‘Stranger Things’ Creators Confirm Season 5 Is Final Time We’ll See Original Characters in Live-Action

by

So, it looks like the wild ride that is Stranger Things is officially over, and honestly, the ending in Season 5 left a lot of us feeling pretty split. Everyone’s been buzzing with theories about potential continuations, and we’re all desperate to know what happens to our favorite characters – will we ever see ‘The Party’ back on screen? Well, the Duffer Brothers, the creators of the show, have finally told us what’s happening with the core cast, but I’m not sure I completely buy it!

During an interview with Collider, Matt Duffer was directly asked if we’ll see Eleven, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Will, and Max – and the rest of The Party – again, or if Season 5 will be their last appearance in live-action. He answered very directly, without hesitation.

“Yes.”

It’s hard to imagine a more direct answer than the one Matt Duffer gave. However, given that both he and Ross Duffer have expressed regret over how they spoke after the finale, and considering how many of their comments have actually created more questions, it’s difficult not to question such a simple response.

‘Stranger Things’ Fans Don’t Believe Matt Duffer: “No Way They Won’t Make a Revival”


Netflix

Even though the creators tried to discourage speculation, fans aren’t convinced that Season 5 will truly be the end of Stranger Things. After the announcement that this would be the last live-action season, many took to social media, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) saying, “We’ll see what happens in a few years.” Others expressed skepticism, suggesting the decision was financially motivated, and joked about the possibility of the show being revived despite the claims. One user wrote, “Maybe they’ll bring them back,” while another quipped, “The Duffer brothers will realize who actually owns Stranger Things.”

Most fans believe that Stranger Things will return in the future, likely as a sequel series set many years later. One fan suggested a movie could happen in about twenty years, potentially in the early 2000s or 2010s, and believes hints of this plan are already present in the show. Others think a revival is inevitable within the next decade, pointing to the fact that Eleven wasn’t completely eliminated as a sign of things to come.

It’s still unclear if the creators of Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers, have any surprises in store, but even if the fifth season is the last we see of the main characters in live-action, they’ll be returning in a new animated series called Stranger Things: Tales from ’85. This series, created by Eric Robles and the Duffers, takes place between seasons two and three of the original show. It features Eleven, Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, and Max facing a new danger from the Upside Down and discovering that things aren’t always what they seem.

Subscribe for deeper Stranger Things coverage and analysis

Get the newsletter for in-depth analysis and context on Stranger Things character fates, fan reactions, and official developments, including coverage of spin-offs like the animated prequel Tales from ’85, offering thoughtful coverage and perspective.

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s
Terms of Use
and
Privacy Policy
. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Coming in 2026, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 will be an animated story featuring a new cast of voice actors. Brooklyn Davey Norstedt will voice Eleven, while Jolie Hoang-Rappaport will play Max. Luca Diaz will be Mike, Elisha “EJ” Williams will be Lucas, Braxton Quinney will voice Dustin, Benjamin Plessala will play Will, and Brett Gipson will be Hopper.

Read More

2026-01-05 16:25