Stranger Things’ Connection to a 160-Year-Old Fantasy Masterpiece Is Bad News for Max

by

As a huge fan of Stranger Things, I’ve always loved how the show weaves in references to other cool stuff from pop culture. But Season 5 is taking it to another level, and honestly, it’s making me really worried about Max. The Duffer Brothers are drawing a lot from Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, which is a classic sci-fi novel, and there are nods to everything from Back to the Future (Robin’s comment was perfect) to The Goonies. But here’s the thing: I think one of these references might be hinting at something really bad happening to Max. Seriously, if you haven’t finished Volume 1 of Season 5 yet, be warned – spoilers are coming!

Max has been comatose since the end of Stranger Things Season 4, but Sadie Sink’s character still has a significant role in the final season. Her reappearance in the first part of the season was a pleasant surprise, especially after fans spent three years wondering what happened to her. Currently, Max and Holly are trapped inside a mental landscape created by the villain, Henry. The title of an upcoming episode, “Escape From Camazotz,” suggests they’ll find a way out when the show returns on December 25th. However, it’s not certain that both girls will make it back to Hawkins, and a connection to a famous story hints that Max might be left behind.

Stranger Things Season 5 References Alice in Wonderland With Holly & Max

Holly’s storyline in the fifth season of Stranger Things draws a lot of inspiration from A Wrinkle in Time, but there are also clear nods to the classic story Alice in Wonderland. Like Alice, Holly and Max seem to have entered a strange and confusing world – Henry’s Mindscape – a ‘rabbit hole’ of sorts. The connection to Alice in Wonderland is further emphasized by Holly’s clothing; the white and blue dress she wears while in the woods closely resembles the outfits Alice wears in Disney’s movie adaptations. Fans have even spotted a detail in Episode 3: the poster for the original Alice in Wonderland film is visible behind a photo of the Creel family. Though partially obscured, you can make out the names of the voice actors, Kathryn Beaumont (Alice) and Sterling Holloway (the Cheshire Cat).

It’s becoming clear that the show is drawing connections between Alice in Wonderland and the character Holly. If Holly represents Alice, then Max seems to be playing the role of the Mad Hatter, given her nickname “Mad Max” and her unruly hair – a modern take on the Hatter’s iconic look. The connection is further strengthened by the red hair of the Mad Hatter in Tim Burton’s film and some illustrations of the book. Interestingly, Henry appears to fit the role of the White Rabbit. However, this Alice in Wonderland parallel suggests Max might not have a happy ending in the final volume of Stranger Things Season 5.

The Show’s Alice in Wonderland Connection May Seal Max’s Fate

It’s tempting to focus on the Alice in Wonderland parallels in Stranger Things Season 5, but they might hint at a troubling outcome. In Lewis Carroll’s story, only Alice makes it back to reality; the Mad Hatter is left behind. This could foreshadow what happens to Max. Many fans believe Max won’t die, considering the effort the creators put into keeping her alive. However, her real role might be to ensure Holly gets back safely—and if only one of them can make it through the portal, it’s likely Max will sacrifice herself to save Mike’s sister.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/11-biggest-stranger-things-theories-after-season-5-part-1-1-reveals-vecnas-most-dangerous-plan-yet/embed/#

Read More

2025-12-19 02:41