'Stranger Things' fans are convinced Kali plays a big role in season 5 — here's what we think
Currently, all 'Stranger Things' fans are wondering whether Kali Prasad (Linnea Berthelsen), well-known as Eight, will return for the last battle against Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) in Season 5. Up until this moment, no official announcement has been made regarding Kali's return to 'Stranger Things' for the fifth and final instalment of the hit Netflix series. But as the show approaches its November 26 premiere, fans continue to discuss Kali's involvement this season and her incomplete storyline, linked to Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown).
The fans' speculations stem from a combination of reasons. Being one of Hawkins' three children who are alive—Kali, Eleven, and Henry Creel, a.k.a. Vecna—fans believe that the time is perfect for Kali to return for a final battle against Vecna. This is amplified by the fact that the writers of the sci-fi horror drama have kept small mentions of Kali in the previous seasons. Many believe that this was done purposely to keep the option for her comeback in 'Stranger Things' Season 5. In fact, during a November 2017 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, 'Stranger Things' creators Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer candidly spoke about Kali's storyline, with Matt saying, "It feels weird to me that we wouldn't solve [her] storyline. I would say chances are very high she comes back.”
Speculations about Kali's return to 'Stranger Things' Season 5 have been going on for quite some time now. In a Reddit thread earlier this month, a netizen expressed, "Lowkey kinda hope that she is used to drive the story, but is a very minor character. She has appeared in a single episode so far. The other characters in the party deserve the story arc. Also, she hasn't dealt with the upside-down at all. I could see her coming in, trying to help El and her severely, estimating Veccna/Henry and dying while trying to fight him." Agreeing, another netizen wrote, "I like it. I can also see her dealing with the military, like keeping them from messing with Eleven vs Vecna's final battle." "She'll help with the final fight. The allies come together to fight the big bad," a third fan commented.
Notably, Linnea Berthelsen, who plays the role of Kali, attended the premiere event for 'Stranger Things' Season 5 on November 6, 2025, in Hollywood, California, strongly hinting at her character's return in the fifth season. Kali was first introduced to the viewers in 'Stranger Things' Season 2 Episode 7, titled 'The Lost Sister'. As per Screenrant, the episode, which focused on Kali and Eleven, faced criticism for focusing on a standalone adventure while keeping other storylines on hold. Since then, Kali hasn't appeared on the show, but her name has been mentioned every season.
