Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 Predictions: Who Will Die in the Series Finale?

The countdown to the final season of Stranger Things has every fan looking for “death flags.” While the internet has spent years mourning Steve Harrington in advance, a recent deep-dive into the fan theories on Reddit suggests we’re looking in the wrong direction.

Forget the obvious choices. If the Duffer Brothers follow the narrative breadcrumbs, the finale is going be a heart-wrenching cleanup of character arcs. Based on the latest community buzz, here are the top candidates for who won’t make it out of Hawkins alive.

1. Jonathan Byers

In Volume 1, our suspicions were confirmed when it was revealed that Jonathan already bought an engagement ring for Nancy. Murray (in typical Murray fashion) practically spoiled the surprise, and we saw the ring hidden inside a cassette tape case. While Jonathan is waiting for the “right time” amidst the chaos of Holly’s disappearance and the military occupation, fans are convinced this is the ultimate “kiss of death.” In Hawkins, planning for a future usually means you won’t live to see it.

2. Will Byers

Volume 1 upped the stakes for Will significantly by revealing he can tap into Vecna’s powers. While Will is using his connection to fight back, Redditors are worried that this power comes with a price. If Will is the “first” and the “anchor,” he may have to stay behind in the Upside Down to keep the gates closed forever.

3. Nancy Wheeler

We all expect Steve to die for Nancy. But what if the Duffers flip the script? Nancy has been driven by the ghost of Barb since Season 1. A final stand where she gives her life to save Mike or the group would bring her journey from “sheltered princess” to “warrior martyr” to a tragic close. Killing Nancy would be a massive shock to the system, proving that no one—not even the group’s most capable leader—is safe.

4. Murray Bauman

If there is one thing Stranger Things loves, it’s killing off the character who is just “outside” the main kids’ circle (think Bob, Alexei, and Eddie). Murray is the perfect candidate for a mid-season death. He’s loved enough that his death would devastate the audience, but he isn’t “core” enough that the show couldn’t continue without him. His death would likely be the signal that the “fun” part of the season is officially over.

Who is (Likely) Safe?

While these theories was dark, there was some consensus on who has “plot armor” going into the finale:

• Steve Harrington: Fans believe he’s actually too obvious. The Duffers know we expect him to die, so the more painful route is keeping him alive to deal with the grief of losing Nancy or Dustin.
• Max Mayfield: After her brutal Season 4 finale, killing her again would feel redundant and “cheap.” Most believe her arc is about recovery and waking up.
• Jim Hopper: Having already “died” once at the Starcourt Mall, a second death would lose its emotional weight. Hopper is likely destined for that quiet life in the woods he’s been dreaming of.

The final season isn’t going to be about who can fight the best but it’s going to be about whose story has nowhere left to go but toward a hero’s end. My money is on Jonathan or Will being the emotional anchor of the series’ final goodbye.