I’m sure we’re starting to sound like a broken record over here at Nerdist, but ring the bells: Stranger Things 5 is nearly upon us. A decade-long in the making, it feels like a lifetime since we first saw Will vanish into the Upside Down. And sooo much has happened since. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve been thrown through the ringer as Hawkins battles against the Upside Down time and time again. Gearing up for the saga’s epic conclusion, we’ve compiled some of the most important things to remember ahead of season five.
There Will be a Time Jump
Season five kicks off in the fall of 1987. That’s more than a year after season four left off (which was not tied up nicely, by the way.) Apart from the Upside Down seeping into Hawkins, who knows what else transpired over that time? Whatever it is, it can’t be good. If you remember from season four, the town has officially been declared a federal disaster area after Vecna split open a fourth rift between worlds. The military has stepped in to place Hawkins (and everyone in it) into lockdown.
Given how much has happened over the span of the last four seasons (and between), the details start to get a little fuzzy. If you want an in-depth look at EVERY major thing that happens and when, allow us to jog your memory. From the launch of Project MKUltra to Vecna narrowly evading defeat, follow our comprehensive Stranger Things timeline here. (editor note, please link)
Season Five Is Going to be BIG
For something that’s been years—YEARS—in the making, of course the monumental three-part finale is gonna go out with a bang. The Duffers have even said so themselves. Season five will contain eight episodes and be released in three parts. The final episode rolls out with a whopping runtime of almost two hours. For the first time, fans will be able to catch the finale on the big screen. Episode eight, “The Rightside Up,” opens in theaters on New Year’s Eve, the same time it hits Netflix.
“It’s just going to be going 100 miles an hour from the beginning.” – Matt Duffer in an interview with Collider
Everyone Who Is (and Isn’t) Returning
If one thing rings true for Stranger Things enthusiasts, it’s that the characters are what truly make the show. Lucky for us, we can expect many of our favorites to return. Noah Schnapp as Will Byers, Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair, Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield, David Harbour as Jim Hopper, Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers, Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley, Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler, Joe Keery as Steve Harrington, Amybeth McNulty as Vickie, Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers, Brett Gelman as Murray Bauman, Cara Buono as Karen Wheeler, Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna/Henry Creel, and Priah Ferguson as Erica Sinclair. Additionally, four new faces are being added to the mix: Nell Fisher, Jake Connelly, Alex Breaux, and Linda Hamilton.
As for who’s not coming back for season five, Argyle (Eduardo Franco) has been axed from the show. Knowing how the Duffers treat most comic relief side characters, it’s probably for the best. Let’s hope he’s happy off in California and someplace far away from Vecna’s grasp. Joining him in Stranger Things purgatory are Suzie (Gabriella Pizzolo) and Terry Ives (Aimee Mullins).
Saddest of all, Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn) will not be back for season five. After the metalhead tragically sacrificed himself to Demobats last season, fans were hopeful that Eddie might return as Kas the Bloody-Handed. The Duffers have sadly confirmed that he is very much six feet under and will stay that way. Boooo.
Vecna Is Alive and Well, As Is His Influence on Hawkins
After Eleven and the crew are unable to fully defeat Vecna—the telekinetic being formerly known as Henry Creel—he disappeared without a trace. Though weakened, he ripped open a fourth gate to the Upside Down, causing the two worlds to collide on the surface. Season four ends with plumes of smoke expelling from the rifts into Hawkins. Clearly, the fight isn’t over quite yet. Season five’s trailer confirms this as we see a buffed out Vecna return to the surface to target Will.
Max Is Still in a Coma
Who can forget Max’s traumatic near-death experience with Vecna last season? Much like Chrissy and Fred Benson, Max experienced recurring nosebleeds and hallucinations at the hands of Vecna. The humanoid stalked Max inside her own mind, nearly killing her before Eleven stopped him. Suffering from her injuries, Max was left unconscious and hospitalized. We’re all rooting for her to wake up, but it seems like she’ll stay in this state for at least part of season five.
Eleven’s Powers Are Back and Stronger Than Ever
Flashing back to the end of season three, you may recall Eleven temporarily losing her powers after overexerting herself to defeat the Mind Flayer. She gets them back by participating in a secret program called the “Nina Project,” spearheaded by Dr. Owens and Brenner. Now, she’s stronger than ever, as evidenced by the trailer.
With a wild vertical jump and an explosive wave of blue light, Eleven proves that she’s ready to face Vecna. This time, she’ll no doubt be the key to stopping him for good.
Watch the Official Season Five Trailer Here:
The Release Schedule For Stranger Things 5:
- Stranger Things 5, Volume 1, releases on November 26
- Episodes one through four
- Stranger Things 5, Volume 2, releases on Christmas (December 25)
- Episodes five through seven
- Stranger Things 5, Volume 3, releases on New Year’s Eve (December 31)
- Episode eight
Each part releases at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET.
As of now, Stranger Things 5 is less than a week away, and every single day feels almost agonizing. After a lifetime of waiting, the highly anticipated conclusion better not disappoint (and we’re sure it won’t.)