What the Duffer Brothers and Cast Want You to Know About ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Volume 2 and the Finale

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains major spoilers for the first four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5, which constitutes Volume 1.

The end of an era has commenced for Netflix’s Stranger Things, with the release of the first four episodes of its fifth and final season now available for streaming.

In this new season, the antagonist Vecna, portrayed by Jamie Campbell Bower, continues his quest to transform Hawkins. This time, however, he has shifted his focus from teenagers to younger children aged 9 to 11, reminiscent of his earlier successful plot involving Will Byers, who was abducted at the age of 11 on November 6, 1983.

Holly Wheeler’s character introduces a new facet of Vecna through his human alter ego, Henry, whom she refers to as Mr. Whatsit. Holly’s kidnapping in the second episode raises questions about Will’s initial abduction, setting the stage for deeper exploration into Vecna’s overarching plan, which intertwines with the themes from her favorite book, A Wrinkle in Time.

As fans look forward to Volume II—set to release on Christmas Day 2025—they can anticipate answers to lingering questions about the Upside Down, particularly the significance of Will’s disappearance. Holly’s expanded role is expected to shed light on these mysteries.

Duffer brother Ross Duffer indicated that viewers will begin to grasp the complexities of the Upside Down early on in Volume 2. “That really is a Volume 2 thing, where we really get into the Upside Down,” he said. “Again, this is something that has been planned for 10 years now, and it just now, obviously, is the time to reveal it.”

L-R: Noah Schnapp as Will Byers and Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna in ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5

As for the evolution of Will’s powers, the climactic cliffhanger at the end of Volume I confirms that Will the Wise has magical abilities, challenging the notion of their origin. Actor Noah Schnapp shared insights on the difficulty of portraying this evolution, especially due to the disjointed filming schedule. He described the process of finding his footing with the character’s abilities, illustrating the trust he places in the Duffer Brothers’ vision.

Schnapp also highlighted the parallels between Will’s relationship with Vecna and that of Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort. “For Will, we start to learn the parallels between Will and Vecna… it almost felt very Harry Potter to me,” he said. “So just kind of exploring those parallels and what that means.”

The Duffer Brothers teased an impending confrontation involving Holly after her abduction reflects events from Season 1. “We wanted to bring [the show] full circle… in some ways, this season was always built as a true follow up to Season 1,” Matt Duffer remarked.

Hints suggest a pivotal moment for Vecna and Max, who is revealed to be alive in his mindscape, may occur in Episode 6, titled “Escape From Camazotz,” directed by Shawn Levy.

L-R: Linda Hamilton as Dr. Kay and Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven in ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5

The introduction of Dr. Kay, played by Linda Hamilton, marks a shift from the character of Dr. Martin Brenner. Hamilton’s portrayal is markedly different, as she has no prior knowledge of the horrific events instigated by Henry. “What’s interesting about Dr. Kay is that she’s not trying to solve a mystery… she sees Eleven as a weapon, and that’s all she wants,” Ross Duffer said.

As the plot unfolds, the recurring theme of authority figures seeking to exploit Eleven’s powers remains significant. Matt Duffer noted, “Brenner has been replaced, right? There’s always a replacement. So how do you ever stop this cycle?”

Kali, also known as 008, returned in a crucial moment at the end of Volume 1. Her unique abilities complement Eleven’s, adding depth to the narrative. Ross Duffer emphasized the importance of her return, stating, “We didn’t feel like we could end the story of Stranger Things without bringing her back.”

L-R: Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair, and Noah Schnapp as Will Byers in ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5

As the narrative progresses, music will also play a prominent role in Volume 2, albeit in a different format compared to the explosive musical moments of Season 4. “We decided very early on, let’s not chase that and try to do it again,” Matt Duffer explained. “There are some really cool, but very different musical moments in Volume 2.”

As anticipation builds for the military response to Vecna, fans are left to wonder whether they will recognize the true extent of the threat. “That’s a good question. I guess you’re gonna have to tune in to find out,” Matt Duffer teased.

Finally, both Sadie Sink and Noah Schnapp expressed their satisfaction with how their character arcs conclude. “I feel very satisfied and excited for all our characters,” Schnapp reflected. Sink echoed this sentiment, stating, “I was satisfied with the whole thing… the Duffers did an amazing job.”

Executive producer Shawn Levy affirmed this enthusiasm, suggesting that the Season 5 finale, which will be screened in theaters and available on Netflix on New Year’s Eve, will be one of the best viewers have ever seen. “I can’t wait for the world to see it,” he enthused. “I can’t wait for them to see it on the biggest, loudest screen possible, because that’s what it deserves.”

As fans await the upcoming episodes, the return to Hawkins promises a culmination of storytelling that resonates with the series’ rich history.