We have spent a long time waiting for Stranger Things' to return for it's much anticipated fifth and final season. The eighties-set supernatural drama pulled out all the stops for its supersized fourth outing, which ended with an epic two-and-a-half-hour finale.
But now there's just one question on fans' lips - when is season five going to be released and what will happen? Keep reading for everything we know about the show's fifth and final season…
What will happen in Stranger Things season five?
A brand new behind-the-scenes video has revealed that the show is currently halfway through filming season five, and shared plenty of filming moments, including what appears to be a moment where Elle is using her powers, Will is falling in the forest, and Lucas is running through the school hallway. Check the video above out!
It's long been said by the creative team behind the show, Matt and Ross Duffer, that season five will be the show's very last and it looks like the pair are gearing up for an epic, out-of-this-world finale. Fortunately for those with short attention spans, they have also said that season five will have shorter episodes than the fourth instalment, with the brothers admitting that they "don't expect" the upcoming episodes to be as long, except for the very last episode.
Chatting to Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Matt said: "We're more likely to do what we did here, which is to just have a two and a half-hour [final] episode," Matt said.
"Characters are already going to be in action, they're already going to have a goal and a drive, and I think that's going to carve out at least a couple hours and make this season feel really different," he continued before adding: "I'm sure the wrap-up will be a lot longer. It's going to be Return of the King-ish with, like, eight endings."
He also revealed that the character Will is going to have a major role, explaining: "Will's going to be a big part and focus, is really all I can say of season five, in his journey. We’re starting to see his coming of age, really. Which has been challenging for a number of reasons, some of which are supernatural. But you're starting to see him come into his own."
In a statement, they also spoke about their decision to end it after five seasons, writing: "Seven years ago, we planned out the complete story arc for Stranger Things. At the time, we predicted the story would last four to five seasons. It proved too large to tell in four, but — as you’ll soon see for yourselves — we are now hurtling towards our finale. Season 4 will be the penultimate season; season 5 will be the last."
Who will star in Stranger Things season five?
As well as our favourite original stars including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Charlie Heaton, Joe Kearney, Winona Ryder and David Harbour, the series has welcomed a host of new characters in season four, and it's likely that those stars in season five, including Maya Hawk, Eduardo Franco and yes, sadly, Jamie Campbell Bower who plays the terrifying tentacled villain Vecna. Netflix also recently confirmed that Nell Fisher, Jake Connelly and Alex Breaux were joining the cast in new roles.
When will Stranger Things season five be released?
Stranger Things season five has not been given a release date yet, but we think it will likely land on our screens in 2025. The show was initially supposed to film in 2023, but was delayed due to the writer's strike.
Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike, hinted that it might be a while. He told GQ: "By the time it comes out, I will be 22, I think. I will be able to drink with Gaten and Caleb and Noah at the premiere of Stranger Things 5." Since the star turns 22 in late 2024, it looks like we may be looking at a 2025 premiere date.