Will Isn’t Who He Seems, Max as Harry Potter, Eddie… Is He Alive? 7 Wild Theories About the 'Stranger Things' Finale

In mid-July, Netflix dropped the teaser for season 5 of Stranger Things, and, like many others, I held my breath too.The grand finale of a saga spanning nine years promises to be explosive. All episode titles are confirmed, release dates are set, and online fan theories are exploding: who will die, who will return, who was never who they claimed to be. Here are the seven craziest ones I found.

Will Is the Key

Will might be more important than we thought. He was the first to enter the Upside Down and may still be connected to it. Some think he’s a double or being influenced. Noah Schnapp teased: 'The story began with Will — and it’ll end with him.'

Max = Harry Potter?

Max survived Vecna’s attack but is stuck between worlds. Fans think she and Vecna are now linked — like Harry and Voldemort. Eleven may need to dive into Max’s mind to save her before it’s too late.

Eddie Isn’t Gone?

His grave says 'Burn in Hell', but fans believe he’ll return as Kas — a D&D character who betrays Vecna. If true, it could be a Gandalf-level comeback.

Holly in Danger

Nancy’s little sister barely mattered before. But now she’s recast and looks terrified in the teaser. Some think a secret episode called The Disappearance of Holly Wheeler means she’s Vecna’s next target.

Another Monster?

Vecna might not be working alone. Fans expect a new beast — maybe the eight-headed Thessalhydra from D&D. In the teaser, Will yells "Run!" It could be something even worse.

Who Won’t Survive?

Steve and Max were safe last time. But this season, no one may be. Eleven could sacrifice herself. Jonathan might die. Even Robin — Maya Hawke said she’s open to a 'beautiful death.'

Nancy’s Bloody Scene

In one shot, Nancy cries while washing off blood. Was it a vision? Did she hurt someone? Reddit thinks Karen and Ted may die early — Ted only appears in episode one.

Personally, the theory about Will being the key — and the idea of an even bigger boss behind Vecna — got me the most intrigued. If either of those turns out to be true, the finale could be wild.