Every Stranger Things season has delivered a bittersweet ending—evil defeated, but never gone, and always at the cost of someone dear. Fans have mourned Bob Newby, grieved Alexei, and still ache for Eddie Munson. Even Max Mayfield’s survival felt more like a tragedy than a victory. Now, with Season 5 closing the curtain for good, there will be no more second chances. This time, someone fans love will not make it out. The question is no longer if, but who will be the final heartbreak.

As trailer buzz reaches a fever pitch, heartbreak feels inevitable. One of these five beloved characters may not leave the world of Hawkins, leaving fans with a loss too heavy to forget.

Will Byers, played by Noah Schnapp, the quiet heart of Stranger Things, may be the one who pays the ultimate price. Fan theories link him to Vecna, making his death feel tragically necessary.

In a 2023 Forbes interview, Noah Schnapp revealed, "The story started with Will, and it will end with Will." If that holds true, Season 5 will devastate everyone.

Steve Harrington, played by Joe Keery, has one of Stranger Things’ most compelling arcs, from selfish high school bully to selfless protector. Once a poor fit for Nancy, he grew into a loyal friend to her, Robin, and Dustin.

Now, with his redemption complete, he feels destined for a tragic end, possibly sacrificing himself to prove just how far he has come.

Jim Hopper, played by David Harbour, has undergone a powerful journey from hardened sheriff to devoted protector, making him one of the show’s emotional anchors. Fans already mourned him once in Season 3, only to see him return.

But with Season 5 looming, danger seems inevitable. His fierce instinct to shield Eleven and the others could lead him to make the ultimate sacrifice, one fans may dread deeply.

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Will Byers, Steve Harrington, and Jim Hopper are not the only ones in danger. Two more beloved characters may not survive Season 5, and their loss could be devastating.

Dustin Henderson, played by Gaten Matarazzo, may face a devastating fate in Stranger Things, Season 5. Haunted by the loss of Eddie Munson, who died saving him, Dustin carries deep emotional scars.

Since Vecna feeds on trauma, he is dangerously vulnerable. Just as Max suffered after Billy’s death, Dustin could become Vecna’s next victim, and possibly the series’ most painful goodbye.

Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, has always carried the burden of saving Hawkins. But with Vecna stronger than ever, her strength may not be enough this time. Exhausted and emotionally fractured, Eleven could meet her end in a final battle that brings the story full circle.

As fans revisit a horrifying death from season 1, Brown's death would be even more tragic, but also the fitting, inevitable conclusion to her heroic journey.

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Who do you think among these five Stranger Things stars will die in the series finale? Let us know in the comments below!