Fans of the global hit series Stranger Things have had their hopes for a secret final episode definitively dashed by star Jamie Campbell Bower and Netflix itself.
The Rise and Fall of the 'Conformity Gate' Theory
Following the epic two-hour finale of Stranger Things Season 5, which landed on Netflix on New Year's Day, a compelling fan theory took root online. Dubbed 'Conformity Gate', it proposed that the show's emotional epilogue—showing the core characters moving on with their lives after defeating Vecna—was an elaborate illusion created by the villain.
Devotees scoured the series for clues, pointing to recurring motifs like the number seven. They noted Will Byers rolling a seven in the first season's Dungeons & Dragons game and a dice showing a seven in the final frame. Speculation reached fever pitch when Netflix teased a 'What's Next' video for January 7, which many believed would announce a hidden ninth episode.
Jamie Campbell Bower Delivers the Final Blow
The theory was publicly addressed and dismissed by Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays the malevolent Vecna, during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The actor firmly shut down the speculation, describing the Season 5 conclusion as "the ending the show deserves."
"Even as the actor that plays Vecna, like, it just – it feels right," Bower explained. "You know, the show is so much about friendship and love and hope and joy. And of course, like, the person who is not that has to go, you know?"
Netflix Confirms and Fan Reaction
Netflix has officially backed the actor's statement. The official Stranger Things social media profiles updated their bios to read, "ALL EPISODES OF STRANGER THINGS ARE NOW PLAYING," leaving no room for doubt. The much-anticipated 'What's Next' video, when released, focused on other Netflix properties like One Piece, with no mention of a secret Stranger Things instalment.
The confirmation has led to a wave of disappointment across social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). One heartbroken fan lamented, "Ain't no episode 9 bihhh. Welp, it's over... no episode 9," while another posted, "And there goes the hopes and dreams of a secret episode." Others directed comments towards supporters of the theory, with one user asking, "Can someone share this to the delusional fans making up #conformitygate."
While the door on Hawkins is now firmly closed, the passionate reaction underscores the deep connection audiences forged with the show over its five-season run.
