Eddie Munson’s story has officially come to an end, according to series co-creator Matt Duffer.

---

Joseph Quinn’s Eddie Munson Won’t Return for Stranger Things Season 5

The Stranger Things fandom can finally put the rumors to rest — Joseph Quinn, who won hearts worldwide as Eddie Munson in season 4, will not appear in the upcoming fifth and final season of Netflix’s hit sci-fi series.

Series co-creator Matt Duffer confirmed the news during a recent interview with Empire, putting an end to fan speculation that the Hellfire Club leader might somehow return.

“No, sadly, RIP. He’s fully under that ground,” Duffer said, definitively closing the door on Eddie’s fate.

“I love that Joe Quinn is toying with people! But no, he’s dead,” he added with a laugh.

The confirmation comes just weeks before the premiere of Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1, which debuts November 26, 2025, on Netflix.

---

Eddie Munson’s Legacy in Stranger Things

Introduced in Season 4, Eddie Munson quickly became one of the most beloved characters in the Stranger Things universe. A Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast and metalhead, Eddie led Hawkins High’s Hellfire Club and became a symbol of misunderstood youth.

His heroism in the Upside Down — sacrificing himself to protect Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Steve (Joe Keery), Nancy (Natalia Dyer), and Robin (Maya Hawke) — cemented his legacy as a tragic fan favorite.

While fans have long theorized about Eddie’s possible return — whether through flashbacks, dreams, or alternate realities — the Duffers have made it clear: his story is over.

---

Matt Duffer on Joseph Quinn’s Busy Post-Stranger Things Career

According to Duffer, part of the reason for Quinn’s absence is his jam-packed schedule since his breakout role in 2022.

“Joe is so busy anyway that everyone should know he’s not coming back,” Duffer said. “He’s shot like five movies since Stranger Things! When the hell has he got time to come and shoot it?”

Indeed, Quinn’s career has skyrocketed since Stranger Things. He’s taken on major roles in blockbuster films and continues to be one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young actors.

---

Joseph Quinn’s Playful Teasing Kept Fans Guessing

Quinn, 31, had been playfully teasing his possible return for months, dropping cryptic hints in interviews. Last June, he told Entertainment Tonight that the “chances are high” he’d “pop down” to the set of Season 5 just to say hello.

“I love those guys! I’d love to say hello,” Quinn said at the time, acknowledging the Stranger Things cast and crew’s ongoing work.

“I’m sure they’re working very hard to land the plane… I have no doubts they’re going to deliver it in a pretty epic way.”

Despite his lighthearted comments, fans now know that Eddie’s chapter truly ended in the Upside Down.

---

The Final Season: What Fans Can Expect

The fifth and final season of Stranger Things promises to deliver one of the most emotional and cinematic conclusions in television history. According to early interviews with the Duffer Brothers and the cast, Season 5 will feature the “craziest cold open we’ve ever done” and will take fans “full throttle” into an adventure-filled finale.

Volume 1 premieres November 26, 2025, followed by Volume 2 on December 25, and the series finale on December 31.

While Eddie Munson may not return, his influence on Hawkins — and the hearts of fans — remains immortal.