Summary
The highly anticipated fifth and final season ofStranger Thingsis approaching, promising an emotional conclusion to the popular Netflix series. While fans eagerly await discovering the chilling twists and ultimate fates of their favorite characters, one of the show’s stars has shared thrilling updates about their character’s involvement in the series finale.
Although the official plot forStranger Thingsseason 5 hasn’t been revealed yet, fans expect ablockbuster-scale conclusionthat will give a fitting farewell to the show’s beloved characters. This concluding chapter will continue to follow the Hawkins crew as they confront Vecna, the antagonist who successfully opened the four gates linking the Upside Down to their once-quiet town. Despite being severely wounded by Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and the gang, the finale left no doubt that Vecna is still very much alive and a continued threat. As anticipation builds for the series' conclusion, one of the stars has recently dropped some intriguing hints about what’s in store for the grand finale.
In a recent interview withVariety, Sadie Sink and the Duffer brothers, the creators ofStranger Things, discussed her character’s future, Max Mayfield, as Stranger Things heads into its fifth and final season. They hinted that Max will continue to have a significant role and may even show signs of recovery after she was gravely injured by Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) and fell into a coma at the end of Season 4. Although the exact time gap between the finale and the new season remains unclear, Sink revealed that she’s been physically active in her role, suggesting Max’s condition has notably improved since the last season. “They love having me run,” Sink shared, referring to series creators Matt and Ross Duffer. However, she chose not to elaborate further, simply adding, “That’s all I’ll say.” While it was anticipated that Max wouldn’t be entirely sidelined in the final season, Sink’s comments about the new episodes' intensity will reassure fans who want to seeMax survive and help the party save Hawkins.
Max’s fate in Season 4 ofStranger Thingswas one of the show’s most devastating moments. Initially introduced in Season 2, Max quickly won over the main group with her gaming prowess, but her journey took a dark turn as she became entangled in the nightmarish events of the Upside Down. Following the possession and death of her brother Billy (Dacre Montgomery) and her own targeting by Vecna, Max ended up gravely injured and comatose by the end of Season 4. During the intense finale, Max’s confrontation with Vecna nearly led to her death before Millie Bobby Brown’sEleven intervened and miraculously revived herjust in time by restarting her heart. While Max’s physical injuries are severe—her limbs are broken, and she is blinded—her true struggle goes beyond mere physical damage. Despite Eleven’s efforts to reach her in the mysterious void at her hospital bedside, Max remains elusive in the real world. Max’s condition remains uncertain, with no clear sign of when or if she will awaken, though Sink has been seen filming for the final season. Although she remains in a coma, the Upside Down’s mysterious nature might offer a different avenue for Max’s presence, potentially allowing her to be more active in that otherworldly realm despite her physical limitations in the real world.
Series creators Matt and Ross Duffer kept details under wraps, but did share that Max will have a significant role in the upcoming season. Despite their cautious comments, Matt Duffer hinted thatMax’s storyline would be pivotal to the season’s conclusion. He praised Sadie Sink’s performance, stating, “I think she’s grown just more confident as an actor and in her choices. We did film a scene the other day with her that was just absolutely heartbreaking. I don’t know how she hits those notes.” Although Max’s condition post-season 4 remains dire, the hints from Sink and the Duffers offer hope. Max’s resilience was evident in season 4, proving her strength even in the face of daunting challenges, and it’s clear from the brief insights that she will continue to fight and play a crucial role, even after her severe injuries.
Stranger Thingsseason 5 is currently in production and set to debut on Netflix in 2025.
