Duffer Brothers Confirm Stranger Things Season 5 Finale Will Avoid Shocking Character Deaths: “We’re Not Here to Upset Anyone”

Throughout the five seasons of Stranger Things, only a handful of named characters have met their end. Despite the numerous perilous situations faced by our heroes and villains in Hawkins, we’ve only had to say farewell to Barb, Bob, Eddie, and Brenner. While there were other casualties like Chrissy, the main cast remains largely intact.

As we dive into the final chapter of the Netflix series, creators Matt and Ross Duffer hinted at an emotional conclusion, warning fans of “the most violent death of any season.” However, it seems we might not lose anyone in the remaining two hours and eight minutes.

“It’s not Game of Thrones. We’re not in Westeros. I love Game of Thrones, but it’s just a very different type of show than that,” Matt explained in an interview after the release of Vol. 2. “There’s not going to be a Red Wedding situation. Some surprising events unfold in the finale, but our goal isn’t to shock or upset anyone. By the end, I hope it feels inevitable and satisfying rather than painful.”

Fans have their favorites, and a quick look at the Stranger Things hashtag on social media reveals that many are anxious about the fate of Joe Keery’s Steve Harrington. The Duffers remain tight-lipped about Steve’s future but acknowledge the fans’ concerns. “It would be the next logical step,” Matt noted. “He keeps getting beaten up more and more. The only way to escalate that is through death.”

In the same interview, Matt discussed the “challenging” task of crafting a satisfying ending, recognizing the difficulty in meeting the diverse expectations of the audience. “When you read about people’s reactions, it feels like they’re watching very different shows. In a way, they are, right? They focus on different aspects that matter more to some than others. It gets confusing,” he remarked. “You can’t really aim to satisfy everyone, because who do you choose to please?”

Ultimately, he emphasized the importance of tuning out the noise and trusting their instincts and the collaborative efforts of the writing team. They hope that what resonates with them will also connect with the audience.

Stranger Things season 5 Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 are available for streaming now. Don’t miss the finale!