What we know about Stranger Things season 5

What awaits Eleven and the rest of the Hawkins gang...?

Stranger Things Season 5 is finally here. The new episodes haven't yet begun production, but we have an idea of what to anticipate in the next chapter of Netflix's world-dominating series.

Creators Matt and Ross Duffer, also known as the Duffer Brothers, have previously suggested that a time leap will be included, which makes sense given the young actors' rapid growth. Meanwhile, executive producer Shawn Levy has stated that he does not want the series to go on too long, implying that a bold, satisfying finish is on the way. "We don't want to be one of those programs that flails around looking for a way to land," he added. "We really want to hit the ground running."

In Season 4, our Hawkins heroes faced Vecna, a strong foe with a convoluted past with Eleven and Dr. Martin Brenner. The struggle was one of their most difficult ever, and it will continue until season 5. While there is no official Stranger Things season 5 release date, we can utilize our experience of prior seasons to predict when new episodes will be released.

Friends don't lie, and they also don't willfully ruin things, so if you haven't seen Stranger Things 4, click away and come back later. Below are some MAJOR spoilers. Scroll down to catch up, geeks...

Season 5 premiere date for Stranger Things

Given that Stranger Things Season 5 has yet to begin production, it's reasonable to assume we'll have to wait a little longer until the next chapter arrives. Season 4 concluded filming in September 2021, eight months after it began in February 2020, due to COVID-related shutdowns, and the first seven episodes were not published until May 2022, eight months after filming ended.

Prior to the pandemic, each season took about six to seven months to film. When you factor in significant VFX post-production labor, it takes well over a year to produce a season from beginning to end. As a result, we believe Stranger Things season 5 will not be released until late 2023 at the earliest.

Realistically, the next season will most likely debut in 2024. Seasons 2 and 3 were nearly two years apart, and that was before the coronavirus messed things up, so we know the Duffers aren't hesitant to put us to the test. Because this is the final season, they're definitely going to want to go big, which means season 5 may be even longer. We'll keep you updated as filming progresses.

Is Season 5 of Stranger Things the final season?

Stranger Things season 5 will be the final chapter in the saga of Eleven, her companions in Hawkins, and the Upside Down, but it will not be the last Netflix series rooted in the Stranger Things world.

When announcing the show's impending demise on Netflix, the Duffer Brothers teased a possible spin-off series: "Within the Stranger Things universe, there are many more interesting stories to be told. New secrets, fresh adventures, and new unanticipated heroes"

"We haven't informed anybody about the idea yet, let alone written it," they said afterwards. "We believe that everyone, even Netflix, will be shocked by the notion since it is so novel. Finn Wolfhard, who is a tremendously clever child, accurately predicted what it would be about. Except for Finn, no one else knows!"

The narrative of Stranger Things Season 5

The Stranger Things season 5 narrative is currently unknown, but the Duffer Brothers have hinted that they have the entire series' ending very well figured out. "We know what the finale is," Matt Duffer previously stated in an SFX interview. "It's possible that it may change, but I doubt it since it's one of those endings that simply feels, and has always felt, right. It also appears to be unavoidable. Then, when you figure it out, you're like, 'Oh yes, that's exactly what it has to be.'"

"We're bringing new material, but we're also tightening and wrapping up in a specific way," stated David Harbour, who plays Jim Hopper, during the season 4 promotion. "At some point, which I can't really talk about, I want it to have a clear, clean, distinct, and certain finale."

Season 4 ended with each group - in Nevada, Hawkins, and Russia, respectively - inadvertently working together to take down Vecna. While Max is baiting his subconscious at the Creel House, Robin, Steve, and Nancy burn his vulnerable physical form in the Upside Down. Eleven's thoughts finds its way to Max to aid her in facing off against the great enemy, while Mike and Will submerge her in a homemade sensory deprivation tank. However, as Will points out at the end of episode 9, Vecna is far from defeated.

"I can sense him now that I'm back in Hawkins. And he is aching, yet he is still alive. It's odd knowing who it was all along. But I can recall what he thinks and how he thinks. He's not going to stop until he's stolen everything... everything... We must murder him "He informs Mike seriously.

"5 is going to be pedal to the metal from the first scene," Ross Duffer told The Wrap, implying that whatever occurs would be dramatic. "I watched CEOs weep who I'd never seen cry before, and it was crazy."

In recent weeks, fans have speculated on what may occur in the fifth and final chapter. We anticipate that time travel will play a significant role, given that the Upside Down was discovered to be stuck in 1983.

Season 5 cast of Stranger Things

Stranger Things season 5 cast — Image: Netflix

It's quite unlikely that any of the key cast members would break up before Stranger Things concludes, thus they're all anticipated to return for season 5. That means Millie Bobby Brown will return as Eleven, Finn Wolfhard will return as Mike Wheeler, and Sadie Sink will return as Max Mayfield... if she survives her coma.

Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley), Joe Keery (Steve Harrington), Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers), Brett Gelman (Murray Bauman), David Harbour (Jim Hopper), and Winona Ryder are all expected to return (Joyce Byers).

Joseph Quinn, who played Eddie Munson in season 4, recently told The Guardian that he'd want to see the head of the Dungeons & Dragons-obsessed Hellfire Club return in season 5. "I'm going to be upset if they don't bring me back," he joked. "I'd be delighted if they'd have me." (However, given that the character was slain by a swarm of Demobats in episode 9, we're not sure how feasible it is.)

"Let me put it this way: I am aware of Season 5. Take what you will from it "According to Jamie Campbell Bower, who portrays Vecna/Henry Creel/One.