Who will die in Stranger Things season 5? 7 of the most believable theories

by

As the final season of Stranger Things nears, many fans are realizing the high stakes – with so much on the line, it feels like a major character might not survive. It’s a tough realization when everything feels like it could lead to a heartbreaking ending.

The characters have repeatedly fought off the monsters from the Upside Down, and while they’ve faced losses, no one from their main group has ever been killed. This kind of luck is unusual, and it feels like it’s about to change now that they’re nearing the final battle.

For months, viewers have predicted major character deaths, and the new trailer for season 5 seems to confirm those fears. Now, everyone is wondering which beloved characters might not make it to the end.

Here are some of the biggest theories.

Who will die in Stranger Things season 5? 7 of the most believable theories

Steve Harrington (Joe Keery)

It’s hard to say this, but Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) is likely to die. Despite starting out as a bit of a troublemaker in the first season, he’s become a fan favorite.

It’s actually his popularity among fans that makes the idea of his death so surprising. However, there’s another reason it feels possible. Steve’s character has largely completed his development arc. He doesn’t have as many strong connections to the central plot as other characters, so his death would feel like a natural conclusion to his story. It would also powerfully demonstrate that anyone could die in the final season of Stranger Things.

The biggest clue that something bad might happen is that Steve isn’t shown much in the trailer. This is especially noticeable in a scene where he’s hugging a very upset Dustin – it looks like a final, heartfelt goodbye.

Will Byers (Noah Schnapp)

Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) is in serious danger too. Ever since he disappeared from his family’s shed, he’s been closely connected to the terrifying Upside Down.

Despite being saved, Will maintained a connection to the Upside Down, and season 2 showed he was subtly controlled by the Mind Flayer. Throughout the series, Will has been a central figure, and his death would ultimately complete the story’s arc, bringing ‘Stranger Things’ to a satisfying conclusion.

The season 5 trailer adds strong evidence to this theory, showing Vecna telling Will he needs his help one final time. A particularly unsettling scene depicts Vecna drawing Will towards him, creating a powerful connection between the beginning and end of the series.

The scene also makes it clear how important Will is to Vecna, hinting that Will might be the source of Vecna’s power. If this is true, Will could be crucial to defeating Vecna, which sadly suggests his death might be necessary to protect Hawkins.

Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown)

Even though Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, is the central character of the show, her situation is uncertain as season 5 begins.

While Eleven might be the only one who can stop Vecna, that’s not the biggest reason she’s in danger. It’s more likely because of her connection to the Upside Down – it’s similar to Will’s, as they’ve both become linked to it and can actually influence what happens there.

Will traveled to the Upside Down and returned, but Eleven was the one who opened the gate connecting our world to it. Because of this, it makes sense that her sacrifice could be key to finally destroying the Upside Down. Though many fans have predicted this, it’s a very plausible idea.

Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton)

Even if Will lives, the Byers family isn’t safe yet, because Jonathan is also in danger from the terrifying Upside Down.

From the beginning, he’s been a central figure in the show, playing the roles of a loving son and devoted brother. He’s also been part of a complicated love triangle with Nancy and Steve. Despite this significant involvement, he hasn’t faced near-death experiences as often as some of the other main characters.

The trailer also shows a distraught Nancy, visibly upset and washing blood off her hands—possibly Jonathan’s. This follows a scene where she describes Vecna as taking all of their pain and anguish.

Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard)

From the start, Mike Wheeler has been deeply involved in everything, ever since he met Eleven. He’s always been the one keeping the group united, and because of that strong bond – especially with Eleven – his potential death feels very real and believable.

If Mike died, it would dramatically change the story, potentially making Eleven even more powerful, much like when she thought he was in danger in the first season.

Eleven tells Mike, “You don’t get to write the ending,” a line that echoes their old tabletop game campaigns before the Upside Down threatened Hawkins. Now that Mike feels powerless, he’s actually in more danger, because he’ll have a hard time accepting that he can’t always keep his loved ones safe – it’s just his nature.

Jim Hopper (David Harbour)

I’ve noticed Hopper’s had way too many close calls, just like Eleven. He always seems to survive, but honestly, I worry about how much longer he can keep dodging death. It feels like eventually, his luck will run out.

Many fans believe Hopper is safe because of how his supposed death was portrayed in season 3. However, Hopper consistently puts himself in danger, and he’d do anything to protect Eleven. Killing him now, especially after he and Eleven have started to repair their relationship, would be particularly heartbreaking.

And if you’re still unsure, consider this: Hopper is the only character other than Steve who doesn’t get much screen time in the trailer.

Murray Bauman (Brett Gelman)

While Murray Bauman (Brett Gelman) isn’t a main character, it seems very likely he will die, especially since he wasn’t part of the show’s original cast.

Stranger Things often kills off characters we like to create tension, but usually avoids killing off major characters. Despite appearing since season two, Dr. Owens isn’t safe from this pattern. In fact, his long-running presence might actually make him more vulnerable – his death would really drive home how high the stakes are as the series comes to an end.

The fifth and final season of Stranger Things promises a dramatic conclusion. While it’s expected to be action-packed, the creators have indicated that major characters likely won’t die. Unlike shows like Game of Thrones, Stranger Things isn’t focused on shocking deaths. Fans are hoping this holds true as the series wraps up, although some clues suggest a different outcome.

Stranger Things 5 part 1 premieres on Netflix on Wednesday 26th November 2025.

Read More

2025-11-10 14:36