Key Highlights
- The first five minutes of ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 reveal a pivotal moment in the series history.
- Noah Schnapp portrays de-aged Will Byers in his early days in the Upside Down, setting up the season’s narrative.
- The scene introduces Vecna as a central antagonist and hints at the final season’s overarching plot.
Stranger Things Season 5: Setting the Stage for Vecna’s Reign of Terror
The highly anticipated final season of Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things has taken a surprising turn in its opening moments. The first five minutes, unveiled during a red carpet premiere on Thursday night, provide fans with an unprecedented look into the early days of Will Byers’ disappearance and his subsequent capture by Vecna.
Noah Schnapp’s Return as De-aged Will
The scene opens with Noah Schnapp portraying 12-year-old Will Byers, de-aged to his original appearance from Season 1. This nostalgic glimpse into the past serves not only as a reminder of how much has changed but also sets the stage for the season’s narrative. Tired and confused, Will finds himself inside the Upside Down version of Castle Byers, muttering “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” by The Clash—a song introduced to him by his older brother Jonathan in the series’ first episode.
Encounter with the Demogorgon
The young Will is soon interrupted by the sounds of a dangerous presence outside. As he tries to escape, a Demogorgon crashes into the fort where he is hiding, forcing him to shoot at it with a hunting rifle—a callback to his earlier experiences in the series. In a tense moment, Will manages to scale a tree but ultimately falls unconscious when caught by the creature.
Vecna’s Ambitions Unveiled
The scene cuts abruptly and opens on the Upside Down’s Hawkins Library, where Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) awaits. As the Demogorgon brings Will to him, Vecna ominously states, “At long last, we can begin,” as tentacles attach themselves to Will, presumably pumping an unknown substance into his body. The chilling dialogue suggests that everything the characters have endured thus far has been part of Vecna’s greater plan.
Stranger Things creator Matt Duffer stated in a recent interview: “Vecna is going to be the central threat for this season, and we’re excited to explore his motivations and how he manipulates events. It’s a complex character with many layers.”
Building Anticipation for the Final Chapter
The first four episodes of Season 5 premiere on November 26, followed by three more on Christmas Day, culminating in the series finale on New Year’s Eve. Each episode will drop at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m.
ET, allowing viewers to experience the final chapter of this beloved series.
“We’re excited to finally reveal all the answers fans have been waiting for,” said Matt and Ross Duffer in a statement. “It’s been an incredible journey, and we can’t wait for audiences to see what we’ve created.”
The opening sequence sets up Vecna as a formidable antagonist, hinting at significant plot developments that will unfold throughout the season. Fans eagerly await the reveal of how Vecna’s actions have shaped the events of previous seasons and what challenges the characters face in their final confrontation.
