Stranger Things Season 5 is shaping up to be one of the biggest TV events in Netflix history, and recent coverage in the UK’s SFX Magazine has revealed some massive insights into the highly anticipated final chapter. As the series prepares to wrap up the story of Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and the rest of Hawkins, fans finally have a clearer picture of the emotional stakes, story direction, and behind-the-scenes scale of the final season.
Over the past few weeks, several major entertainment outlets have teased details about the show’s conclusion. However, the new 20-page SFX Magazine special issue offers the most detailed preview yet, featuring exclusive interviews, fresh stills, and insider commentary from The Duffer Brothers and leading cast members. If you’re a Stranger Things fan, this deep dive offers a treasure trove of information about what’s coming in Season 5.
SFX Magazine Goes All-Out for Stranger Things Season 5
SFX Magazine has supported Stranger Things from the beginning, and editor Darren Scott confirmed that plans for this cover story began right after Season 4. Their special collector’s issue includes:
- 20 pages of new interviews & insights
- Variant covers
- Brand-new promotional photos
- Posters, stickers, and exclusive art cards
Scott described Season 5 as a cultural milestone similar to legendary shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The X-Files, and Doctor Who, noting that SFX wanted to honor the show’s legacy by doing something equally massive.
And the hype doesn’t stop there — SFX confirmed a Volume 2 issue will release aligned with the second part of the final season, teasing even bigger revelations and bonus content.
Cast Interviews Reveal Emotional, Dark, and Character-Driven Finale
Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler): Rising as a Leader
In Season 5, Mike Wheeler steps into a bigger role than ever. After confessing his love to Eleven in Season 4, Mike is now laser-focused on stopping Vecna and protecting his friends.
Finn Wolfhard teased:
“It becomes personal in a lot of ways. We’re all on a mission to finish this and find Vecna.”
Wolfhard revealed three key details:
- The Season 5 sets are massive and mostly practical, not CGI-heavy
- The tone has moments that feel “almost Coen Brothers-y” — meaning unexpected storytelling and emotional depth
- Mike’s ending is powerful, emotional, and bigger than anything he anticipated
His reaction to reading the finale script?
“I couldn’t have imagined how big that moment felt… it was super emotional.”
Expect Mike to step fully into a heroic and mature version of his character.
Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair): Darkness, Trauma & Revenge
Lucas has one of the most emotional arcs heading into Stranger Things Season 5. Still hurting from Max’s horrific fate, Lucas is driven by grief — and anger.
McLaughlin shared:
“There’s a lot of trauma. He wants the revival of Max and her well-being… there are vengeful thoughts in his heart.”
Key takeaways from his interview:
- Season 5 feels like a blend of Season 1 and Season 4
- The tone is grounded, darker, and more adult
- The entire cast filmed for nearly a full year, creating realistic emotional growth
Lucas, once the upbeat practical one, is now motivated by guilt and the need to make things right — no matter the cost.
Noah Schnapp (Will Byers): Why the Upside Down Chose Him
One of the biggest mysteries since Season 1 will finally be answered: Why Will Byers?
Season 5 begins with a de-aged Will reliving early moments from the first episodes — linking the finale directly to the origin of the Upside Down invasion.
Schnapp confirmed:
“This season finally answers why the Upside Down latched onto Will first.”
Major highlights from Will’s arc:
- His emotions for Mike will be explored openly and respectfully
- Themes of growth, identity, trauma, and acceptance will play a huge role
- It will be one of the most emotionally layered performances of the season
Expect an emotional journey revealing Will’s true connection to the supernatural forces haunting Hawkins.
Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson): Carrying Eddie’s Legacy
Eddie Munson’s tragic death in Season 4 deeply scarred Dustin, and Season 5 pushes him emotionally like never before.
Matarazzo shared:
“Dustin carries a lot of grief. He becomes more withdrawn, short-tempered… it’s a natural process.”
Essential Dustin insights:
- Eddie’s death changes him permanently
- He begins to take on parts of Eddie’s personality
- This adds an edgy, intense energy to his character
Fans who saw Dustin as the show’s heart and comic relief should prepare for a mature, emotionally powerful evolution.
The Duffer Brothers Reveal Final Arc + Future of Stranger Things
Frank Darabont Returns
The Duffer Brothers secretly convinced legendary filmmaker Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile) to direct two episodes — even though he initially didn’t want to do night shoots.
This signals cinematic storytelling on another level.
Tales From ’85: Spin-Off Animation
While Season 5 ends the main story, Netflix will release Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 in 2026 — an animated spin-off showing the kids as younger versions of themselves again.
Ross Duffer explained:
“The cartoon fills a six-month gap we couldn’t explore. You get to see them as little kids again — but not really again.”
Final Goodbye: No Return for Hawkins Characters
Fans hoping for future adventures with Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and Steve should brace themselves. The creators confirmed:
“This really is the end of the story of Eleven and Mike and Lucas and Dustin and Steve and all these characters, and Hawkins specifically.”
The world might continue — but this chapter closes forever.
When Will Stranger Things Season 5 Release on Netflix?
Netflix has not yet released a final date, but filming wrapped in 2024 and Season 5 is expected in mid-to-late 2025.
Stranger Things Season Release Timeline
| Season | Netflix Release Date |
|---|---|
| Season 4 Vol. 2 | July 1, 2022 |
| Season 4 Vol. 1 | May 27, 2022 |
| Season 3 | July 4, 2019 |
| Season 5 | Expected 2025 |
Final Thoughts: Get Ready for an Epic, Emotional Goodbye
Stranger Things Season 5 promises:
✅ Massive set pieces
✅ Dark, emotional character arcs
✅ Answers to long-standing mysteries
✅ A grounded, intense, cinematic finale
✅ Practical effects + legendary guest director
If SFX Magazine’s coverage proves anything, it’s that the Stranger Things finale will be a cultural moment — not just a TV release.
Are you excited for Stranger Things Season 5? Which character’s arc are you looking forward to the most — Eleven, Will, Dustin, Lucas, Mike, or Steve?
Tell us in the comments!
