Stranger Things Finale Predictions: Who Dies, What Happens to Vecna, and the Biggest Betrayal

After nine years, 41 episodes, and plenty of nail-biting moments, the last episode of Stranger Things finally debuts on December 31 in theaters and on Netflix, bringing a close to one of the most-talked about sci-fi dramas in recent years. Millions of Netflix subscribers have been captivated by the Duffer brothers’ series, as it follows the coming-of-age story of a group of friends in Hawkins, Indiana, going from Dungeons & Dragons fanatics to could-be heroes of the free world. 

Of course, standing in the way of these teens completing their heroic journeys is the villain of all villains, Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower), who is determined to reimagine the world as he sees fit. Plus, with the military relentless in pursuing Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and hiding what they’re actually up to, there’s a huge uphill battle for our young, brave warriors. 
With that being said, how will Stranger Things all come to an end? That’s a question nearly everyone in the Stranger Things audience is asking, and one I’ve given some thought to. Here are a few predictions ahead of the series finale that I’m banking on will ring true when it’s all said and done.

One of the Byers Boys Dies

There is a pocket of show fans who have long believed Will (Noah Schnapp) is a goner. Prior to Stranger Things Season 5, there was an argument that he was the weak link of the group and an easy target for Vecna to eliminate at any time, having been targeted by the “monster” from practically the beginning. However, once he became “Will the Sorcerer,” tapping into his laden powers thanks ironically to Vecna, he now stands as one of the most powerful people on the board. 

However, it’s that power that may put him in even more danger. When Will tried to confront Vecna with his newfound powers, it worked long enough to help Max (Sadie Sink) survive, but Vecna made it clear that Will is not his equal. 

That being said, now that Will believes he no longer has any secrets left for Vecna to exploit in battle, Will again wants to take him on. But is it possible that Vecna finally grows tired of Will and kills him this time? It sure is. It would almost be poetic for the once weak link of Hawkins, who has had his friends save him time and time again, become the one to sacrifice his own life to help them. 

If not Will, then I’m thinking Jonathan’s (Charlie Heaton) fate is in question. That touching break-up scene between him and Nancy (Natalia Dyer) felt like it was more than just closure for him and his now-ex. It almost felt like it was closure for fans with his character, should he not make it. 

I sincerely doubt that the Duffer brothers would kill both Byers boys. It would seem rather cruel to do that to Joyce (Winona Ryder) after all she’s been through.

Vecna Dies Thanks to Eleven

It may seem rather predictable, but I believe it’s likely that Eleven is the one who kills Vecna, ending his reign of terror. However, I can’t shake the feeling that it could possibly end her own life. For Marvel fans, it would be a heroic moment like when Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) sacrificed his life in Avengers: Endgame to save all of humanity from Thanos (Josh Brolin). 

Kali Is Going to Betray Eleven

Kali’s (Linnea Berthelsen) return to the series has been suspicious for many in the Stranger Things audience. Although she shared with Eleven that she’s been held captive as a lab rat, Kali has also been increasingly pushy that after Vecna is dealt with, Eleven must “disappear” from the lives of her Hawkins family to prevent the military from recreating the experiment originated by Papa (Matthew Modine). 

If Kali isn’t working in the best interest of Eleven, but rather is manipulating her to serve another villain, then my guess is that Kali is working for Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton). Despite the picture that Kali conjured up for Eleven in sharing her “story of torment,” it’s possible that Kali lied in creating a story that earns Eleven’s trust. Even if Kali was honest about the torture, perhaps Kali has been so brainwashed by Dr. Kay that she told Eleven the truth to gain her trust, but will later backstab Eleven and attempt to turn her into Dr. Kay out of twisted loyalty to the mad scientist.

Steve Survives and Reunites with Nancy

The rumor mill continues to swirl that Steve (Joe Keery) is living on borrowed time. However, I think that despite a very close brush with death, he’ll actually survive this whole ordeal. Especially when considering that Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) reminded Steve and fans in Season 5 of the classic line, “If you die, I die.”

It would seem the reminder was foreshadowing that as long as Dustin survives, Steve does as well. While it could simply mean that both Dustin and Steve will die, Dustin dying isn’t on my Stranger Things bingo card. 

Again, the Stranger Things finale debuts on December 31 in theaters and on Netflix.