Vecna’s Death Confirmed, Will Byers at Risk in Stranger Things 5 Final Season

When Henry Creel, better known as Vecna, first appeared in Stranger Things 4Hawkins, Indiana, no one expected him to be the series’ ultimate villain. But now, as production on the final season wraps, Nerdist Industries and Parade Media are confirming what fans have feared: Vecna won’t walk away from Stranger Things 5. And if he’s going down, someone close to him might not survive either.

Vecna Is Doomed — But Who Will Fall With Him?

David Lebovitz, senior editor at Nerdist Industries, wrote in his November 6, 2023 analysis that Vecna’s death isn’t just likely — it’s inevitable. "There is absolutely no scenario in which Vecna will not die in Stranger Things 5," he declared. The reasoning? Vecna isn’t just a monster. He’s the origin. He was the first psychic subject at Hawkins National Laboratory, the one who broke through to the Upside Down, the one who started it all. His final line in the season five trailer — "You are going to help me one last time" — isn’t just a threat. It’s a confession. He needs Will Byers to complete his transformation. And if Will dies to stop him? That’s the tragic symmetry the Duffer Brothers love.

That’s why Will Byers, portrayed by Noah Schnapp, is labeled "At Risk." Since Stranger Things premiered on July 15, 2016, Will has been tethered to the Upside Down — first as a missing boy, then as a Mind Flayer puppet, now as Vecna’s reluctant mirror. Nerdist argues his arc demands a sacrifice. "He started it, so he must end it," the article concludes. The emotional weight of that line hits harder when you remember Will’s first words in season one: "I’m not alone."

Eleven’s Fate: Fan Fear vs. Narrative Logic

While Nerdist focuses on Vecna and Will, Parade Media zeroes in on Eleven — portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown. Their November 7, 2023 piece highlights Reddit polls from October 2023 showing Eleven has a 68% higher probability of dying than any other character. Why? Because she’s Vecna’s biological and psychic twin. Both were subjects of Dr. Brenner’s experiments. Both survived. Both broke free. And now, one must destroy the other.

But here’s the twist: killing Eleven might be too easy. Too clean. The Duffer Brothers have spent five seasons building her into the heart of the story — not just a weapon, but a daughter, a sister, a friend. Her bond with Jim Hopper (David Harbour), her friendship with Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), her quiet strength — all of it points to survival. Even if she loses her powers, even if she’s broken, she’ll live. Because sometimes, surviving is the hardest thing.

Who’s Safe? The Survivors and the Sacrifices

Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) is another case study in emotional resilience. After her near-fatal encounter with Vecna in season four — a scene that left viewers breathless and sobbing — many assumed her story was over. But Nerdist argues that killing her after such trauma would be "cruel" and "pretty bleak." The season five trailer shows her eyes fluttering open. A heartbeat. A breath. A glimmer. That’s not a death scene. That’s a rebirth.

Mike Wheeler, Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin), Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer), and Robin Buckley (Maya Hawke) are all marked "Safe." Why? Because they’re the glue. They’re the ones who held the group together through every monster, every loss, every tear. Robin, especially, has already beaten the odds — surviving two full seasons after being outed, fired, and nearly killed. Her arc is about finding family, not dying for it.

And then there’s Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn). His death in season four wasn’t just shocking — it was necessary. He gave his life so the others could escape. His funeral scene, with the choir singing "Running Up That Hill," remains one of the most powerful moments in TV history. His death proved the Duffer Brothers won’t shy away from loss. But they won’t waste it. Every death has meaning.

Production Wrap and What’s Next

Filming for Stranger Things 5 concluded in December 2023 after 128 days across 17 soundstages in Buford, Georgia. Visual effects are being finalized at Industrial Light & Magic in San Francisco, with Netflix yet to announce a premiere date. But industry insiders expect a 2025 release — likely late summer, to maximize hype and avoid competition with major film releases.

The final season will be the longest yet, with episodes running 90–110 minutes. That’s not just fan service. It’s a funeral. A homecoming. A reckoning. The Duffer Brothers have said they’re following a "die or survive" framework — no middle ground. And with Vecna’s death locked in, the question isn’t who dies. It’s who pays the price.