Who.dies In Stranger Things Season 5

Okay, grab your Eggo waffles and sit down, because we need to talk about the elephant in the Upside Down. Season 5 of Stranger Things is coming, and let’s be honest: the death count is going to be higher than a Demogorgon’s cholesterol. The Duffer Brothers have already warned us it’s the end, and nobody escapes Hawkins unscathed. So, who is getting the axe?

The Red Shirt Brigade

First, let’s get the obvious out of the way: the new characters are basically walking coffins. Remember Eddie Munson? He lasted one season and became a folk hero. Expect a few new faces—like a plucky EMT or scientist No. 12—to get wrapped up in a bat-winged hug before you even learn their name. It’s the Stranger Things tax.

These sacrificial lambs exist so the main cast can have dramatic “Nooooo!” moments. It’s sad, but it’s also peak efficiency storytelling. Think of them as the appetizers before the main course of emotional devastation.

The Vecna Victim Lottery

Let’s talk about the big, scary, tentacle-faced Vecna. He’s basically a cosmic accountant who really likes killing teens with trauma. Max Mayfield is currently in a coma, which is the show’s way of saying, “She’s not dead, but she’s also not not dead.”

My bet? Vecna finishes the job on Max, but only after she wakes up long enough to say something heartbreaking to Lucas. It’s the classic “one last conversation before the lights go out” move. Prepare your tissues.

The Steve Harrington Problem

Okay, here’s where we get controversial. Steve Harrington has been the heartthrob and the babysitter for four seasons. He’s also the character the Duffer Brothers love to beat up for laughs. That nail bat energy? It’s running out.

I’m calling it: Steve dies saving Dustin. It’s the ultimate redemption arc for a former bully turned mom-friend. He’ll say something like, “You guys go… I’ll hold them off,” and we will all sob into our popcorn. It’s too perfect to avoid.

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The Kids Are All Right (Mostly)

Don’t panic about Eleven. Eleven is safe. She’s the franchise queen, and no one kills the Winona Ryder of psychic teens. Mike is also probably safe because he’s the emotional anchor, but he might lose a hand or an eye. That’s your “happy ending” injury.

Will Byers, on the other hand? He’s been possessed, kidnapped, and “possessed” again. The poor kid has more trauma than a therapy billboard. I think Will sacrifices himself to close the final gate, finally becoming the hero he always wanted to be. It’s bittersweet, but it lets Noah Schnapp go out with a bang.

The Adults Are Dropping Like Flies

Hopper is back from Russia, but that doesn’t mean he’s safe. In fact, Hopper’s death is almost guaranteed. He’s the grizzled dad figure with a heart of gold, and those guys always die in the final season. Expect him to blow himself up alongside a giant Demogorgon while Joyce screams his name.

Joyce herself? She survives, because she’s the only one who can keep the funeral together. But she’ll be a wreck. Also, Murray Bauman? That guy is 100% dead. He’s the comic relief who gets too close to the horror. Bye, conspiracy king.

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The Surprise Kill

Now for the weird one: Dustin Henderson. I know, I know—he’s the goofy genius. But every show kills the funny one to prove it’s serious. Dustin is the most likely to get impaled by a demo-bat while doing a science trick. His death would break the internet.

Alternatively, Erica Sinclair might bite it. She’s the sassy little sister who became a fan favorite. Killing a kid? Risky. Killing the comic kid? That’s how you win an Emmy. The Duffer Brothers aren’t afraid to go dark.

The Final Verdict

So, who actually dies? Probably Steve, Hopper, Max, Will, and three new characters we don’t care about yet. That’s the sweet spot for a “satisfying” finale. Expect one shocking survivor (maybe Mrs. Wheeler gets a heroic moment) and one character who cheats death via time travel.

And remember: no one is safe. Not even the beloved pizza delivery guy. The Duffer Brothers have mastered the art of making us laugh, then ripping our hearts out. So stock up on tissues, rewatch the sad scenes, and say your goodbyes to Steve’s hair. It’s been a wild ride.