Duffer Brothers Share That Season 5 of Stranger Things Initially Featured a Scene Linking Hopper and Joyce to Vecna, But It Was Cut to Avoid Confusing New Viewers.

The Duffer Brothers have shared that the original script for Stranger Things season 5 included a moment where Joyce, played by Winona Ryder, and Hopper, portrayed by David Harbour, discovered their past connection to Vecna. This link goes back further than Will’s abduction in season 1; they actually attended school with Henry Creel, who later becomes the menacing figure of the Upside Down.

“Yeah, I’m sure there was,” Ross Duffer responded when asked about this realization scene. “We had to tread carefully with the play – we didn’t want to confuse viewers who might not be familiar with it. Discussing it could have been perplexing for those who haven’t seen the play. But I’m sure they had that conversation.”

Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a prequel stage play currently running on Broadway and in London’s West End. Set in 1959, it tells the story of the Creel family, including their telekinetic son Henry, as they settle in Hawkins, leading to unsettling events in the town. Joyce and Hopper also feature in the play as classmates of Henry.

“We really needed the final season to unfold as it would have without the play,” Matt Duffer noted. “The play explores Henry’s backstory after he’s influenced by the Mind Flayer. But this is how the season was always intended to progress.”

All episodes of Stranger Things season 5 are now available for streaming.