Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things is heading into its fifth and final season. While many fan favorites are confirmed to return for the conclusion, not every cast member will be back.
The Duffer Brothers, creators of the series, first announced the show’s impending end in February 2022. They detailed their original plan for a story arc lasting "four to five seasons."
They confirmed that Season 4, due to its nearly 13-hour length, functioned more like "two seasons." It was released in two volumes in May 2022.
The final chapter will unfold in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. This setting has been central to the supernatural mysteries since the show’s 2016 debut.
Several key cast members are set to reprise their roles. Winona Ryder will return as Joyce, a character seen in promotional materials for the upcoming season.
David Harbour, who plays Hopper, spoke in March 2023 about his character’s arc. He hinted Hopper would be "well-fed" after his Russian prison ordeal.
Millie Bobby Brown confirmed in March 2023 that she is "definitely ready to finish" the show. However, her character Eleven will appear in the final season.
Finn Wolfhard, who portrays Mike, described the final season as "bittersweet." He noted it feels "bitter and then sweet."
Gaten Matarazzo, known as Dustin, also expressed mixed feelings in March 2023. He cited a "deep fear" about job security but trusts the Duffer Brothers with his character’s conclusion.
Caleb McLaughlin is confirmed to return as Lucas. His character faced a dramatic ending in Season 4.
Noah Schnapp, who plays Will, revealed in January 2023 that his character will have "another central point" in the fifth season. He feels it is fitting, as the story "began and took off with Will."
Sadie Sink will return as Max, despite her character ending Season 4 in a coma. Set photos confirmed her involvement.
Natalia Dyer, who plays Nancy, stated in July 2022 that she hopes for "good character moments." She also anticipates a "bigger, scarier, action-packed plot."
Charlie Heaton will reprise his role as Jonathan. He has been with the series since its 2016 debut.
Joe Keery, who plays fan-favorite Steve, admitted in August 2023 that while it "feels like it’s time" for the show to end, it "won’t be easy." He expressed gratitude for the opportunities the show provided.
Maya Hawke, who joined as Robin, was seen filming in June 2024. She called the experience "heartbreaking" and "very sentimental."
Brett Gelman, returning as Murray, shared an update from filming in July 2024. He assured fans they would "love" the conclusion.
Priah Ferguson, playing Erica Sinclair, hopes for a decisive ending. She wants to see "everything resolved" and the "monster defeated."
Jamie Campbell Bower is also confirmed to return as Vecna. He was seen reprising his role in a Netflix video released in July 2024.
However, not all characters from previous seasons will make a comeback. Eduardo Franco, who joined in Season 4 as Argyle, Jonathan’s best friend, confirmed in January 2024 he would not return. He stated he "never got a call" to come back for the final season.
Matt Duffer confirmed that Joseph Quinn’s character, Eddie, is "totally underground" and "dead." This definitively rules out a return for the beloved Season 4 addition.