Charlie Heaton Teases Jonathan Byers’ Growth In Stranger Things Season 5

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Charlie Heaton, who plays Jonathan Byers in Stranger Things, has hinted that his character’s storyline in the fifth season will be different from what fans have seen before. Jonathan has been a key part of the show since the beginning, starting in season 1 when he and Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer) investigated the disappearances of Will (Noah Schnapp) and Barb (Shannon Purser).

After a rough start, Jonathan has become a steady and caring figure on the show, still deeply affected by the trauma surrounding his brother and the strange world of the Upside Down. He consistently steps up for those he cares about – whether it’s the kids, his mom, or Nancy – like when he bravely helped Eleven remove a piece of the Mind Flayer, and through his unwavering support for Will.

Despite this, Charlie Heaton feels his character, Jonathan, hasn’t developed as significantly as some of the other main characters on Stranger Things. In an interview with Ash Crossan from ScreenRant, Heaton admitted that when asked about Jonathan’s biggest moment of growth, he wasn’t sure how much the character had actually changed. He explained, “Honestly, I don’t know if he changed that much. He kind of stayed the same. But there is growth, especially this season, there is.”

In an interview, Natalia Dyer, who stars alongside Charlie Heaton, noted that season 4 of Stranger Things gave Jonathan Byers more chances to show his lighter side, letting viewers see a different side of his usually reserved personality. Heaton confirmed this and hinted that season 5 will take Jonathan in an unexpected new direction.

Heaton explained that last season allowed him to portray a more relaxed side of his character, though the set had a very laid-back atmosphere—he described it as feeling like they were filming a comedy similar to ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ or a Cheech & Chong movie. He noted that this season feels more dynamic and challenging.

It’s still unclear how the complex relationship between Jonathan and others will play out in the final season of Stranger Things, but the new trailer hints he’ll face significant challenges. One scene shows Jonathan and Nancy together, looking distressed by the events unfolding around them.

As a fan, I’m really excited to see the new footage! It looks like Jonathan is going to be much more involved this season – not just with the investigation, but with actually taking down Vecna alongside the other teens and the kids. Honestly, it’s a great sign! While Charlie Heaton got to show off his comedic timing in season four, his character felt a little on the sidelines. A bigger role for Jonathan this time around is exactly what we’ve been hoping for!

Jonathan has always been incredibly empathetic, which is one of his best qualities. However, this also makes him vulnerable to Vecna’s manipulation. If Vecna were to control Will, Jonathan’s friends, or even target Jonathan directly – like he did with Max in season 4 – Jonathan would be particularly at risk.

I’ve been watching Stranger Things, and honestly, Jonathan Byers really stands out to me. It’s getting intense – we know not everyone will make it through the season – but Jonathan is consistently one of the most compelling and different characters on the show. He’s just fascinating to watch!

The first part of Stranger Things season 5 will be available on Netflix in the US starting November 26th. The second part comes out on December 25th, and the final, extended episode will be released on December 31st.

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2025-11-14 16:20