'Stranger Things' Season 5 on Netflix: Cast, date, plot and all the latest buzz

Ahead of the premiere of Volume 2, the creators, Matt and Ross Duffer hinted at a time jump, and the strong desire to "stick the landing"
A still from 'Stranger Things' Season 4 Episode 8 (Netflix)
A still from 'Stranger Things' Season 4 Episode 8 (Netflix)

It was quite the run up the hill as 'Stranger Things' Season 4 Volume 2 finally dropped on Netflix, and ended with a bang. It's not all done though as the cliffhanger sets the tone for an already confirmed Season 5. The two episodes spanning over four hours collectively establishes that it's the beginning of the end for Hawkins. 

Season 4 saw the heroes face off against Vecna/001, a powerful enemy who has a complicated relationship with Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown)  and Dr. Martin Brenner (Matthew Modine). The decisive battle proved to be a humdinger and will carry over into season 5. Ahead of the premiere of Volume 2, the creators, Matt and Ross Duffer hinted at a time jump, and the strong desire to "stick the landing" after four blockbuster seasons. With that, here's a look at everything that we know so far ahead of Season 5.

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Who is starring in 'Stranger Things' Season 5?

Expect the majority of the characters to return in the final installment. Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers, David Harbour as Jim Hopper, Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, Caleb, McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair, Noah Schnapp as Will Byers, Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield, Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler, Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers, Joe Keery as Steve Harrington, Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley, , Brett Gelman as Murray Bauman, Priah Ferguson as Erica Sinclair, and Paul Reiser as Sam Owens to reprise their roles in Season 5.

When does 'Stranger Things' Season 5 release?

While The Duffer Brothers have confirmed Season 5 of 'Stranger Things', there is no official confirmation about the release date. With the final season teased to be bigger, badder and the most epic one yet, we'd say it will be atleast two more years and two more installments. The earliest could be a late 2023 release.

What is the plot of 'Stranger Things' Season 5?

A still from 'Stranger Things' Season 4 (Netflix)

For now, the Stranger Things season 5 plot is all cloak and dagger, but the Duffer Brothers have hinted that they have the whole conclusion mapped out. "We know what the ending is," Matt Duffer previously said during an interview with SFX. "It's conceivable that it changes but I think it's unlikely because it's one of those endings that just feels, and has always felt, right. It also feels sort of inevitable. Then when you come up with it, you're like, 'Oh yeah well, that is absolutely what is has to be.'"
 
"We're introducing new stuff, but we're also tightening and wrapping up in a certain direction," said David Harbour, who plays Jim Hopper. "To make it have a clear, clean, specific, and definite ending at some point, which I can't really talk about." (via GamesRadar). Season 4 ended with the Joyce, Bauman, and Hopper defeating the Demogorgon and the Demodogs. Eleven and the trio of Steve, Nancy and Robin blow Vecna away. However, he leaves after causing enough damage. The Upside Down has now merged with Hawkins and Will says Vecna is "hurting" but alive.

"Now that I'm back, in Hawkins, I can feel him. And he's hurt, he's hurting, but he's still alive," he tells Mile. "It's strange knowing now who it was this whole time. But I can still remember what he thinks, and how he thinks. He's not gonna stop, ever, not until he's taken everything... everyone... We have to kill him."

Latest buzz about 'Stranger Things' Season 5

Is there a trailer?

There is no trailer or post-credit scenes that hint at what's in store in Season 5. However, Netflix does drop in cyptic tweets that stir up quite the debate. Do watch this space as we update this space with new clips, first-looks and teases.

The Duffer Brothers promises a banger of a Season 5

Talking to The Wrap, "5 is just going to be pedal to the metal from the opening scene," Ross Duffer told The Wrap(opens in new tab), hinting that whatever happens, it's going to be emotional. "I saw executives crying who I’ve never seen cry before and it was wild."

Eddie Munson to return?

Joseph Quinn, who was introduced as Eddie Munson in the new season, told The Guardian that he'd love to be in season 5. "I'll be furious if they don't bring me back," he laughed. "I'd love to, if they'll have me." He was killed by a bunch of Demobats in episode 9, so any return would be in the form of a falshback.

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