With Stranger Things season 5 right around the corner, the fandom has fully entered its unhinged detective era. TikTok theorists, Reddit sleuths, and armchair Hawkins historians are dissecting every frame—from Vecna’s monologues to Will’s nosebleeds—to predict how the series will finally end. While the Duffer Brothers promise an emotional, full-circle conclusion, fans are spinning theories that range from shockingly plausible to absolutely feral.
Here are 7 of the craziest Stranger Things theories ahead of the final season. At the end of the day, anything is possible in Hawkins.
Karen Wheeler is Vecna’s Sister
This theory is so unhinged it loops back around to genius. Fans have latched onto the idea that Karen Wheeler—Mike and Nancy’s consistently underutilized mother—might secretly be related to Henry Creel. We know Vecna had a sister, Alice, whom he killed 30 years prior… but the theory argues that there could’ve been another sister never shown. Age-wise, this hypothetical child lines up perfectly with Karen.
TikTok user @dripxzyt points out that Karen’s season 4 character poster features the Creel House, just like Dustin, Max, Eddie, and Lucas—each of whom spent time inside the Upside Down version of the Creel home. Add that to Karen’s significant presence during Billy’s downfall storyline, and fans are convinced she’s more important than she ever appeared.
Dustin Meets The Same Fate as Max
This one is heartbreaking. Fans noticed repeated parallels between Dustin and Max—mirrored body language and nearly identical framing in certain scenes. The theory suggests Dustin may follow Max’s path: killed by Vecna, revived, but permanently altered. The core cast never noticed this parallel, which only fuels the speculation. Those were some dramatic reactions they had, which feels very telling!
Season 5 Villain is the Thessalhydra
In season 1, the boys battled the Thessalhydra in their D&D campaign—and so far, every creature they’ve fought on the show has mirrored their campaign monsters: Demogorgon, Mind Flayer, Vecna. Will even drew a picture of the gang fighting the Thessalhydra that he showed to Mike in season 4. Fans believe the ultimate series finale twist is the reveal that Vecna isn’t the final boss—the Thessalhydra is. And perhaps Vecna will have a redemption arc and help Eleven close the gate for good.
Eddie Munson Returns as a Vampire
Call it delusion or devotion, but this is the best fan-favorite theory. Eddie’s death by demobats in season 4 remains one of the show’s most devastating moments, especially since he became an instant fan favorite. But with all the bizarre Upside Down lore, fans argue it’s not impossible for Eddie to return—specifically as a vampire, paralleling the D&D character Kas, a vampire knight tied to Vecna. The Duffers swear Eddie isn’t coming back… and fans swear they’re lying.
Byler Is Endgame
While Mileven fans remain strong, the Byler theorists are louder than Vecna’s ticking clock. The theory leans on Will and Mike’s lifelong connection—they met in kindergarten—and Will’s clearly unspoken feelings. Fans argue the emotional gravity of the show is pulling them toward an endgame pairing, or at least a definitive confession.
Billy Is Alive
Billy’s death was heartbreaking and seemingly final… but the internet isn’t convinced. Fans argue the Billy we saw terrorizing Hawkins might’ve been a body double or clone, part of Vecna’s pseudo-zombie army. TikTok sleuths even point out that Billy was always blasting ’80s metal—suggesting his music the night he was taken may have shielded part of his consciousness from full possession.
Will and Dustin Both Die
This may be the darkest theory of the bunch. Fans believe Will will eventually sacrifice himself to close the gate once and for all, completing the arc that began in season 1. Another clue? The season 5 teaser poster shows only Will and Dustin’s bike lights on. Light is a constant Upside Down motif—and in Season 4, the only bike light left on belonged to Eddie… who died.
