Fans of Stranger Things are eagerly anticipating the upcoming release of the show’s fifth and final season, which is scheduled to premiere on Christmas Day.
With the debut of Stranger Things 5 volume two just a week away, Matt and Ross Duffer, the show’s creators, have revealed a significant clue and possible spoiler for the finale.
In an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the usually reserved brothers discussed fan theories and gave a teaser for the three episodes set to release on December 25.
The series’ concluding episode will be available less than a week later, with Netflix streaming the finale on New Year’s Eve, December 31.
For those who can’t wait to see the fate of the Hawkins crew and the mysterious ‘Upside Down’, they can try to interpret the Duffer brothers’ major spoiler shared on Jimmy Kimmel – where they utilized Funko Pops to hint at the series’ conclusion.
During the show, Kimmel picked up a doll of Barb, who met her end in the first season, and attempted to include her in the scene, but the creators emphasized her fate by placing her on the floor, signaling she remains deceased.
“What is Barb doing here?” the creators asked, while actively rearranging the other characters on Kimmel’s desk.
Some figures were positioned at the front, others further back. Notably, Eleven was placed in a glass of water, while the antagonist Vecna was stacked atop Will and Henry.
Steve Harrington’s character seemed to face dire prospects as his doll was precariously placed on the edge of the desk, with the creators nudging it closer until it fell off.
These enigmatic hints left fans puzzled, leading many to Reddit to propose their interpretations of the Duffer brothers’ Funko Pop arrangement.
One fan speculated: “People are going to be focusing on Steve but guys look at where Nancy is. Why is she separated from the teens + kids and is with the Vecna’s mind crew?? She’s the only one in a different group than where we left off in ep 4.”
why did they keep messing with steve until he fell off the edge duffers when i catch you pic.twitter.com/qaSlSzSs8V
— eleanor ♡ (@nightphanges) December 18, 2025
However, much of the focus was on Steve, with many fans already lamenting his fate after observing the treatment of his doll. “That’s a joke right? no way Steve’s dying,” one fan implored.
While actor Joe Keery has been tight-lipped about Steve’s fate, he expressed satisfaction with his character’s conclusion.
He shared with ExtraTV: “I was very happy, though, with the way it wrapped up for me. Fans would absolutely like it.”
Some fans remain optimistic, arguing that the Duffer brothers were simply teasing the audience before the finale.
“They’re such trolls with Steve,” one fan noted. “I think he’ll have a near-death experience but ultimately survive. Oh Steve the people’s prince everyone wants you to live!”