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Who will die in 'Stranger Things 5' finale? These beloved characters may not make it out alive

The final battle for Hawkins is here, and as Vecna’s plan unfolds, not every hero is guaranteed to survive the series-ending showdown

The end of ‘Stranger Things’ is no longer a distant promise; it’s officially happening. Netflix will release the season 5 finale on Wednesday, December 31. After nearly a decade of monsters, mysteries, and friendships forged under impossible circumstances, the story is heading toward an all-out collision between Hawkins and the Upside Down. As Vecna attempts to merge his realm with the real world, the characters fans have followed since season 1 are bracing for a final stand. Below are the characters most likely to meet their end, along with others who appear to be walking a dangerous line heading into the finale.

Vecna / Henry Creel

There is little doubt that Vecna’s (Jamie Campbell Bower) reign is coming to an end. The entire series has been building toward his defeat, and allowing him to survive the finale would undermine years of storytelling. That doesn’t mean he won’t inflict serious damage before he falls. Vecna is at his most powerful yet, and the cost of stopping him will likely be steep. Still, the odds strongly favor the Hawkins group, the collection of traumatized teens and battle-scarred adults who have already beaten the impossible more than once. Vecna’s downfall feels inevitable, but the real question is how much he takes with him.

Dr. Kay

Dr. Kay is unlikely to survive. Introduced as a major new presence in season 5, Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton) quickly positioned herself at the center of the show’s most dangerous secrets. Despite her importance, there’s still an air of mystery surrounding her true motivations, which often spells trouble in ‘Stranger Things.’ Given her proximity to both the Hawkins Lab legacy and Vecna’s origins, her survival seems doubtful, according to Winter Is Coming. Whether she becomes collateral damage in the final battle or faces retribution for past actions, all signs point toward her story ending violently.

Kali (Eight)

Kali (Linnea Berthelsen) is highly likely to die. Her return reintroduced one of the most morally complex characters in the series. Her ability to create powerful illusions opens the door for clever strategies against Vecna, potentially giving the heroes their best chance at victory. However, her arc carries the weight of sacrifice. Kali has always existed on the fringes of the story, shaped by trauma and loss. Her death could serve as the emotional and symbolic act that finally dismantles Vecna’s control.

Lt. Robert Akers

Lt. Akers (Alex Breaux) represents the relentless military presence that has haunted Hawkins since the early seasons. While he has survived longer than expected, his fate feels sealed. Characters like Akers often exist to demonstrate the limits of brute force in a supernatural war. Whether he meets his end at Vecna’s hands or is taken out during an internal reckoning, Akers’ survival into the closing moments of the series seems unlikely.

Steve Harrington

Steve Harrington's (Joe Keery) name continues to surface in fan theories for one reason: he has grown enough for his death to matter deeply. His transformation from shallow high school bully to dependable protector has made him one of the show’s most beloved characters. Though his death is far from guaranteed, the emotional groundwork is there. Any loss involving Steve would ripple through the group, particularly Dustin and Robin. There’s also a moment in the season 5 finale trailer where Dustin is seen screaming in anguish at an unseen figure, and we can only hope it isn’t Steve he’s reacting to.

Eleven

Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) has always been the heart of ‘Stranger Things,’ and the idea of her sacrificing herself has hovered over the series for years. In Vol. 2, Kali makes it clear that she intends to give herself up once the conflict ends, believing it’s the only way to finally close the chapter on the Hawkins Lab and its years of experiments. With the concept of self-sacrifice now openly discussed within the story, the tension surrounding Eleven’s fate has only intensified. While a full-circle ending is tempting, the show may choose hope over tragedy. Still, fans should expect to be kept guessing until the very final moments.

Jim Hopper

Jim Hopper (David Harbour) is walking a fine line. Hopper has cheated death more times than almost anyone else in the series. As the group’s emotional anchor and protector, his loss would be devastating, but that also makes it narratively powerful. Though he’s unlikely to fall, Hopper’s involvement in the final confrontation guarantees danger. Whether he emerges battered but alive or pays the ultimate price remains one of the finale’s biggest questions.