Stranger Things season 5 saw a major rewrite, with one character stepping into the spotlight

The creators of Stranger Things have revealed that the final season of the hit Netflix series underwent significant changes much later than fans might expect, including a major expansion of one character’s role.

Speaking on Happy Sad Confused with host Josh Horowitz, co-creator Matt Duffer said that while the show’s final scene had been envisioned years ago, the roadmap to get there changed substantially after season 4.

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How the pandemic reshaped the final season?

Duffer explained that after finishing the writing of season 4, the COVID-19 shutdown unexpectedly gave him and his brother Ross Duffer extended time to think ahead. During that period, they drafted an early outline for season 5.

“That outline changed radically,” Matt said, noting that several ideas were reworked once season 4 was released and the team reassessed what worked best for the story.

One of the biggest changes involved Holly Wheeler, who had previously appeared only in the background of earlier seasons. Holly was not part of the original season 5 outline at all.

Holly Wheeler’s role gets a major upgrade

Following the reassessment, the Duffers decided to give Holly a central role in the final chapter. The character was recast, with Nell Fisher replacing twin child actors Tinsley and Anniston Price.

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In season 5, Holly becomes a direct target of Vecna and plays a key role in helping others survive, eventually contributing to his defeat. Her presence is also closely tied to Max Mayfield’s storyline while Max remains trapped in Vecna’s mind space.

The Duffers felt that bringing Holly forward also echoed the spirit of the show’s early years, when the story focused on children confronting forces far bigger than themselves.

A full circle ending with a new generation

Despite the late changes, Duffer stressed that the overall structure of the finale, especially its ending remained consistent with the plan they had set long ago.

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The series will still close with Mike Wheeler and his friends gathered in the Wheeler basement for a game of Dungeons & Dragons, mirroring the show’s opening moments. What changed is what happens next: Holly and other younger kids arrive to play, symbolically passing the torch.

The final image of Mike closing the basement door, Duffer suggested, represents the end of childhood, not just for the characters, but for the story itself.