As the year winds down in full gear, there comes a sense of fulfillment but alongside the impending reminder of all things incomplete. And speaking of unfinished business, the first thing that creeps to every sci-fi geek is for Stranger Things to complete a full circle after a decade. While the fifth and final installment has held all the Upside Down cards close to its chest, stacked like a barrel of eerie surprises awaiting fans to catch off-guard once and for all, Gaten Matarazzo recently shed light on a characteristic evolution of Dustin Henderson, hinting at an emotional lap for the curious and brave Hawkins savior.

Although Dustin has been loved for his enthusiastic genius, this turning point has Matarazzo hoping that his fans embrace the shift just as much.

As the Stranger Things narrative hurtles toward its climax, the jar of mysteries is nearly full, with the Upside Down poised to unravel its most enigmatic tales yet. Amidst the uncertainty, Gaten Matarazzo recently revealed to The Direct a poignant plot twist for his character, Dustin, hinting at an emotional reckoning that will be pivotal for his arc. It looks like the aftermath of Eddie Munson’s sacrifice in the fourth season will dominate the fifth, and Dustin’s storyline is about to get a whole lot more intense.

Matarazzo confirmed Dustin will still be the character fans “know and love” but it will not spare him from “intense grief at a young age.” Regarding the “trauma” that will overtake the opening segment of the final season, Matarazzo cited the “weight of loss,” seemingly hinting at Eddie’s sacrifice. While he hopes fans enjoy watching him navigate the emotional turbulence, the actor feels there is a credible prospect of resonation for fans who understand “that confusion” and “rage.”

Gaten Matarazzo Gives Fans a Little Teaser About the Start of 'Stranger Things' Season 5 

As the Upside Down update gets darker and darker with each passing day, Gaten Matarazzo also reflected how season 5 will be inherently stranger for fans who have watched the show from the get-go.

In his recent conversation with The Direct, Gaten Matarazzo drew and backed his previous cues for Stranger Things season 5, centering on its beautiful intensity that will tie the decade-old chapter of Upside Down to a finish line. Reflecting on what the installment may hold for fans, the actor scratched the surface level by teasing a very “different vibe” where everything goes comparatively stranger for even the fans who have gotten used to its alien ways.

Matarazzo recalled the twists and turns of the fourth installment to draw the stark contrast. In Stranger Things’ last screen time, the actor believes the narrative was about the “small victories” where it feels like Vecna has been restrained. However, “there’s a big, major loss,” whose ripple effects were felt far and wide. All in all, what they aim to address in finality is the situationship of Hawkins being “in real disarray,” and if their passion for it can write a better love story than…

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What do you think of Gaten Matarazzo's teasers for Stranger Things season 5? Let us know in the comments below!