleven and the gang seemingly taking him down in the season 4 finale), and that Will is set to become a major focus again for the first time since season 1. We've also been given some insight into Eddie Munson's future, possible time jumps, a couple of episode titles, and which actors will be returning – including one surprise omission in the cast.

Below, we make some educated guesses, too, in regards to a potential release date and what might be in store for our Hawkins heroes as they face off against the horrors of the Upside Down. So, read on for all the latest news on the Stranger Things season 5 cast, plot, and more...

Stranger Things season 5 release date

Stranger Things season 5 production begun in January 2024. Netflix marked the moment with a picture of all of the cast back in action, which you can see below.

Pre-pandemic, each season has typically taken around six to seven months to shoot. Factor in lengthy VFX post-production work and it takes well over a year to complete a season from start to finish. We would therefore estimate, factoring in the strike, that Stranger Things season 5 won't come out until early 2025 at the very earliest. (It's worth noting that the show was notably absent from Netflix's 2024 line-up event last month).

Luckily, Stranger Things fans are no... strangers to waiting. Seasons 2 and 3 were almost two years apart, and that was before COVID-19 disrupted things. As this is the final season, they're probably going to want to go big, too, meaning that season 5 could possibly take even longer.

Just recently, Netflix has shared glimpses of Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard, Natalia Dyer, Caleb McLaughlin, and Sadie Sink on set. In McLaughlin and Sink's snaps, the latter's character, Max, looks to be in hospital, presumably recovering from her near-fatal encounter with Vecna at the end of season 4. On Max's nightstand, there's a stereo and a Kate Bush tape, which we can only assume means she still has to listen to 'Running Up That Hill' on the reg to keep the bald baddie at bay.

Is Stranger Things season 5 the final season?

In terms of Eleven, her friends at Hawkins, and the Upside Down, Stranger Things season 5 will be the last chapter in this story – but that doesn't mean it's the last Netflix series that will be set in the Stranger Things universe. 

When announcing the looming end of the Netflix show, the Duffer Brothers hinted at a potential spin-off series: "There are still many more exciting stories to tell within the world of Stranger Things. New mysteries, new adventures, new unexpected heroes." 

"We haven't told anyone the idea yet, much less written it," they added later on. "We think everyone – including Netflix – will be surprised when they hear the concept, because it's very, very different. Somehow, Finn Wolfhard – who is one crazy smart kid – correctly guessed what it was going to be about. But aside from Finn, no one else knows!"

A Stranger Things animated series, with the Duffer brothers set to executive-produce, was also announced, though plot details and characters have yet to be released. It's unclear whether the show will star new characters in the same universe, or be some kind of continuation.

Stranger Things season 5 plot

For now, the exact Stranger Things season 5 plot is unclear, but the Duffer Brothers have offered up some clues as to what to expect – and teased that they have the whole series' conclusion pretty firmly mapped out. "We know what the ending is," Matt Duffer previously said during an interview with SFX. "It's conceivable that it changes but I think it's unlikely because it's one of those endings that just feels, and has always felt, right. It also feels sort of inevitable. Then when you come up with it, you're like, 'Oh yeah well, that is absolutely what is has to be.'"

Season 4 concluded with every group – in Nevada, Indiana, and Russia, respectively – somewhat unknowingly teaming up to take down Vecna. While Max baits his mind at the Creel House, Robin, Steve, and Nancy set fire to his defenseless physical form in the Upside Down. Simultaneously, Mike and Will dunk Eleven in a makeshift sensory deprivation tank, and her consciousness finds its way to Max to assist her in facing off against the big bad. But as Will states towards the end of episode 9, Vecna is far from defeated.

"Now that I'm back, in Hawkins, I can feel him. And he's hurt, he's hurting, but he's still alive. It's strange knowing now who it was this whole time. But I can still remember what he thinks, and how he thinks. He's not gonna stop, ever, not until he's taken everything... everyone... We have to kill him," Will solemnly tells Mike. 

In an interview with Collider, the showrunners revealed that Will is going to be the "primary focus" of season 5, as the final episodes "circle back to season one."

Matt explained: "We're starting to see his coming of age, really, which has been challenging for a number of reasons; some of which are supernatural. But you're starting to see him come into his own."

"I think you'll see that with a couple of the character arcs, not just with Will," Ross added. "But also with Steve and Nancy, and her relationship with Jonathan, where things are not fully resolved. The characters have maybe made steps, like in the case of Will, but that journey isn't over yet. All of that is going to play a huge role as we try to wrap this thing up next season."

"5 is just going to be pedal to the metal from the opening scene," the latter also told The Wrap, hinting that whatever happens, it's going to be emotional. "I saw executives crying who I’ve never seen cry before and it was wild."

"I can just tell you that I'm very very excited for what's to come. I think they did a great job with Will's character this season, and beautifully addressed everything they needed to," Noah Schnapp, who plays Will, more recently teased to Forbes. "The way they closed the show is just perfect - the story started with Will, and it’ll end with Will."

Prey director Dan Trachtenberg, who is helming an episode of the upcoming final season, suggested that the series won't just end in a big battle: "I don’t think Stranger Things falls into a category of television seasons like Game of Thrones where the pilot is cool, slows down, and the last two episodes are the big battle," Trachtenberg continued. "I can tell you, and pointing to other seasons, there is rock and roll throughout the entire season."

As for how it ends. Well, no one knows. Not the cast, anyway. "They're waiting to give us the last episode," Finn Wolfhard told Access Online, "We've read up to the second-to-last episode so we're all on the edge of our seats to find out what the ending is." 

After the Stranger Things season 4, Volume 2 ending, there are also plenty of theories floating around about what could happen. We suspect that time travel might factor in in a big way, seeing as the Upside Down was revealed to be stuck in November 1983. One theory even suggests we're heading to 1989 in a mini-time jump. Some viewers have been speculating if Eddie Munson could return as a new villain. Other theories say Max could be the key to Vecna's plan, Dungeons & Dragons may predict who the next big bad will be, or that Eleven's 'lost sister' will help her defeat Vecna at the end of the season.

Stranger Things season 5 cast

The cast photo to mark the beginning of Stranger Things season 5 filming confirmed that all of the major cast members are back. That means Millie Bobby Brown will be back as Eleven, Finn Wolfhard will reprise his role as Mike Wheeler, and Sadie Sink will be seen again as Max Mayfield.

Other actors almost certainly geared up to show their faces again include 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), Priah Ferguson (Erica Sinclair), Cara Buono (Karen Wheeler), Amybeth McNulty (Vickie), David Harbour (Jim Hopper), and Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers). Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays Vecna/Henry Creel/One, is also back too as the show's big bad. 

There are some new cast members too with Linda Hamilton joining the cast. The action icon is perhaps best known for her iconic portrayal as Sarah Connor in the Terminator franchise, though no other details about her character have been announced.

"I've watched every season with relish. I just love it. So, it's kind of, like, imposter syndrome where I don't [feel that I] fit in there," she previously told US Weekly. "When you really buy into something, you don't see yourself in it. So, I think in a way, it kind of ruined the show for me. I never watch [a project], once I'm in something. It would just completely take me out of the reality of it to see myself in there. So, I won't be watching [season 5]."

However, it seems like she is the only one as Matt Duffer has revealed that he and his brother are looking to solely "focus on the OG characters" as they approach the show's endgame. "I just like shaking it up, so we shake it up by changing the plot or adding in a new monster," he told Indiewire. "We're doing our best to resist [adding new characters] for Season 5."

One actor who won't be back is Joseph Quinn, who was introduced as Eddie Munson in season 4. His character was killed by a bunch of Demobats in episode 9 of season 4 – for more, check out our deep dive on everyone who dies in Stranger Things season 4, Volume 2). Shawn Levy told The Hollywood Reporter: "A lot of people can't even handle the thought of a season 5 without some excuse for Eddie presence. [But it's] highly unlikely, highly unlikely. But we hear you, world, we know. You're obsessed with Eddie – so are we."

Another character not returning is Argyle. Eduardo Franco, who plays Jonathan Byers' pizza-delivering stoner buddy in the show, confirmed he never got the call for season 5.

If you're still reeling from Stranger Things season 4, get some further insight with our guide to the Stranger Things season 4, Volume 2 Easter eggs. While we wait for more information on Stranger Things season 5, why not check out our list of best Netflix shows to watch right now.