Top 7 Characters Predicted to Die in Stranger Things Season 5, Ranked

Overview

Beloved characters such as Eleven, Hopper, and Steve are facing potential deaths in the upcoming season of Stranger Things.
Vecna, the primary antagonist, is expected to meet his demise in season five.
The Wheeler family, especially Nancy and Will Byers, are also in jeopardy due to their ties to the mysterious Upside Down.

Stranger Things has evolved into a cultural phenomenon since its inaugural season premiered in 2016. Following the lives of children in the fictional town of Hawkins during the 1980s, the series has captivated audiences with its thrilling depiction of monsters from the Upside Down. The fourth season dropped in 2022, leaving fans in suspense as they eagerly await the fifth and concluding chapter of this compelling series.

As the show gears up for its final season, audiences have developed emotional connections to a diverse cast of characters, many of whom have faced dire fates throughout the earlier seasons. Given the intensity of the preceding season and the return of the formidable Vecna, speculation is rife regarding which cherished characters might meet their tragic ends in the fifth season.

7 Max

Max Was a Target for Vecna in Season Four

Debuted in season two
Portrayed by Sadie Sink

In season four of Stranger Things, Max endured harrowing experiences, coming face-to-face with Vecna, who exploited her grief over her brother Billy’s death. As the season reached its conclusion, Max faced profound danger, prompting her friends to devise a plan to safeguard her.

Sadly for Max, although her friends’ efforts fend off Vecna temporarily, she ends up in a coma, caught between life and death. As she returns for season five, Max remains a target for Vecna, who seeks to fulfill his mission. However, given the showrunners’ previous manipulation of her apparent demise, it’s likely they won’t eliminate her for good.

6 Hopper

Hawkins’ Police Chief Risks Everything to Protect His Loved Ones

First introduced in season one
Played by David Harbour

Detective Jim Hopper’s character journey has been one of resilience, evolving from a man grieving his daughter’s loss to embracing Eleven as a daughter figure. His unwavering courage often compels him to put himself in precarious situations to protect those he cares about.

While Hopper remains on the radar for potential demise, the chances have diminished given his earlier faked death in season three, which showcased his robust comeback. Consequently, it’s plausible that, while he may still face life-threatening challenges, he’s less likely to be among the casualties in season five.

5 Eleven

Eleven’s Connection to Vecna and the Upside Down Poses a Threat

Introduced in season one
Played by Millie Bobby Brown

Throughout Stranger Things, Eleven has repeatedly faced the horrors of the Upside Down, rescuing Hawkins and her friends through her exceptional psychokinetic and telepathic abilities. However, her connection to Vecna—who is poised for a return—places her in significant peril once again.

While Eleven has consistently emerged victorious against daunting adversaries, the escalating stakes of the upcoming season mean she could potentially be overwhelmed, indicating a tangible risk to her survival.

4 Steve Harrington

The Compassionate Jock Faces Grave Danger

First appeared in season one
Portrayed by Joe Keery

Initially cast as the typical high-school bully, Steve Harrington has developed into one of the most beloved and courageous characters, particularly through his endearing friendship with Dustin, which has become a fan favorite.

In the face of danger, Steve has unreservedly risked his safety for the younger characters, and with the upcoming season set to unleash significant threats, he’s likely to find himself in the thick of it once more. Given his popularity and character growth, any demise on Steve’s part would deeply impact the show’s followers.

3 Nancy Wheeler

The Wheeler Family Faces Imminent Threats in Season Five

Debuted in season one
Played by Natalia Dyer

As the narrative unfolds, the Wheeler family clearly stands on shaky ground, with Nancy often leading the charge against malevolent forces. From her early appearances, she has demonstrated intelligence and bravery, traits that have only intensified in subsequent seasons.

In season four’s finale, Nancy plays a pivotal role in confronting Vecna, underpinning her fearless resolve to combat evil alongside her comrades. This valor, albeit commendable, poses an increased risk to her life in season five—especially with Vecna’s anticipated resurgence.

2 Will Byers

Will’s Longtime Connection to the Upside Down Puts Him in Jeopardy

First appeared in season one
Played by Noah Schnapp

Throughout the series, Will Byers has endured harrowing experiences, from being snatched by the Demogorgon in season one to being possessed by the Mind Flayer in season three. His character arc is marked by trauma resulting from his connections to the Upside Down.

As the series progresses into season five, this connection renders Will particularly vulnerable. With Vecna’s return, he may exploit Will’s previous traumas, leading to potentially fatal consequences. Given that Will was the conduit through which audiences first encountered the Upside Down, future developments may force him to sever that very link at a steep personal cost.

1 Vecna

The Ultimate Villain is Set for Defeat in Season Five

Introduced in season four
Portrayed by Jamie Campbell Bower

Vecna’s debut in season four showcased him as a formidable foe, targeting those burdened by trauma amid the town’s quaint backdrop. Although he faced defeat, he remains a looming threat, setting the stage for intense confrontations as the final season approaches.

Given his role as the antagonist, much speculation revolves around his possible demise in season five. Fans are hopeful for a resolution that sees Vecna vanquished, though the showrunners could opt for a darker twist, allowing Vecna’s victory and leaving Hawkins under the shadow of the Upside Down.

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