The beloved series Stranger Things is set to conclude its run on Netflix with its fifth and final season, featuring a unique release strategy that includes three separate drops. While the show has captivated audiences since its debut in 2016, not all cast members will be returning for the series finale.
Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, Stranger Things follows a group of young friends as they encounter a series of supernatural occurrences that lead to thrilling adventures. Over its run, the show has propelled its cast, including stars such as Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery, to international fame.
In February 2022, creators Matt and Ross Duffer announced that the show would conclude after its fifth season, 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.” They revealed that season four would serve as the penultimate chapter, with the fifth season bringing the story to a close.
Returning Cast Members Share Their Excitement
As filming progresses, several returning cast members have expressed their feelings about the final season. Winona Ryder returns as Joyce Byers, and her character has already appeared in trailers for season five. David Harbour, who portrays Jim Hopper, teased his character’s possible storyline, mentioning his physical transformation for the role. He shared, “We’re walking into season 5. I’ve got a couple more months to train.”
While Millie Bobby Brown, known for her role as Eleven, is eager to move on from the series, she confirmed her participation, stating, “I feel like there’s a lot of the story that’s been told now.” Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike Wheeler, described the upcoming season as “bittersweet,” reflecting on the end of the journey.
Gaten Matarazzo, embodying Dustin Henderson, also spoke on the mix of excitement and apprehension surrounding the finale. He noted, “There’s an excitement there because you always want to wrap it up… But also, there’s a deep fear.”
Changes and Confirmations in the Cast
As the anticipation builds, some cast members will not be returning. Eduardo Franco, who joined the cast in season four as Argyle, confirmed he will not reprise his role in the final season. He stated, “I appreciate that there is some concern, but I never got a phone call about reprising the role.”
On the other hand, several actors reaffirmed their commitment to the series. Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers, expressed enthusiasm about his character taking center stage again, saying, “There will definitely be another center point for Will in season 5.”
Other returning cast members include Sadie Sink as Max, whose character was left in a precarious situation at the end of season four, and Natalia Dyer, who expressed hope for meaningful character moments in the final episodes. Joe Keery, known for portraying Steve Harrington, reflected on the emotional weight of concluding the series, saying, “I owe my whole career to being on that show.”
The final season of Stranger Things promises to deliver a blend of nostalgia and closure for fans who have followed the characters through their extraordinary journeys. As the series prepares for its last act, the Duffer brothers emphasize their commitment to providing a satisfying conclusion to the beloved story that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
