Stranger Things Season 5: Shocking Twist Ending Explained! What Happens in Part 1?

Be advised, the following delves into the conclusion of Part 1 of Stranger Things Season 5, now available on Netflix. If you haven’t seen it and want to avoid spoilers, stop reading this article now.

The first four episodes of the final season of Stranger Things premiered on Netflix this Thursday, November 27. They didn’t answer all fans’ questions, but they did deliver on their promises with a plethora of unexpected revelations.

Will Returns to the Spotlight

The biggest surprise was undoubtedly the final scene of Episode 4, where Will displays superpowers. After confronting Vecna, who disclosed he chose him due to his vulnerability, the young teenager is about to witness his best friends being devoured by the Demogorgons.

Will recalls a discussion with Robin. Talking about her own journey, she urged him to live his life authentically. Refusing to be the “weak” one in the group, Will uses newfound telekinetic powers to halt the three Demogorgons, incapacitating them and saving his friends.

“When we began discussing Season 5, we started talking about Will. (…) He’s the character who set everything in motion, and a large part of this season was about coming full circle and going back to the start,” reveals Matt Duffer, the series’ co-creator, in an interview with Deadline. “But beyond that, it was about Will’s journey to really discover who he was and accept it.”

What Does the Final Scene Mean?

Part 1 concludes with a close-up of Will’s face as he wipes away a trickle of blood from his nose, reminiscent of Eleven’s actions when she uses her powers. However, this discovery doesn’t necessarily link the two friends, but rather points to Will’s connection with Vecna.

The series’ villain doesn’t just kidnap children, but also seems to open pathways between his mind and those of his victims. Since his abduction in Season 1, Will has been affected by his encounter with Vecna, including his ability to sense his presence.

This gift, used multiple times throughout Season 5, was a foreshadowing of his powers! As for the telekinetic abilities, they can be seen as Will drawing on his connection with Vecna, which allows him to tap into his memories, visions, and powers.

Will’s Portrayer Reacts to Part 1’s Big Twist!

This finale perfectly rounds off the first part and sets the stage for Parts 2 and 3, due for release on December 26 and January 1, respectively. While further details remain elusive, Noah Schnapp, who plays Will, discussed the shocking twist with Deadline.

The young American actor touched on the connections between Will and Vecna, drawing parallels with the Horcruxes from the Harry Potter saga. To prepare for shooting Season 5, he rewatched the iconic franchise to better “explore these parallels and their significance.”

“I mean, his journey of self-acceptance was coming to a close, and he finally accepted who he truly was. Once he allowed himself that, he was able to soar and unleash the power within him,” Noah Schnapp shared. “I think that really resonates, not just with the queer audience, but with anyone learning to believe in oneself and fully accept who they are — they can accomplish great things. It sends a beautiful message.”

The Ending Will Not Disappoint Fans, Says Noah Schnapp

Shooting this key sequence required considerable preparation. The special effects team first designed the scene in CGI to provide a precise preview of the final result. A model of the sequence was then filmed with a phone by the stunt team, and on the day of shooting, extensive rehearsals preceded the final takes.

On Netflix’s promotional site, Will’s portrayer expressed his delight at shooting this scene. He also revealed he sent the Duffers a lengthy thank you text, which included: “You can’t know how grateful I am for this show and this character, and the way you’ve written Will’s character in the final season is beyond my dreams.”

Our theories on the final season of Stranger Things:

On the topic of upcoming episodes, Noah Schnapp expressed his satisfaction with the show’s conclusion. “I think the ending does an excellent job of wrapping up each character’s story,” he shared in the interview.

The first part of Stranger Things’ final season is now exclusively available on Netflix.

Check out the list of series currently available on the platform!