5 big theories about Stranger Things season 5

As fans eagerly await ‌Stranger Things season 5, the series finale remains shrouded in mystery and speculation. Stranger Things, the flagship Netflix science fiction horror drama TV series created by the Duffer Brothers, debuted its first season on July 15, 2016. The subsequent seasons, released in October 2017 and July 2019, gained immense popularity.

The fourth season was split into two parts, airing in May and July 2022, and in February 2022, Netflix announced the renewal for a fifth and final season. The anticipated defeat of Vecna, the formidable antagonist, has sparked numerous theories about the fate of Eleven and her friends.

In this article, we delve into five intriguing theories that could take shape in the epic finale of Stranger Things season 5.

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5 plausible theories about Stranger Things season 5

1. Eleven's sacrifice for Hawkins' salvation

The prevailing theory suggests that the key to defeating Vecna lies in Eleven's sacrifice. Drawing parallels to her heroic actions in the past, fans speculate that Eleven might need to give up her life to rid Hawkins of the looming threat.

While this outcome would follow a familiar storytelling trope, it would conclude the series without any loose ends, setting the franchise up for the upcoming spin-off currently in development.

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2. Unveiling the True Villain: The Dragon Theory

Crazy Stranger Things Season 5 Monster Theory byu/Careless_Second7391 inStrangerThings

Contrary to Vecna being the ultimate antagonist, this interesting theory from Reddit proposes a twist inspired by the show's Dungeons & Dragons roots.

The real villain might be a dragon, mirroring the game's powerful adversary—a giant, red dragon named Borys. Clues from Will's painting depicting a battle against a red dragon add fuel to this theory. Could Vecna be a mere pawn in a larger and darker scheme?

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3. Kali's return as a powerful ally

The enigmatic character Kali, also known as 008, makes a theory-worthy return in Stranger Things season 5. With the ability to induce mental hallucinations, Kali could prove to be a formidable ally against Vecna. As the only surviving Hawkins Lab test subject aside from Eleven, Kali's reappearance could bring a unique blend of psychic abilities to the fight against Vecna.

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4. Max's connection: A vital link to Vecna's defeat

[Theory] Three major plot points going into season 5! by inStrangerThings

Another Reddit theory has Max's connection to Vecna take center stage. Exploiting the link established in Stranger Things season 4, the kids could leverage Max's connection to weaken and ultimately defeat Vecna.

Despite the consequences Max faced in the previous season, her connection might hold the key to a more strategic and less harmful approach to battling the formidable antagonist.

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5. Will Byers' sacrifice for the greater good

This theory, also discussed in the Reddit post above, revolves around Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) sacrificing himself to thwart Vecna. With a lingering connection to the Upside Down from past seasons, Will's unique link makes him a potential vessel for Vecna.

The theory proposes a clever twist where Will willingly becomes a vessel, only to sacrifice himself, bringing an end to Vecna's reign of terror. This narrative aligns with the Dungeons and Dragons plotline, adding a layer of thematic consistency.

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Bonus: Vecna's redemption arc

In an unexpected turn, some fans speculate a redemption arc for Vecna. Eleven, understanding Vecna better than anyone, could be pivotal in convincing him to change his ways. Whether through self-destruction or choosing to isolate himself in the Upside Down, Vecna's controversial redemption could offer a unique and surprising conclusion to Stranger Things season 5.

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Series overview

Set in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the storyline revolves around residents dealing with the mysterious Upside Down dimension, which opened due to events caused by a nearby experimental facility. The ensemble cast includes Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, and others.

Influenced by 1980s pop culture and the creations of visionaries like David Lynch and H. P. Lovecraft, the Duffer Brothers blend investigative drama with horror and childlike elements in Stranger Things. As the countdown to Stranger Things season 5 begins, the array of theories reflects the deep engagement and anticipation of the fan base.

Whether it's sacrifices, unexpected villains, or redemptive arcs, the possibilities for the Stranger Things season 5 finale are as vast and mysterious as the Upside Down itself. Viewers can watch all four seasons of the series on Netflix.