Netflix has finally revealed a new look atStranger Thingsseason 5, and a tease involving a group of new characters is a reminder of how much has changed in Hawkins since the start of the show. As part ofStranger Thingsseason 5’s release date announcement,the teaser video featured several shots of what’s to come in the final season. The release dates, which showStranger Thingsseason 5 split into three parts, mean that over three years will have passed since Netflix dropped new episodes.
Next year will mark a decade sinceStranger Thingswas first released on Netflix after debuting in July 2016. Since then, the show has gone on to become one of Netflix’s most-viewed titles, while amassing a loyal fan following. Though many viewers have stuck around for nearly a decade, not that much time has passed withinStranger Things' timeline. Therefore, it’s exciting to compare certain characters from their early days to where they are in the show’s concluding chapter.
Mike Is Now Protecting Kids In Hawkins During Stranger Things Season 5
Wolfhard’s Character Tease Shows A Full-Circle Moment
During the first look atStranger Thingsseason 5 with the date announcement video, there are quick glimpses of all major characters as new threats begin to emerge around Hawkins.One of those shots shows Finn Wolfhard’s Mike holding his arms out to protect a group of kids,which is seemingly made up of new characters. Though we don’t exactly know what’s going on during the scene, theStranger Thingsseason 5 tease confirms that the younger main characters who once needed protection are now the ones protecting vulnerable Hawkins residents.
For much ofStranger Things' run, it had been the adults, mainly Hopper and Joyce, attempting to keep the kids safe. In some cases, the responsibility was put on the older teens, like Jonathan, Nancy, and Steve. However, dealing with Demogorgons, the Mind Flayer, Vecna, and other horrors from the Upside Down has forced the younger characters to grow up fast. With their experiences dealing with deadly threats for the past few years,it’s not surprising to see someone like Mike willing to put his life on the line for others, especially kids.
Interestingly, Mike and Nancy’s younger sister, Holly, will likely have an expanded role inStranger Things' final season. Not only is a shot of her shown in the first teaser from TUDUM, holding onto her mother in fear, butHolly was also recast ahead ofStranger Thingsseason 5. After Nancy tried to protect Mike as much as she could over the years, it’s possible that it’s Mike’s turn to look after Holly if she gets pulled into the terror caused by Vecna.
How Much Time Has Passed Since Stranger Things' First & Last Season
Even Though The Show Lasted Nearly A Decade, Only A Few Years Have Passed
WhenStranger Thingsfirst debuted, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and Eleven were only 12 years old in season 1. Theages ofStranger Things' charactershave garnered extra attention over the years, considering the production timeframe of the show doesn’t exactly line up with the timeline depicted in the series. Season 1 takes place in the fall of 1983, with season 5 confirmed to be set in the fall of 1987, meaningthe entirety ofStranger Thingsoccurs within a four-year period. Here’s a breakdown by season:
July 1985 (Hopper tease is in October 1985)
Fall of 1987
TBD
WithStranger Thingsseason 5 taking place in late 1987, it means Mike and the rest of the younger group will be around 16. The actors, of course, are already in their early 20s, with Wolfhard turning 23 during season 5’s release schedule. That said, no matter their age, each member of the younger group has shown immense character growth from the start of the series. The video from TUDUM is a massive reminder of that, since it includes various clips from the start of the show, proving how much has changed since Will’s disappearance in 1983.
Why The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever For Hawkins In Stranger Things Season 5
This Will Be The Last Chance To Stop Vecna
As theseasons ofStranger Thingshave gone by, it has been harder for the characters to keep the threats contained to the inner group in the hopes of keeping friends, family, and the general public out of danger. Whereas Bob was killed due to his involvement in helping Joyce and the others, the casualties grew in season 3 with the battle at the Starcourt Mall, which included Billy.Stranger Thingsseason 4’s deathsnotably included Chrissy and Eddie, butthe failure to beat Vecna also resulted in the Upside Down spilling out into Hawkins, raising the stakes for season 5.
After Hawkins was led to believe the disaster stemmed from an earthquake, the residents could quickly be thrown into the terror that Mike, Will, Eleven, and the others have been facing for the past few years. Though they are still dealing with defeat, including Max’s continued comatose state, they are the only ones who could potentially stop Vecna from a total takeover inStranger Thingsseason 5, which would decimate Hawkins and everyone in it. For that reason, it makes sense why Mike and the others feel the need to stand up for their fellow residents.
