Stranger Things fans have been gripped by a new, chilling theory about which beloved character might meet their end in the final season, shifting focus away from the long-feared demise of Steve Harrington.
The Shift in Fan Speculation
Since the first four episodes of Stranger Things season five landed on Netflix last month, subscribers have been on high alert. The action-packed instalments notably left all main characters alive, a move many interpreted as the calm before a major storm in the concluding batch of episodes. While fervent pleas to spare Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) have dominated social media for weeks, a compelling new analysis suggests the show's creators, The Duffer Brothers, may have a different target in mind.
Discussions on platforms like Reddit have pinpointed Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard) as a prime candidate for a tragic farewell. Fans argue the narrative has been quietly setting the stage for his potential sacrifice.
Why Mike Wheeler is in the Firing Line
Several key moments from the released episodes have fuelled this theory. One pivotal scene saw Mike and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) having a heartfelt conversation about their future together, a classic trope often preceding a character's death. Furthermore, with Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) and Eleven positioned as the group's primary weapons against Vecna, it's logical the villain would strike at the person they both love most: Mike.
His symbolic role is also under scrutiny. Often described as the 'heart' of the group, Mike's leadership, despite his lack of powers, makes his loss profoundly impactful. A poignant moment where he gives a figurine to his younger sister Holly (Nell Fisher) has been interpreted as him 'passing the torch' to a character likely to survive the series finale.
Other Characters on the Chopping Block
Though Mike is a frontrunner, other fan-favourites are not out of danger. The enduring bond between Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo) and Steve has fans deeply concerned, especially with clips of their 'you die, I die' pact recirculating online.
Meanwhile, Robin Buckley (Maya Hawke) has also been flagged. Her supportive role in helping Will unlock his powers, coupled with repeated, wistful mentions of missing a date with Vickie Dunne (Amybeth McNulty), are seen as subtle emotional clues that her character's arc may be concluding.
The fate of Hawkins' heroes will be revealed when Stranger Things season five, part two premieres on Netflix on Boxing Day, Friday, December 26. Fans across the UK are braced for an emotional and potentially devastating finale to the epic saga.
