The final chapter of Stranger Things is one of the most anticipated TV events in recent years, and with it comes the big question every fan is asking — who will make it to the end, and who might not survive? The show has always played with high emotional stakes, but the Duffers have also been careful with how they handle loss. As the series prepares to conclude, it’s almost certain that the last season will carry both heartbreak and closure.
What We Know So Far
Before we jump into the wild theories and predictions, let’s talk about what’s officially on record. Filming for Stranger Things Season 5 wrapped up in December 2024, and the good news is — the whole main gang is back. That means we’ll see Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Joe Keery, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Maya Hawke, Brett Gelman, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Priah Ferguson all returning to Hawkins for one last round.
A big addition to the cast this time is Terminator legend Linda Hamilton, who’s stepping into a mysterious new role that fans are already buzzing about. Sadly, Joseph Quinn — our unforgettable Eddie Munson — won’t be coming back. His death in Season 4 is confirmed to be final, which still stings a bit for fans who loved him.
The Duffer Brothers have hinted that Season 5 will hit harder emotionally and bring the story to a powerful, satisfying close — the kind that feels like saying goodbye to an old friend.
Cast and Creator Hints
Some clues come from what the cast and creators have said publicly. Maya Hawke, who plays Robin, hinted that Season 5 will not be without losses. In an interview, she said, “It’s the last season, so people are probably going to die.” She added that she’d actually be open to a heroic death for her character, but also noted that the Duffer Brothers love their characters too much to kill them off without purpose. Millie Bobby Brown and other cast members have spoken about the emotional weight of the final episodes, suggesting that while it will be epic, it will also be heartbreaking in parts. The creators themselves have confirmed that the final episodes will aim for both “satisfaction and emotional resonance,” meaning any deaths that do happen will serve a deeper narrative reason, not just shock value.
Who’s in the Most Danger?
So, who’s really in danger this time? Fans have plenty of theories — and a few names keep coming up again and again.
Let’s start with Eleven. Her story has always been tangled up with the Upside Down, and many believe her final battle could come down to one last act of sacrifice. Maybe she’s the one who has to close the portal for good or destroy the evil that’s haunted them all. It would make sense — she began as a weapon, became a survivor, and could end as a savior. But honestly, after everything she’s already endured, part of me hopes the Duffers let her rest. Maybe her story deserves to end with peace, not pain.
Then there’s Will Byers — the boy who started it all. From the moment he vanished in Season 1, his life has been tied to the Upside Down in ways no one else can fully understand. He’s carried trauma, isolation, and that eerie connection to Vecna that still hasn’t gone away. Some fans think Will’s story might end tragically, maybe even with him being the one to finally break the link between their world and the Upside Down. But maybe that’s too cruel a fate for someone who’s suffered so much. Maybe his ending will be about healing — finding freedom and peace instead of more loss.
Now, Steve Harrington — everyone’s favorite reformed bad boy — might just be the most likely to go out a hero. From the cocky high school jock to the protective big brother figure, his journey has been one of the most satisfying in the series. If the final season demands a sacrifice, Steve seems like the guy who’d do it without hesitation. And that’s what would make it so heartbreaking — the selfish kid from Season 1 becoming the one who saves everyone else.
Nancy Wheeler and Robin Buckley also have that “might not make it” energy. Both are brave, sharp, and unflinchingly loyal — the kind of characters who’d stand their ground even when the odds are impossible. Robin, especially, has hinted at wanting a “heroic” end in past interviews, which makes fans nervous. Still, given how much warmth and humor she’s brought to the story, maybe the Duffers will let her live — to carry the emotional heart of the ending forward.
And then we have the older trio — Hopper, Joyce, and Murray. They’ve all danced with death before. Hopper already “died” once, so it might feel repetitive for him to go down the same road again. Still, as the protective adults of the show, any of them could end up being the ones who lay everything on the line for the kids. It’s exactly the kind of bittersweet, emotional closure Stranger Things is known for — sacrifice mixed with love, and an ending that hurts just enough to stay with you.
Death Isn’t Always the End
It’s important to remember that in Stranger Things, death doesn’t always mean permanent loss. The show often plays with the idea of being trapped, missing, or existing between worlds — from Will’s time in the Upside Down to Hopper’s imprisonment in Russia. So even if someone “dies,” it might not be the end in a literal sense. The Duffers might use the concept of sacrifice, separation, or transformation instead of straightforward tragedy.
The Most Likely Outcome
If we had to make an educated prediction, the most likely scenario is that one major character will die in Season 5 — not several, just one. That death will probably be someone whose story has come full circle, someone loved enough to make the loss deeply felt. Steve Harrington seems like the most probable choice, followed by a possible sacrifice from Eleven if the story demands it. The show will likely balance heartbreak with hope, giving the world of Hawkins an ending that feels both painful and right.
The Emotional Core of the Ending
Whatever happens, one thing is certain — the final season will be emotional. The Duffers have spent years building these characters, and the ending will reflect that love. Whether through death, sacrifice, or a bittersweet farewell, Stranger Things will close with the same heart that made millions fall in love with it in the first place. The question now isn’t just who will die — it’s who will live to tell the story when the Upside Down finally falls silent.