Stranger Things 5 trailer analysis: 5 theories as fans fear major deaths

by

It’s amazing to think that after a long wait, the premiere of Stranger Things 5 is just weeks away! The exciting new trailer proves it’s really happening.

Set to Queen’s iconic song “Who Wants to Live Forever,” this impressive three-minute trailer reveals the reasons behind the lengthy wait for the final installment.

This story started as a creepy, small-town horror, but it’s quickly become a large-scale action adventure. The first look highlights its intense, realistic action and impressive visual effects.

The story’s central conflict is still a secret, as Netflix and the creators appear more focused on bringing back familiar characters than revealing what dangers they’ll encounter.

Hawkins is under quarantine

The fourth season of Stranger Things concluded with a major break between our world and the Upside Down. As a result, the heroes of Hawkins watched helplessly as the terrifying parallel dimension began to invade their hometown.

Based on the trailer, the US government appears to have quarantined Hawkins after the events shown. No one is allowed to enter or leave, and the military is guarding all roads leading in and out of town.

After being trapped in Hawkins for a while with no clear way out, Mike tells Eleven that the group is beginning to fall apart – but they might be able to change things if they take control of the situation.

The story then follows several characters as they explore tunnels beneath the town. These tunnels might be how the team stays hidden while looking into a growing and dangerous conspiracy.

Eleven is finally in full control

We’ve definitely seen Eleven do some amazing things with her powers before, but it’s usually been a bit of a mixed bag. She’s incredibly strong, but it often feels like she’s not fully in control, and using those powers really takes a toll on her.

If the show still focuses on Eleven’s powers, you wouldn’t know it from this trailer. It’s full of action scenes where she’s using her telekinesis, including one memorable moment where she quietly floats over a barbed wire fence at night.

This is likely one of the military bases established in Hawkins to deal with the monsters, and we later see it completely destroyed by a group of Demogorgons, along with the soldiers stationed there.

Lucas rescues Max – but will she wake up?

I was completely blown away by Sadie Sink’s performance as Max in season 4! She really brought Max Mayfield to life, showing how much she was struggling with everything happening and dealing with the grief over her brother. Vecna clearly went after her because she was so strong, but also so vulnerable, and Sadie portrayed that perfectly. It was heartbreaking and amazing to watch.

The season reached a terrifying peak when Vecna captured Max, inflicting horrific injuries – blinding her and breaking her bones – and plunging her into a coma. Eleven desperately tried to find Max telepathically, but couldn’t, leaving her worried Max might never wake up.

I’m still completely on the edge of my seat wondering if Max will pull through, but there was one scene in the trailer that really gave me hope! Seeing Lucas, her friend and maybe something more, break into the hospital to save her as those terrifying creatures from the Upside Down approached was just… wow. It was such a powerful moment and I’m so glad he was there for her.

Lucas cradles the unconscious Max and carries a tape player, likely still playing Kate Bush. Perhaps it’s time to switch to a different song?

Dustin is bruised, beaten – and grieving?

In the new trailer, fan-favorite Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo) appears injured, showing visible wounds like black eyes, cuts, and bruises on his face.

He’s visibly upset, breaking down in tears while hugging his close friend Steve Harrington (Joe Keery). Steve looks genuinely worried and offers him support, unsure of what’s happened or what will happen next.

It’s understandable if Dustin is upset – he might be shaken up from a near-death experience, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed in that situation. Anyone would likely react the same way.

With rumors swirling that some characters won’t survive the season, it’s natural to ask if these recent events are clues about who might die soon.

Will is key – but who will die?

Noah Schnapp, known for his role in Stranger Things, has stated that the show’s story began with his character, Will Byers, and will ultimately conclude with him as well.

The trailer strongly suggests that Vecna will once again use Will Byers’ connection to the Upside Down to further his evil plans.

The preview closes with a tense scene: Will is pulled toward the terrifying creature controlling him, who chillingly says, “You’re going to help me, just one more time.”

But would the Duffer brothers really kill off Will Byers? It seems a little unlikely.

We’ve seen these characters, and the actors who play them, mature before our eyes, overcoming huge challenges with the help of friendship and empathy.

It would be a bit of a downer if one of these youngsters bit the dust at the very last moment.

However, the show isn’t afraid to put its established characters in danger, as we’ve seen before. That’s why fans are concerned about Hopper (David Harbour), Joyce (Winona Ryder), and Steve, since they appear so little in the trailer.

Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) appear to be heavily involved in the new season’s events, as the trailer shows them facing danger multiple times. Fortunately, Nancy seems prepared, even looking quite capable wielding a machine gun.

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

Read More

2025-10-30 19:07