Stranger Things season 5 sparks massive fan theories as final cast lineup and character returns teased

With nearly a decade having passed since the series first took over pop culture, anticipation for Stranger Things' impending final season is at an all-time high. Ahead of the first four episodes releasing on Wednesday, Nov. 26, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, fans are revisiting past seasons, rewatching their favorite moments, and asking the biggest question of all: which characters will return for the show's grand finale?

Season 5 will see the return of all the central figures who have made up the emotional heart of the series since its outset. It still centers on Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, in one final battle against the forces of the Upside Down. Joyce Byers, played by Winona Ryder, and Jim Hopper, played by David Harbour, are also returning to round out their arc as they protect their family from supernatural chaos threatening Hawkins. It is expected, yet deeply reassuring to longtime fans who have followed them since 2016.

The ensemble cast, which grew larger with each new season, is returning in full force. That means Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, and Max are returning, as are beloved secondary characters who have become staples of the Hawking universe. Fans can expect the original group dynamic to take center stage once again, with the final season placing a conscious effort on bringing the series back to its Season 1 emotional core. But with such a sprawling cast, the question of who will not be returning became just as important.

One character that has fans speculating nonstop about his return is Eddie Munson, the instant fan favorite from Season 4 who met a tragic end in the Upside Down. Despite countless theories, creators have confirmed that Eddie is, in fact, dead-but that does not rule out the possibility of flashbacks, hallucinations, or cameo-style appearances. Still, viewers should not expect a full-scale resurrection. The Duffers have been clear that Eddie's death was narrative-defining and not something they intend to undo.

Another surprising topic of speculation is Dr. Brenner, whose troubled history with Eleven and the Hawkins Lab created some of the most haunting moments of the show. While it seemed like Brenner died during Season 4, fans are still skeptical-anyone who's watched Stranger Things knows the show isn't above ambiguous deaths. As of this writing, there's no confirmation that he's returning. Whatever the case, his return would more plausibly come by way of flashbacks or a psychological vision than an actual physical return.

Season 5 will also introduce a handful of new characters, although Netflix has kept their identities tightly under wraps. What is known, however, is that these additions won't steal the thunder from the core cast members; they are here to complement the final storyline and increase the stakes in the narrative without overloading the farewell season. Given how the show seems to be leaning back toward its old tone-a mix of horror, mystery, and heart-anything new will serve a direct purpose in the climactic showdown against Vecna and the Upside Down. With the story climaxing in its last battle, Stranger Things Season 5 promises a mix of nostalgia and high-stakes storytelling. Emotional reunions, dangerous confrontations, and returning characters will be part of how the show finishes one of the biggest pop-culture phenomena of the past decade. Whether your favorite character lives or dies, one thing is certain: this finale will change how Hawkins is remembered forever.