**Warning: This article contains spoilers for the finale of Stranger Things**
Millie Bobby Brown’s response when questioned about her satisfaction with Eleven’s ending in Stranger Things, before the finale’s release, has caught widespread attention.
Three episodes of the beloved sci-fi series were released on Netflix on Christmas Day, with the finale appearing on the streaming platform on either New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, depending on your timezone.
Stranger Things began almost ten years ago, and its long-standing narratives were finally concluded in the thrilling final episode released earlier this week.
The creators of Stranger Things, Matt and Ross Duffer, hinted at a major spoiler for the finale. The typically secretive duo shared insights on fan theories before the final episodes aired.
The finale put all speculation to rest, though not everyone was pleased with the outcome, with some fans comparing it unfavorably to the much-debated ending of HBO’s Game of Thrones.
In November 2025, just before the fifth season of Stranger Things debuted on Netflix, Bobby Brown was asked by the YouTube channel Hugo Gloss if she was pleased with her character’s conclusion.
While seated next to her co-star Noah Schnapp, the 21-year-old made a somewhat awkward expression before nodding and replying, “Mm-hm.”
This wasn’t the most encouraging response!
Fans have since noticed that Eleven’s fate is a bit puzzling, and with no more episodes anticipated, this will likely be a topic of discussion for years to come.
**Spoilers ahead!**
In the beginning, it seemed as if Eleven made the ultimate sacrifice by remaining in the Upside Down as it was being destroyed after the gang defeated Vecna. However, an 18-month time jump revealed Mike proposing the theory that Eleven had actually survived.
Finn Wolfhard’s character appeared to suggest that Eleven’s lab sister, Kali, believed to have died at the hands of the military, had survived, leading everyone to think Eleven had perished.
However, the Duffer brothers quickly dismissed this fan theory as they elaborated on the much-discussed Stranger Things conclusion.
“There was never a version of the story where Eleven was hanging out with the gang at the end,” the brothers stated.
“For our characters to move on and for the story of Hawkins and the Upside Down to come to a close, Eleven had to go away.”
Although the ending may have split opinions, the Duffer brothers couldn’t envision another way for Stranger Things to conclude.
According to Tudum, Matt explained: “A lot of the finale is about growing up. It’s the end of a long coming-of-age story and part of coming of age is leaving your parents and making your own decisions.
“That’s the moment where Eleven reaches that point, and Hopper realizes he does have to let go.”