Stranger Things is set to make a return to Netflix with its fifth and final season, after facing significant delays due to ongoing strikes by both writers and actors since May 2023. However, there’s now a glimmer of hope as the production gets back on track. In this comprehensive preview of Stranger Things season 5, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about the show’s concluding season on Netflix.
Please note that this preview was initially published in July 2022 and has been periodically updated to incorporate new developments and changes. The most recent update was made in August 2023.
Since its debut in July 2016, Stranger Things has consistently been a flagship series for Netflix, gaining popularity and momentum with each new season.
Setting remarkable records, such as the Nielsen streaming record, amassing 7.2 billion minutes of viewing in a single week, the fourth season of the show holds the second position on Netflix’s all-time most-watched list, with only the first season of Wednesday surpassing it. The demand for the show was so immense upon the release of its second volume that some Netflix subscribers briefly experienced service disruptions as they hurried to watch the epic conclusion of season 4.
When was Stranger Things Renewed for Season 5
Netflix officially announced the production of a Stranger Things season 5 in conjunction with the announcement of a super-sized season 4 for Stranger Things, which was released in the summer of 2022.
In a letter, Matt and Ross Duffer clarified that Season 5 would serve as the series’ conclusion, bringing their intended story arc to a close.
Before the release of the fourth season and the Season 5 announcement, the Duffer Brothers were uncertain about the number of seasons required to fully tell the tale of Stranger Things. Discussing the show’s duration beforehand, Ross Duffer said:
“We don’t actually know. I think, you know, four to five seasons is likely where we’ll end up, but who knows? I mean, none of this is official, and we know where we want to go. We’re trying to figure out still how long it’ll take to get there, so we’ll see.”
Matt appeared to have a sense well in advance that the series would conclude with a fifth season, expressing:
“It’s hard like four seems short, five seems long. So I don’t know what to do.”
What to expect from Stranger Things season 5
Welcome to Hell, aka Hawkins
In spite of their most determined efforts, Vecna, also known as Henry and 001, successfully executed his plan to rupture a colossal gateway between the Upside Down and the real world. This catastrophic event claimed the lives of dozens of people, prompting a mass exodus of residents who sought safety from further peril.
The immense smoke plumes billowing from the gateway have released particles that are now settling all over Hawkins, causing the rapid decay of all plant life. In the near future, the appearance of real-world Hawkins will increasingly resemble the eerie landscape of the Upside Down, aligning with Vecna’s disturbing vision of a “beautiful” new world.
As Hawkins descends further into turmoil, a substantial military presence is expected to encircle the town, while only a handful of brave residents and our heroes remain behind, determined to continue the fight against Vecna.
Vecna’s Return / 001 vs 011
Vecna narrowly escaped a potentially fatal encounter with Nancy, Steve, and Robin, managing to evade a killing blow from them. The extent of his injuries remains uncertain, and the time required for recovery from multiple shotgun blasts and Molotov cocktails is unclear. Once he has fully recuperated, it is anticipated that Vecna will unleash his formidable powers on Hawkins and release the horde of monsters from the Upside Down.
Eleven stands as the sole individual capable of confronting Vecna in a one-on-one battle, yet she barely survived her second face-off with him. While Eleven’s strength is undeniably substantial, it is highly probable that her true potential has yet to be fully realized. To have any hope of defeating Vecna, Eleven must dedicate herself to practicing and refining her powers.
Hawkins to be Quarantined?
Considering the imminent threat posed by the gates to Hawkins and the broader world, it is possible that the military may institute martial law and potentially impose a quarantine on the town. A significant military presence is expected, particularly if Demogorgons and other terrifying creatures start emerging from the gates.
Regrettably, for the residents of Hawkins who cannot evacuate the town before a quarantine is enforced, they may find themselves in a situation where they must rely on their own resources while the military engages in a battle against the forces of the Upside Down.
Will takes a central role in Season 5
In a Variety piece in August 2023, the Duffers told the trade magazine that Will will take “center stage again in [season] 5”, adding:
“This emotional arc for him is what we feel is going to hopefully tie the whole series together. Will is used to being the young one, the introverted one, the one that’s being protected. So part of his journey, it’s not just sexuality — it’s Will coming into his own as a young man.”
What will happen to the gates?
Even if Eleven manages to triumph over Vecna, there is no assurance that the gates to the Upside Down will automatically close. It may necessitate Eleven replicating the feat she accomplished with the gate beneath Hawkins Lab in the second season and forcibly sealing the gateway herself. The first gate was substantial, but it pales in comparison to what Vecna has unleashed in Hawkins. Closing the gates could demand every last drop of Eleven’s power, and it’s conceivable that she might have to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to accomplish this task.
Will Max wake up?
Max’s untimely demise played a pivotal role in Vecna’s plan coming to fruition, but Eleven’s unexpected ability to bring her back to life was a game-changer. Max endured not only death but also severe physical trauma, with her limbs snapped and the possibility of blindness. It’s not surprising that she has fallen into a coma, given the extent of her injuries. The future condition of Max upon waking remains uncertain.
If Max does awaken fully healed, it raises intriguing questions about the extent of Eleven’s powers. The ramifications of the ability to resurrect the dead have yet to be explored fully, and as the storyline of season 5 unfolds, the potential for further character deaths suggests that Eleven’s unique abilities will be more crucial than ever.
Time Skip
The Duffer Brothers have officially revealed their plans for another time skip in the storyline, which may bring the series into the time frame of 1988 or 1989. This decision aligns with the real-life ages of the actors, who have been gradually outgrowing their characters’ 15-year-old personas. For example, Gaten Matarazzo, who celebrated his 20th birthday in September 2022, will turn 21 during the production of season 5.
As for what we can anticipate in the upcoming season, the Stranger Things writing team dropped a hint in a tweet, which suggests there are exciting developments to look forward to:
“Season 5 is like if season 1 and 4 had a baby. And then that baby was injected with steroids.”
What is the production status of Stranger Things season 5?
According to Collider’s initial report, the writing for the Stranger Things season 5 was set to commence in August 2022. This information was officially confirmed by the Stranger Things writers’ Twitter account on August 2nd, 2022.
In December 2022, it was originally scheduled that filming for Stranger Things season 5 would begin in May 2023. Production details indicated that the series would continue to be filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, specifically at the EUE/Screen Gems Studios Atlanta Studio, which has been the show’s home since the first season. This 33-acre studio complex boasts 11 stages and was the first full-service production studio campus in Atlanta.
The working title or codename for season 5 is reported to be “JERICHO.”
New casting grids and production listings from various sources now suggest that season 5 was expected to start filming in early June 2023 and continue until late June 2024. This means that season 5 was scheduled for a full year of production, with each episode reportedly costing over $20 million.
However, the series has encountered significant setbacks due to the ongoing writers’ strike that began in May 2023 and the subsequent SAG-AFTRA strike starting in July 2023.
The initial Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike delayed the start of production for the fifth season, a fact confirmed by the Duffer Brothers through the Stranger Things writers’ Twitter account. It’s important to note that all the actors are represented by SAG-AFTRA, which means that both strikes must be resolved before filming can proceed.
On May 6th, the Duffer Brothers stated on the Stranger Writers account that there would be no filming taking place without the involvement of the writers:
“Duffers here. Writing does not stop when filming begins. While we’re excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike. We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then — over and out. #wgastrong”
Joseph Quinn, known for his role as the beloved fan favorite Eddie Munson in the fourth season of the series, expressed his appreciation and support for the show’s writers after winning the MTV Award for Breakthrough Performance:
“I don’t think that people would connect with a character like Eddie or others in the Stranger Things universe without compassionate, intelligent, quality writing.
Being a writer is a hard job. It deserves respect. If we respect each other, we can cultivate a kinder, more inclusive, more collaborative environment for everyone that’d be nice.”
Episode Titles, Writers, and Directors for Stranger Things Season 5
As part of the celebrations for Stranger Things Day 2022, which occurred on November 7th, 2022, the title of the first episode of season 5 was revealed.
- Episode 501 – Chapter One: The Crawl – Written by The Duffer Brothers
- Episode 502 – ???
- Episode 503 – ???
- Episode 504 – ???
- Episode 505 – ???
- Episode 506 – ???
- Episode 507 – ???
- Episode 508 – ???
In June 2023, Netflix confirmed (One Take News first reported it) that Dan Trachtenberg (Prey, 10 Cloverfield Lane) would be directing a single episode for the Stranger Things season 5
Who is in the cast of Stranger Things season 5?
The ensemble cast of Stranger Things has grown in recent years, and the final season is expected to feature a substantial roster of returning actors. The following cast members are anticipated to make a return for Stranger Things season 5:
- Eleven – Millie Bobby Brown
- Peter / 001 / Henry / Vecna – Jamie Campbell Bower
- Mike Wheeler – Finn Wolfhard
- Dustin Henderson – Gaten Matarazzo
- Lucas Sinclair – Caleb McLaughlin
- Will Byers – Noah Schnapp
- Joyce Byers – Winona Ryder
- Jonathan Byers – Charlie Heaton
- Jim Hopper – David Harbour
- Max Mayfield – Sadie Sink
- Nancy Wheeler – Natalia Dyer
- Steve Harrington – Joe Keery
- Robin Buckley – Maya Hawke
- Murray – Brett Gelman
- Erica Sinclair – Priah Ferguson
- Argyle – Eduardo Franco
- Karen Wheeler – Cara Buono
- Ted Wheeler – Joe Chrest
- Vickie – Amybeth McNulty
As of now, there is no information regarding new cast members for season 5. The Duffer Brothers have stated their intention to refrain from introducing new characters.
According to Puck News, the cast successfully negotiated a pay increase for season 5. Winona Ryder and David Harbour are expected to earn $9.5 million for the season, while Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, and Sadie Sink are set to earn just over $7 million. Series regulars such as Natalia Dyer, Maya Hawke, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery are projected to earn over $6 million for the final season.
In April 2023, it was reported that Netflix was casting for several minor roles, including multiple army/military characters, as well as two children aged between 8 and 10. The job listings provided descriptions for the two new children’s roles:
- DEREK: This character is depicted as an 8-10-year-old male of any ethnicity who is overweight. Derek is portrayed as an outsider with no friends, exhibiting rudeness towards adults and bullying children of his age.
- APRIL: Characterized as an 8-10-year-old female of white ethnicity, April is an active and inquisitive child who is known for being a happy and friendly individual.
In June 2023, during the Netflix TUDUM live event, it was revealed that Linda Hamilton had joined the cast of the final season of Stranger Things. Linda Hamilton is most renowned for her iconic roles in The Terminator franchise. While the details of her character have not been officially disclosed, speculation suggests that she might be part of the military presence that has descended upon Hawkins.
What Stranger Things Spin-offs are coming to Netflix?
Alongside the news of The Duffer Brothers renewing their Netflix deal, it was revealed that they are working on multiple spin-off projects, with some having more information available.
In December 2022, details emerged about one of the new spin-offs, described as an anime series set in Tokyo during the 1980s. While this information has not been officially confirmed, the logline for the potential anime series is as follows:
“An encounter with the Upside Down evolves into a grand adventure for video game-loving twin brothers living on the outskirts of 1980s Tokyo.”
In April 2023, it was reported that there is another new animated series in the works, characterized as a Saturday morning cartoon. “Top In Ads” has exclusively disclosed the logline for this upcoming series:
“About a young girl Janet who has moved in with her uncle Brody after being in social services for years. Follows their dynamic as she learns to navigate having a real family and he learns to care for someone other than himself.”
To recap, here are all the various spin-offs and other Stranger Things projects coming in the near future:
- Untitled Stranger Things Animated Series – Described as a Saturday morning cartoon.
- Stranger Things: Tokyo – Yet-to-be-confirmed anime series spinoff.
- Untitled Stranger Things Live-Action Series – Spin-off series based on an original idea by The Duffer Brothers, with Upside Down and 21 Laps producing.
- Stranger Things: The First Shadow – Live performance play due to begin in London in late 2023.
- Stranger Things VR – The video game VR project from Tender Claws will be released in late 2023.
- Stranger Things Comics – Currently announced projects include Tales from Hawkins and The Many Ghosts of Dr. Brenner.
This is in addition to some of the other projects The Duffer Brothers and 21 Laps are working on for Netflix. The Duffers are working on a Death Note adaptation, a sci-fi series called The Boroughs, and the Stephen King adaptation The Talisman.
When is Stranger Things Season 5 coming to Netflix?
Due to the delay in the commencement of production for Stranger Things season 5, the likelihood of the series returning in 2024 appears to be quite slim.
With a scheduled year of filming ahead, and the possibility of not commencing until late summer or even into the fall, any anticipation of a 2024 release date has faded away. As it stands, we are now anticipating that Stranger Things season 5 will debut on Netflix no earlier than the spring or summer of 2025.
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