As Netflix prepares to release Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1, fans are looking back at early mysteries and forming new theories about how the final season may unfold. Many of the speculations focus on Will Byers, the boy whose disappearance launched the series, and fans believe he is the key to how it all ends. Several fans believe Will’s connection to the Upside Down has been building toward the final sacrifice. Senior Abby Berry, who has been following the hit series since Season 1, thinks Eleven may be the reason why Will was targeted early on. Berry explained, “I think Eleven is the reason Will was targeted by Vecna in the first season, causing her to sacrifice herself as an apology in Season 5.” Abby also suggested that closing the gate for good might require someone to “lock it from the inside.”
Other fans think the final season will shift the main role from Eleven to Will. Senior Lina Jummah believes Will could take Eleven’s place entirely. Lina explained, “Will could take Eleven’s spot in Season 5 by becoming the new link to the Upside Down now that El’s powers are weakened.” Lina added that Will’s history with the Mind Flayer, “Might make him the target for Vecna and the government,” which would force the group to protect him just how they once protected Eleven.
Some predictions are far more darker. Sophomore Charlie Johnson pointed to the show’s trailer as a potential clue. Johnson explained, “I think Will is going to die because they hinted at it in the trailer by saying, It starts with Will and will end with Will.” Senior Adam Jummah reflected that theory, saying that Will’s initial disappearance set up a storyline that could come back in the finale. Jummah explained, “I think that the Upside Down changed Will, and when he came back to Hawkins, he was changed or has a connection to Vecna. Since it started with Will, I think it’ll end with Will.” With many fan theories ranging from heroic sacrifice to tragic endings, speculation continues to grow as fans wait to see how the great hit series will close its final season.
