‘Stranger Things’ 5 speculation: From Eleven to Steve Harrington —Who might die in the final season?

The air crackles with anticipation, thick with the same electric tension that hangs over Hawkins, Indiana. The final season of Stranger Things is looming, and with it comes the inevitable question: Who won’t make it out alive? We’ve spent years with these characters, laughed with them, cried with them, and watched them battle interdimensional horrors. Now, as Vecna prepares for his final assault, the stakes are higher than ever. A sense of dread settles in.

Let’s be honest, the Duffer brothers aren’t afraid to break our hearts. From Barb’s gruesome demise in season one (still too soon!) to Bob’s heroic sacrifice in season two, and even Eddie Munson’s metalhead moment of glory in season four, we’ve learned that no one is truly safe. The final season promises even greater peril, a culmination of everything that’s come before. So, grab your Eggos, dust off your Demogorgon survival guide, and let’s dive into the terrifying possibilities of Stranger Things 5 and who might be saying their final goodbyes. (I’m already reaching for the tissues.)

The theories are swirling faster than a Demodog on the hunt. Will Eleven, the superpowered heart of the group, have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the world? Could Steve Harrington, the lovable babysitter turned action hero, finally run out of luck? And what about the rest of the Hawkins crew? The tension is palpable; you can practically taste the fear in the air. This isn’t just another season; this is the endgame. The future of Hawkins, and possibly the world, hangs in the balance, and not everyone can survive. Who will become a hero, and who will become a memory? Let’s explore.

The Prime Suspects: Characters Most Likely to Die

Predicting character deaths is a morbid but necessary pastime for any Stranger Things fan. Let’s analyze the frontrunners for the chopping block, examining their narrative arcs, plot armor (or lack thereof), and overall importance to the story. Buckle up, because this might get emotional.

Eleven: The Burden of Destiny

Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, has been the focal point of the series since day one. Her powers are essential to battling the Upside Down, but they come at a steep cost. She’s been tortured, experimented on, and pushed to her limits time and again. Many theories suggest that her ultimate destiny is to permanently close the gate between our world and the Upside Down, a sacrifice that could cost her her life.

Consider this: “Eleven’s journey has always been about self-discovery and finding her place,” says Sarah, a long-time Stranger Things viewer from Reddit. “But it also feels like she’s being groomed for a grand sacrifice. It would be a heartbreaking, but fitting end to her story.”

Think about it. The showrunners have consistently emphasized the importance of Eleven’s powers, making her the ultimate weapon against Vecna. If she were to permanently sever the connection between the dimensions, it would be a bittersweet victory, securing the safety of Hawkins and the world, but at the expense of her own existence. Imagine the final scene: Eleven, weakened but resolute, using every last ounce of her power to seal the gate, fading away as her friends watch in horror. It’s a classic heroic trope, and Stranger Things isn’t afraid to embrace those tropes, especially when they pack an emotional punch.

Steve Harrington: The End of the Line for the Babysitter?

Ah, Steve Harrington. From arrogant jock to lovable babysitter, Steve has undergone one of the most significant character arcs in the series. He’s become a fan favorite, known for his unwavering loyalty, surprisingly effective fighting skills, and, of course, his iconic hair. But could his popularity be a death sentence?

There’s a theory that Steve’s increasingly prominent role in the group, combined with his selfless nature, makes him a prime candidate for a heroic death. He’s always willing to put himself in harm’s way for his friends, especially Dustin, and that bravery could ultimately be his downfall.

“I’m really worried about Steve,” admitted an anonymous source close to the production. “He’s become such an important part of the team, and the writers love to subvert expectations. Killing him off would be a huge blow, but it would also raise the stakes dramatically.”

Consider the parallels to Bob Newby’s death in season two. Bob was a lovable, supportive character who ultimately sacrificed himself to save Joyce and the others. Steve could easily fill that same role, offering a moment of selfless heroism before succumbing to the horrors of the Upside Down. Imagine Steve, wielding his trusty baseball bat, making a last stand against a horde of Demogorgons to buy his friends time to escape. It would be a tragic, but unforgettable, moment. And let’s be real, we’d all be sobbing uncontrollably.

Other Potential Casualties: The Rest of the Hawkins Crew

While Eleven and Steve are the most frequently discussed candidates for a final-season death, several other characters could also be in danger.

* Mike Wheeler: As Eleven’s boyfriend and the de facto leader of the group, Mike’s death would have a profound impact on the story.
* Joyce Byers: After everything she’s been through, losing Joyce would be a devastating blow to the Byers family and Hopper.
* Hopper: Having already seemingly died once, Hopper’s luck might finally run out.
* Dustin Henderson: As the heart of the group and Steve’s best friend, Dustin’s death would be emotionally devastating.
* Lucas Sinclair: His connection to Max, and her current comatose state, makes him a vulnerable target.
* Max Mayfield: Already in a fragile state, Max’s fate hangs precariously in the balance.
* Will Byers: His connection to the Upside Down makes him a constant target.
* Nancy Wheeler: She is brave, smart, and fiercely protective of her younger brother, Mike.
* Jonathan Byers: Nancy’s boyfriend and Will’s older brother.
* Erica Sinclair: Lucas’s smart and sassy little sister, she has proven to be a valuable asset to the group.

Remember, the Duffer brothers are masters of misdirection. They’ve shown a willingness to kill off beloved characters, and they’re not afraid to pull the rug out from under us. So, while some deaths might seem more likely than others, anything is possible in the world of Stranger Things. (I’m starting to sweat just thinking about it.)

Why Killing Characters Matters: Raising the Stakes

Some might argue that killing off characters is a cheap way to generate drama, but in the context of Stranger Things, it serves a crucial purpose: it raises the stakes and reinforces the very real danger that the Hawkins crew faces.

By demonstrating that no one is safe, the show creates a sense of tension and uncertainty that permeates every scene. We’re constantly on edge, knowing that any character could be snatched away at any moment. This heightened emotional investment makes the victories feel even sweeter and the losses even more devastating.

Think back to Eddie Munson’s death in season four. It was a heartbreaking moment, but it also served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that are necessary to defeat evil. Eddie’s death wasn’t just for shock value; it was a testament to his growth as a character and a symbol of the devastating consequences of the Upside Down’s influence.

The death of a major character in Stranger Things 5 would undoubtedly have a similar impact, forcing the remaining characters to confront their own mortality and inspiring them to fight even harder to protect the ones they love. It would be a painful loss, but it would also be a catalyst for growth and resilience.

What the Duffer Brothers Have Said: Hints and Red Herrings

The Duffer brothers, the creators of Stranger Things, are notoriously tight-lipped about spoilers, but they have dropped a few hints about the final season that might offer some clues about who’s in danger.

In interviews, they’ve emphasized the importance of bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion, suggesting that some characters will get definitive endings. They’ve also hinted at a darker, more mature tone for the final season, which could indicate a higher body count.

Of course, the Duffer brothers are also masters of misdirection, so it’s important to take everything they say with a grain of salt. They might be intentionally leading us down the wrong path to preserve the surprise. (They’re probably laughing at us right now.)

“We know what the ending is, and we’re excited to get there,” Matt Duffer said in a recent interview. “It’s going to be emotional, but hopefully also satisfying. We want to give the characters the endings they deserve, whether that’s a happy ending or not.”

That “whether that’s a happy ending or not” part is particularly ominous, isn’t it? It suggests that some characters might not get the fairytale ending we’re all hoping for.

Conclusion: Preparing for the Inevitable

As we approach the final season of Stranger Things, it’s important to prepare ourselves for the possibility of losing some of our favorite characters. It’s going to be emotional, it’s going to be heartbreaking, but it’s also going to be a fitting end to a story that has captivated audiences around the world.

Whether it’s Eleven making the ultimate sacrifice, Steve Harrington going out in a blaze of glory, or another unexpected character meeting their demise, one thing is certain: Stranger Things 5 will be an unforgettable experience. So, brace yourselves, grab your friends, and get ready to say goodbye to Hawkins, Indiana. It’s going to be a wild ride. And remember, no matter what happens, the memories and the friendships forged in the face of unimaginable horror will endure. (Just try not to cry too much.) Ultimately, the heart of the show lies in the relationships between the characters and their unwavering determination to protect each other. And that, I believe, will be the lasting legacy of Stranger Things.