Latest Stranger Things Season 5 Update Teases a Will-Centric Story

Summary

• While there's no word yet on when Stranger Things 5 will hit Netflix, some details have begun to emerge.
• As such, the Duffer Brothers shared that the final season would resemble the first in terms of character dynamics.
• Will Byers will play a key role.

The first season of Stranger Things was an instant hit on Netflix. And that's not just because the Duffer Brothers managed to present their story on the wave of popularity of an '80s aesthetic. In many ways, the show was so well received by critics and audiences alike because of the dynamic between the characters: the friendship between the gang of D&D lovers and the girl who suddenly appeared out of nowhere instantly captivated audiences.

In addition, Will Byers was responsible for not a small part of the appeal: even though there was not too much of him in the first season, it was already clear that the gang would not be complete without him, and the fate of all of Hawkins, Indiana depends on Will as much as it does on Eleven. And it looks like our pleas have been heard.

While we don't even know the release date for the fifth season, the script is finished and the work is in active pre-production. At the same time, more and more intriguing details are being revealed by both the producers and the Duffers themselves. According to the latter, Season 5 will once again focus on character interaction and a Will-centric story.

Season One on Steroids

The Duffer Brothers spoke to The Guardian and shared a lot of fascinating details. Not only will it end where it began and have the same number of episodes (8) as Season 1. The focus will be on the gang interacting with each other.

'This season — it's like season one on steroids. It's the biggest it's ever been in terms of scale, but it has been really fun, because everyone's back together in Hawkins: the boys and Eleven interacting more in line with how it was in season one. And, yes, there may be spin-offs, but the story of Eleven and Dustin and Lucas and Hopper, their stories are done here. That's it…' Matt Duffer shared.

Will Byers Will Get More Attention in the Story

In this regard, Will Byers, played by Noah Schnapp, will finally play a major role in the story. He had little screen time in the first season, but his disappearance was the main reason why the gang decided to fight the forces of the Upside Down in the first place. In later seasons, Will finally became a central character, but the writers didn't give him as much time, even though his dynamic with his friends was one of the most important in the story.

'Will really takes center stage again in [Season] 5,' Ross Duffer told Variety. 'This emotional arc for him is what we feel is going to hopefully tie the whole series together. Will is used to being the young one, the introverted one, the one that's being protected. So part of his journey, it's not just sexuality — it's Will coming into his own as a young man.'

Will's monologue in Season 4, which hinted at romantic feelings for Mike, added depth and poignancy to his character. Their friendship must continue to flourish in the final season: we want to see both characters grow and Will find the strength he needs.

In addition, Eleven and Will, united by their harrowing experiences in the Upside Down, became literal siblings when Joyce adopted Eleven. The two have barely interacted since their reunion, so the upcoming season should explore and solidify their connection.

Apparently, the fifth and final season of Stranger Things won't arrive on Netflix until early 2025.

Source: The Guardian, Variety.