Netflix 'Stranger Things' Season 4: Will Joe Keery's Steve Harrington die in the new installment?

One of the reasons why the writers might consider killing Steve is to shake things up, especially since no major character has been killed thus far
UPDATED MAY 17, 2022
Joe Keery as Steve Harrington in 'Stranger Things' (Netflix)
Joe Keery as Steve Harrington in 'Stranger Things' (Netflix)

One of the scenes in 'Stranger Things' Season 4 trailer sees Joe Keery's Steve Harrington tell Nancy (Natalia Dyer) "See you on the other side". It shouldn't come as a surprise if they don't. With the upcoming Netflix blockbuster called "darker" and "scarier" by critics, expect some major character deaths as it builds up to a fifth and final season. The show has not been reluctant to kill off characters. The first season saw the death of Barb, while it was Billy who died a rather heroic death in the previous season.

Steve is one of the key characters speculated to die in Season 4. Introduced as a typical jock — all arrogant and a bit of a clown, he was one of those hard-to-ignore personalities who really didn't have a fan following until the character development was more than just about his great hair. The stuck-up attitude eventually paved the way for a funny and lovable character. He teamed up with Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) to find Dart and the rest of the gang to save Will from the Mind Flayer. He brought his hero side when he gears up to fight the creature and also takes on Billy (Dacre Montgomery) at one point. Season 3 saw his arc get better when he forms a better bond with the kids and also his Scoops Ahoy! coworker, Robin (Maya Hawke). It was perhaps one of the best storylines of the season.

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Steve (Joe Keery) with Robin (Maya Hawke) and Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) in 'Stranger Things' Season 4 (Netflix)

Will Steve Harrington die in 'Stranger Things' Season 4?

In a way, killing off the character might just be perfect for the show as it progresses to a new season. The show hasn't necessarily killed off any of the main characters. Dr. Brenner and Hopper — two key players in the series have had their deaths revoked and that means the supporting cast are the ones kicking the bucket. Having Steve die to save the kids, or even Nancy would be a major shock. It's even better if it happens in Season 4 Volume 1, as the anticipation will further be heightened ahead of the second volume slated to release in July.

There's no actual confirmation that Steve will be the one to die. At this stage, one of the three main protagonists dying is a possibility as well, but with the blond-haired superstar who's become a fan favorite over the seasons, his death with surely have a major impact on the audience. The last time Scarlet Johansson's Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow said something similar along the lines of what Steve tells Nancy, she ends up dead. So, the "see you on the other side" sounds a pretty ominous gong already.

The other reason why the writers might consider killing Steve is to shake things up. The last three seasons have been more or less all the heroes making it across the line. Brenner's return and Hopper being revealed to be alive do come as a disappointment of sorts considering the sort of ending they received, so if there's a way to shred the status quo, killing Steve might be the best way.

What are your thoughts on Steve not making it this season?

'Stranger Things' Season 4 Volume 1 releases May 27 on Netflix.

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