After nearly ten years of supernatural adventures, nostalgic synth sounds, and heartfelt farewells, Stranger Things is approaching its conclusion. Some beloved characters are confirmed to return, while others remain uncertain.
The fifth and final season of Netflix’s hugely successful sci-fi series is forthcoming, and fans are preparing for one last journey to Hawkins, Indiana. The cast has assured viewers that the finale will be filled with emotions, action, and unexpected twists. However, one central question remains: will a certain standout character from the previous season somehow come back?
This type of speculation is unique to Stranger Things. The show is no stranger to emotional surprises. Given that Jim Hopper survived an explosion and ended up wielding a sword in Russia, it’s not far-fetched to think it could happen again.
Unfortunately, the show’s creators have given their verdict, and it’s not the outcome fans were hoping for. The character in question is Eddie Munson, the heavy metal enthusiast of the Hellfire Club, portrayed by Joseph Quinn.
In an interview with Empire, series co-creator Matt Duffer clarified that Eddie will not return in Season 5. Duffer stated: “I love that Joe Quinn is toying with people! But no, he’s dead…Joe is so busy anyway, that everyone should know he’s not coming back. He’s shot like five movies since! When the hell has he got time to come and shoot Stranger Things? No, sadly, RIP. He’s fully under that ground.”
Eddie’s demise in Season 4, following his now-famous guitar solo in the Upside Down, was one of the series’ most poignant moments. Fans have long speculated about his possible return, suggesting ideas from Vecna-related revivals to clandestine government experiments. However, Duffer’s remarks seem to have ended these theories once and for all.
Joseph Quinn has not lacked opportunities since leaving Hawkins. He has transitioned from a high school setting to Hollywood, securing roles in Fantastic Four with Pedro Pascal, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, and Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopic series as George Harrison. Quite an impressive leap for someone who once played Dungeons & Dragons in a Netflix series.
Regarding Stranger Things, the Duffer brothers have promised a grand and emotional finale. According to the New York Post, they mentioned in a Variety feature that they studied endings of shows like The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, and Friday Night Lights to shape the final tone. Duffer commented: “We knew roughly what the end scene was for years — it wasn’t something we had to strain to come up with.”