The final episode of Stranger Things showed what happened to its main characters: Mike becomes an author, Lucas and Max build a life together in Hawkins, Will moves away, and Dustin heads off to college. However, the fate of Eleven is the most unclear and talked about, and now Millie Bobby Brown, who plays her, is sharing her thoughts. The ending suggests El stays behind as the Upside Down disappears, seemingly sacrificing herself, but many fans are wondering if that’s truly what happened.
Mike has a theory about what really happened to Eleven: he believes her appearance at the gate was a trick created by a weakening Kali, and that she actually managed to escape and start a peaceful life. The show is intentionally open-ended, allowing both the characters and viewers to decide for themselves whether Eleven gets the happy ending Mike and his friends hope for. Millie Bobby Brown, in an interview with Netflix’s Tudum, explained that she’d wanted this outcome for Eleven for a long time, describing it as “beautiful and cathartic.” She emphasized how important it was for Eleven’s suffering and pain to finally end. When asked about Mike’s theory and the possibility of Kali creating an illusion, Brown responded…
I really like the ending – the idea that Kali’s powers are part of something much larger. It feels good that everything has a reason for existing and a specific purpose.
Was Stranger Things’ Ending For Eleven The Right Choice?
The ending of Eleven’s story is a major reason why the Stranger Things finale has sparked debate among fans. Some viewers believe her character deserved a more satisfying conclusion, while others feel the story would have benefited from a clearer resolution. Many have also pointed out unanswered questions and plot inconsistencies – like how Kali would have known when to begin her illusion, assuming she even survived – and these concerns are all understandable.
I totally agree with Brown – it was so important to see El finally take charge of her own destiny, something she’s never really had the chance to do before. The finale really highlighted this, especially in her conversation with Hopper, which led to her deciding to stay and face things on her own. Honestly, though, killing El off after everything she’s endured felt a bit harsh, so I’m glad they left things open-ended. That bittersweet ambiguity is much more satisfying, and gives us something hopeful to hold onto.
Eleven’s story of survival, whether genuine or a way for the characters to heal, gives Mike and his friends the closure they need to move forward – something that wouldn’t have been possible if she hadn’t survived. For the show itself, it provides a neat ending to the storyline about the Upside Down. However, the ending is intentionally open-ended, leaving the door open for Eleven to potentially reappear in a future spin-off, even though there are no current plans for one.
All seasons of Stranger Things are now streaming on Netflix.
What are your thoughts on what happened to Eleven? Share your opinions in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-01-07 16:41