After a long wait, the final season of Stranger Things is here! The first part of Season 5 is now available on Netflix, bringing viewers back to Hawkins and finally revealing what happened to Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) after the heartbreaking events of Season 4. The new episodes even revisit characters we haven’t seen in a while. But be warned – the last episode of this first volume includes a surprising twist that dramatically changes one major character, giving them incredible new powers! Spoiler alert for Stranger Things 5, Volume 1!
The first part of Stranger Things 5 ends with a surprising turn: Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) discovers a hidden ability that helps save his friends from a deadly attack by Demogorgons. During a chaotic battle at a military base, Will connects with a collective consciousness, effectively freezing the monsters in place and destroying them with his mind. Although this power looks similar to Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown) telekinesis, the creators of the show emphasize that it’s a different kind of ability.
The creators, the Duffer brothers, emphasized that Will Byers isn’t meant to be a second Eleven. As Matt Duffer explained to EW, Will doesn’t actually have powers of his own. Instead, he’s able to use Vecna’s abilities because of his connection to Vecna and the Mind Flayer since the very first season. This connection lets him access these powers when he’s close enough to the source. Importantly, Will’s abilities are tied to the strange biological network of the Upside Down, so he can’t move regular objects with his mind. This design choice was deliberate – they wanted Will to support Eleven with his unique skills, not replace her.
According to Ross Duffer, the character’s abilities are unique because he doesn’t generate powers himself – he channels them from Vecna, almost like a puppet master. Matt Duffer explained that this ability is limited to things within a ‘hive mind’ connection. He can control anything connected to it, as viewers will see unfold, but can’t affect things outside of that network – for example, he couldn’t simply open a door because a door isn’t part of the hive mind.
The Duffer Brothers Have Planned Will’s Connection to Vecna Since Season 2 of Stranger Things
Season 5 of Stranger Things finally reveals the importance of a storyline that began in season 2. Fans will remember when Will Byers was possessed by the Mind Flayer and used to spy on the group. Now, that painful experience is being shown as a hidden ability. According to Matt Duffer in an interview with Variety, Will was unknowingly connected to Vecna during that time. He could see what Vecna saw, and potentially fight back, but didn’t realize it. This season, Will finally understands and learns to use this connection. The writers had been planning this development since the beginning, but were still refining the details as they worked on the latest season.
Episode 4 is a major turning point for Will, who finally accepts himself. After talking with Robin about who he is, he stops simply receiving messages from the Upside Down and starts actively sending messages back. This is a huge development for the rest of the season. Will’s ability to connect with the hive mind gives the Hawkins group a new strategic edge. While Eleven uses powerful, direct force against enemies, Will can now disrupt and block the enemy’s communications.
The first part of Stranger Things Season 5 is now available on Netflix. The second part will be released on December 25th, and the very last episode will stream on December 31st.
Will’s ability to connect with the hive mind is powerful, but will it be enough to stop Vecna? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!
Read more of ComicBook‘s essential Stranger Things Season 5 coverage:
- Stranger Things Season 5: All the Confirmed New & Returning Cast & Characters
- Vecna’s Plan In Stranger Things Season 5 Explained: Everything We Know (& What’s Next?)
- Why Stranger Things Brought Back That Divisive Character Explained by the Duffers
- What Happens When You Call The Phone Number In Stranger Things Season 5 (It Continues A 6-Year Trend)
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2025-11-28 18:11