Stranger Things Season 5 Finale Left Producer Shawn Levy Floored; Volume 1 Was Just the Warm-Up

Stranger Things 5 already handed us one of the show’s biggest swings in Volume 1, and apparently that was just the warm-up. Producer Shawn Levy is out here teasing that the last four episodes crank things up even further — and that the finale is a full-on emotional wrecking ball.

The reveal that flipped the board

Quick catch-up if you’ve somehow avoided Twitter: in episode 4, Will Byers taps into his link with Vecna and uses that charge to shred a pack of Demogorgons and save the gang. It’s the major pivot fans have been waiting on since season 1 — Will’s connection to the Mind Flayer/Upside Down doesn’t just haunt him anymore, it empowers him. The show even seals it with a classic nosebleed cue.

Levy told SFX that when the Duffers first pitched that beat, he got full-body goosebumps, then again reading the earliest draft, and again watching it cut together. He also said the logic of Will’s turn made perfect sense to him — and yeah, it plays like one of those 'holy shit, mic drop' TV moments.

Levy says it gets even wilder

As for what’s next, Levy isn’t exactly subtle: he’s promising 'shocking' developments in Volume 2 and calling the final stretch 'jaw-droppingly epic and satisfying.' He won’t say what the next big reveal is or when it lands, only that it’s coming in those last four episodes.

'What they’ve achieved floored me and moved me profoundly. I watched the finale one night while I was in London making Star Wars, and I called the Duffers at midnight London time, just fucking sobbing and so astonished by how satisfying it is.'

That’s a pretty spicy endorsement from the guy juggling Deadpool and Wolverine and a Star Wars movie. Also, fun behind-the-scenes detail: he was literally on a Star Wars set in London when he ugly-cried over the Stranger Things finale. Relatable.

What’s still in play heading into Volume 2

• Will’s new power set: how far does it go, and what’s the cost?
• The cave mystery: still a question mark — expect answers (or at least bigger questions).
• Eleven’s long-lost sister, Eight: she’s back, which complicates everything in exactly the way you think it will.

When you can watch

Volume 1 is streaming now on Netflix. Volume 2 starts rolling out on Christmas Day, and the series finale lands on New Year’s Eve. Netflix is keeping specifics under wraps, but based on Levy’s reaction, maybe keep tissues nearby. I’m not saying the show will break you — Levy already did.