Ever since the SAG-AFTRA strike came to an end, fans have been hoping for an update on the final season of Stranger Things. While the eerie show brought a sense of horror and adventure to the world, they announced that they would be wrapping up the story with season 5. With the anticipation of the arrival of the season rising, fans have started sharing their theories for the finale online.

From not-so-surprising sacrifices to a blast from the past, fans of the show have been going all out trying to figure out what the final season could have in store.

5 wildest fan theories for Stranger Things season 5

Over the years, the internet has seen its fair share of surprising conspiracy theories. However, in this day and age, more people tend to share their theories about the moves of a political party or their favorite celebrities and shows. With Stranger Things season 5 running into delays with the strike and conflicting schedules that stopped the cast from working, fans began coming up with their ideas of what could happen. So, here are 5 fan theories that could play out.

What if Vecna was not the real villain?

In the last 4 seasons, fans have seen Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven and her gang go up against many villains. While all the monsters the Hawkins kids faced were rather difficult to deal with, Henry Creel’s Vecna was the worst one of the lot. Although he might be the worst one they have encountered, Dungeon & Dragons fans were quick to point out that he was not the most powerful in the game.

The most powerful would be Borys, the Dragon of Tyr. He is the strongest one in Athas. It is rather similar to the painting that Noah Schnapp’s Will created in the previous season. It depicted knights locked in battle with a three-headed, vicious red dragon. Fans have claimed that the painting bore a resemblance to Borys and that he could be the show’s actual villain.

While there have been no confirmations or updates on whether that could be true, fans are guessing that it could be a part of the storyline.

What if Henry Creel’s sister explains how to defeat Vecna?

In season 4 of Stranger Things, fans got to see Henry Creel’s backstory. While he might have become a villain, he was not always that way. A theory even suggested that he could be Karen Wheeler’s older brother. If that truly is the case, there is a possibility that Mike and Nancy’s mom, played by Cara Buono, could end up helping the gang defeat her brother as Vecna.

While she might know more about her possible brother than anyone else, the character has only been seen as a supporting role so far. So, if the theory does end up playing out, it could give her more screen time and a bigger and more important role in the show.

What if Sadie Sink’s Max is the key to defeating Vecna?

Back when Stranger Things started, everyone expected to see Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven at the helm of it. While she might be one of the show’s biggest stars, there has been another addition to that list. Although the mind-controlling teenager could be able to defeat Vecna in their showdown, fans are claiming that Max also has a shot at doing the same thing.

While fans last saw the character stuck between the Upside Down and a coma, there have been claims that the character could have redemption this time around. After all, she already showed everyone how powerful she was by stalling Creel’s Vecna. Also, with Dustin’s confirmation that she could be the doorway to the antagonist’s mind. Even Dungeons & Dragons lore depicts that the character will be defeated.

Although this could mean that Max could stay behind to defeat him, the character would end her run on the beloved show as a hero.

What if Kali returns?

Back in season 2 of Stranger Things, the world got to see that Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven friend from the Hawkins lab, Kali. She was also an inmate at the facility and was assigned the number Eight. In the episode, The Lost Sister, their relationship was explored for fans to see and understand. While they ended up going their ways after that, the show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, hinted at the possibility that she could make a comeback.

During the Vulture Festival in Los Angeles, they ended up saying that the chances of her returning were pretty high. While that could be perfect with Eleven not in the best mindset with Max’s comatose state, she could end up teaming up with the team to stop Vecna and his terror.

What if Will and Eleven sacrifice themselves?

Since the announcement of the final season of Stranger Things, fans have been dreading it. However, that has not been the case for Millie Bobby Brown. She is ready to say her goodbyes to the series. But she has to gear up for one final round before she does so. With the story wrapping up, fans have been guessing how it could end. Although no one expects a completely happy ending, some fans are sharing that they think Eleven or even Will could sacrifice themselves to save their loved ones.

While it all may have begun with Noah Schnapp’s Will creating the portal to the Upside Down, fans have claimed that it has given him a psychic connection to Vecna. That could add up, given that the Mind Flayer told him that he would kill everyone but him. Whereas other fans think the same about Brown’s Eleven and claim that she will sacrifice herself instead.

What do you think about these 5 theories about the upcoming Stranger Things season 5 finale? Let us know in the comments below.