Filming for the highly anticipated fifth and final season of Stranger Things has officially wrapped, closing the chapter on one of Netflix’s most beloved series. The conclusion of filming, which took place on December 20, 2024, has brought forth not only excitement among its fanbase but also deep emotional reflections from the cast.
Finn Wolfhard, known for his role as Mike Wheeler, expressed his feelings surrounding the end of the series during interviews at the Sundance Film Festival. Wolfhard likened the finale to the emotional farewell depicted in Pixar’s Toy Story 3, stating, “It was incredibly emotional, obviously. It's the last 10 years of my life... It was sort of the 'Toy Story 3' moment of leaving your toys behind. It was really special,” he recalled. His fond memories of filming resonate with fans who have shared this ten-year-long adventure with the characters and story.
The sensation of nostalgia and closure seems to be echoed by the show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers. Speaking to The Guardian, Matt Duffer highlighted, “This season – it's like season one on steroids… but it has been really fun.” With the emotional stakes high, he emphasized the importance of delivering the finale without losing the essence of what fans love about the show.
With filming described as intense and long—reminiscent of the epic scale seen in The Lord of the Rings—the cast feels they’ve completed something significant. Wolfhard elaborated on the entirety of production, reflecting on the longhours spent developing the characters alongside his co-stars, creating bonds akin to family. David Harbour, who plays Hopper, shared his thoughts as well, commenting, “It’s very emotional... those kids were kids when we started. It’s been 10 years of our lives, come 2025.” Such statements underline the gravity of saying goodbye to what has been so formative for them.
Millie Bobby Brown, renowned for portraying Eleven, also shared her sentiments during her farewell, stating through Instagram: “I am nowhere near ready to leave you guys. I love each and every one of you and I will forever carry the memories and bonds we created as a family.” Each message resonates, reminding fans and participants alike of the emotional weight the series carries.
The Duffer Brothers have been cautious with details surrounding the final season but did reveal the titles of the upcoming episodes. These include 'The Crawl,' 'The Vanishing Of,' and 'The Rightside Up,' hinting at the familiar theme of intertwined narratives and emotional arcs fans are accustomed to. This season is set to take place in autumn 1987, about a year and a half after the previous season, and will get right to the action without much build-up, which Duffer described as different from the series' established pattern.
Anticipation builds as fans prepare for the emotional swings expected from this final run, promising to wrap up character arcs built over years. While it marks the end for the beloved main characters, the Duffer Brothers have hinted at potential spin-offs, emphasizing the lasting legacy of the Stranger Things universe beyond its original cast.
Filming may be complete, but the connections, narratives, and memories crafted by Stranger Things will undoubtedly leave their mark long after the series concludes. With so many emotions tied to this production, both cast and audience are ready to celebrate and bid farewell to this landmark series.