The Stranger Things saga comes to a dramatic conclusion with the highly anticipated series finale of Season 5, and fans are buzzing over the latest updates. From Jake Bongiovi’s support for Millie Bobby Brown at the finale screening to the absence of key cast members at promotional events, the chilling finale trailer, and the fates of fan-favorite characters, here’s everything you need to know about the epic conclusion of Hawkins’ story.
Jake Bongiovi Cheers on Millie Bobby Brown at Finale Screening
Millie Bobby Brown, 21, recently attended a theater screening of the Stranger Things series finale, and her husband, Jake Bongiovi, 23, shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute. In a Story, Bongiovi posted a photo of Brown standing in front of the screening sign with the caption:
“I believe!!”
This phrase directly references Eleven’s pivotal scene in the finale, where Mike (Finn Wolfhard) chooses to believe Eleven survived her apparent death and is living freely with Eight’s help. Fans quickly connected Bongiovi’s caption to the show, celebrating the couple’s supportive moment.
Notably, Brown appeared recovered from a recent shoulder injury, no longer wearing the black sling she had previously needed for her fall.
Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour Absent at Paley Museum Event
Earlier in December, Brown and David Harbour, 50, were expected to attend the Stranger Things: The Final Season Celebration at the Paley Museum in New York City on December 18, 2025. Both actors pulled out:
- Millie Bobby Brown missed the event due to a recent injury, which also caused her to skip Good Morning America.
- David Harbour cited a scheduling conflict, preventing his attendance.
The panel, moderated by Collider’s Perri Nemiroff, acknowledged their absence, with remarks:
“For all the ones who are not with us on stage, they send their regards and thanks for being here.”
Despite missing the event, Brown and Harbour have maintained a strong off-screen relationship, reflecting their iconic onscreen dynamic as Eleven and Hopper. Brown described their bond as a father-daughter relationship, praising Harbour for his guidance throughout her journey on the show.
The Chilling Series Finale Trailer
On December 30, 2025, Netflix released the trailer for the final installment of Season 5, premiering on December 31, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET.
The trailer begins with Jim Hopper (Harbour) encouraging Eleven (Brown) to fight one last time:
“Life has been so unfair to you… But you never let it break you. Fight for the days on the other side of this. Fight for a world beyond Hawkins.”
Fans see glimpses of the full cast, including Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, and Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna, alongside action-packed shots of Hopper with a gun and Dustin Henderson screaming in shock. The trailer concludes with a dramatic red lightning flash, promising a high-stakes finale.
Netflix also revealed that the finale will be screened in over 500 theaters across the U.S. and Canada, offering fans a shared first-time viewing experience. Co-creator Matt Duffer explained that this theatrical release was not initially planned, but the idea was embraced to allow fans to experience the finale collectively.
Fates of Fan-Favorite Characters: Erica, Murray, and Mr. Clarke
While the finale focused on Eleven and the main Hawkins crew, the fates of some fan favorites — Erica Sinclair (Priah Ferguson), Murray Bauman (Brett Gelman), and Mr. Clarke (Randy Havens) — were left unclear.
- Erica Sinclair: The Duffers reassured fans that Erica is fully capable of taking care of herself. Ross Duffer noted she’ll face high school challenges but is “tough.” Matt Duffer added she’s likely to follow Dustin’s footsteps and could even become valedictorian.
- Murray Bauman: Matt Duffer said Murray is doing his own “weird stuff,” hinting at his independent adventures after the finale.
- Mr. Clarke: The beloved Hawkins High science teacher remains passionate about educating kids, continuing to mentor the younger generation.
In the finale, Erica and Mr. Clarke team up to help rescue the Hawkins crew from the Upside Down, while the rest of the characters face Vecna one final time.
Eleven’s Ultimate Fate
The finale sees Eleven sacrificing herself to trap herself inside the collapsing Upside Down. To her friends, it appears she has died, but Mike insists that he chooses to believe she survived with Eight’s help, living in a distant, peaceful place.
The Duffers intentionally left her fate ambiguous, stating that Eleven’s story “lives on in their hearts”, whether literally or symbolically. This ties back to Jake Bongiovi’s “I believe” Instagram post, highlighting fan hope and anticipation for Eleven’s return.
Streaming and Viewing Schedule
- Volume 1: Streaming on Netflix now
- Volume 2: Released December 25, 2025
- Finale (Volume 3): Premieres December 31, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET, with special theatrical screenings
Fans can now experience the full epic conclusion of Hawkins’ story, from ups and downs of Eleven’s journey to the final showdown with Vecna.
Final Thoughts
Stranger Things Season 5 has wrapped with a finale full of suspense, emotional payoffs, and cliffhangers. From Jake Bongiovi supporting Millie Bobby Brown at the screening, to trailer reveals, Paley Museum absences, and the futures of fan-favorite characters like Erica, Murray, and Mr. Clarke, the series leaves fans reflecting on its decade-long journey.
As Netflix closes the Hawkins chapter, fans are left to imagine the future of Eleven, her friends, and the town itself — while celebrating the cultural phenomenon that has captured hearts since 2016.
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