The Last Stand in Hawkins: Who's Back for Stranger Things' Epic Farewell?

It’s happening. Really, it is. The beginning of the end, the ultimate showdown with the Upside Down—yes, we’re talking about the fifth and final season of Netflix’s monster hit, Stranger Things. For years, we've watched this ragtag group of kids (and their equally endearing adult guardians) navigate supernatural horrors, interdimensional threats, and, well, the trials and tribulations of growing up in 1980s Hawkins. But as the story hurtles towards its epic conclusion, a question looms large in every fan’s mind: who, exactly, will be there for the final curtain call? And perhaps more importantly, who won't?

You could say the core ensemble, the heart and soul of the show, is pretty much a given. After all, what would Stranger Things be without Eleven, our super-powered heroine? Millie Bobby Brown, for one, is definitely expected to reprise her role, powers and all. And where Eleven goes, so often do Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will follow. Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, and Noah Schnapp—the OG D&D crew—are, honestly, indispensable. Their journey, their camaraderie, it’s what started it all, isn’t it? So yes, it’s safe to assume they’ll be front and center, grappling with whatever terrors Vecna has cooked up next.

And then there are the older teens, the ones who surprisingly became just as vital to the narrative. Joe Keery's Steve Harrington, the former jerk-turned-babysitter extraordinaire, has grown into such a beloved character, it’s almost impossible to imagine the final season without him. His partner in crime, Maya Hawke’s Robin Buckley, with her quick wit and even quicker observations, is another essential ingredient. Plus, Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton, playing Nancy Wheeler and Jonathan Byers respectively, are absolutely crucial, especially considering their history with the Upside Down. We’ve seen them evolve so much; it would feel… incomplete not to see their stories through to the very end.

Let's not forget the unwavering adults who, in truth, hold everything together (or at least try to). Winona Ryder’s Joyce Byers, forever the fierce protector, and David Harbour’s Chief Hopper, our favorite gruff-but-lovable hero, are without a doubt returning. Their unique blend of parental worry and monster-fighting prowess is, for many, the very backbone of the show. And Sadie Sink’s Max Mayfield? Her fate hung precariously in the balance at the end of Season 4, leaving us all on tenterhooks. But honestly, given her profound connection to Vecna, and her character's sheer resilience, it feels like she must have a significant role to play in the resolution, doesn’t it?

But while we anticipate many familiar faces, the finality of it all means we must also acknowledge those who likely won't be joining the fray. The devastating loss of Eddie Munson, portrayed so brilliantly by Joseph Quinn, still stings for many fans. And though his impact will surely echo through Hawkins, his heroic sacrifice seems, sadly, pretty definitive. Matthew Modine’s Dr. Brenner, Papa himself, also met a rather conclusive end last season, suggesting his manipulative presence is finally behind us. Still, you never truly know in the Upside Down, do you?

Now, for a bit of new blood, and a rather exciting one at that! Legendary actress Linda Hamilton, a true icon of sci-fi cinema (yes, that Linda Hamilton from Terminator fame!), has been confirmed to join the cast for Season 5. While her role remains shrouded in mystery—and honestly, that just makes the anticipation all the more thrilling—her involvement certainly signals that the Duffer Brothers are pulling out all the stops for this grand finale. What kind of character will she portray? Will she be an ally or a formidable new threat? The possibilities, my friends, are truly endless.

The Duffer Brothers themselves have offered a few tantalizing hints about their vision for the final season. They've expressed a desire to keep the focus tight, to circle back to the original characters and the dynamics that made us fall in love with Stranger Things in the first place. You could say they’re aiming for a full-circle moment, tying up all those loose ends that have been dangling since the very first Demogorgon appeared. And yes, they’ve also hinted at a potential time jump, which, if it happens, would certainly make sense given the actors' real-life ages and the ever-escalating stakes. One thing is clear, though: they’re not looking to introduce a whole new crop of characters just for the sake of it. This season, it seems, is truly about the epic culmination of our story, our heroes, and their fight to save Hawkins once and for all. And frankly, we wouldn't have it any other way.