Stranger Things season 5 is officially in production. Netflix announced the news with an image of the main cast for the final season of the series. There were a few surprises, though. A few cast members were included in that photo we weren't expecting to see, and there were also a few cast members we expecting or hoping to see who were not included in Stranger Things season 5.
With production on season 5 underway, there have also been some leaks from the set that cast doubt on the return of a few characters. It's not a major spoiler, but there might be some information about the new season some fans don't want to know.
We shared a list of six Stranger Things characters we aren't expecting to see in the final season of the series. Let's get the list started with one of the best characters in the series so far, Eddie Munson.
Eddie Munson
Look, when Eddie died in Stranger Things season 4, I was in favor of all the theories and possibilities for his return. I hate saying goodbye to great characters, and while I understand from a story perspective why Eddie had to die, I still hated it. I would have loved to see Eddie survive and be there for the final battle coming to Hawkins. There's a small chance that he could be if that's how the Duffer Brothers want to play it. There are many theories about Eddie's vampiric return online, but so far, Joseph Quinn has not been confirmed to return in season 5.
Quinn was absent from the main cast photo that Netflix shared to announce the start of production on season 5. There are a lot of cast members in season 5, and it's going to be very interesting to see how the Duffers and the writers have weaved this story to include such a massive cast and utilize each character to their full potential.
As it stands, there are also some spoiler pics circling on social media of Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) visiting the grave of one, Edward Munson. While it's not the final nail in the coffin on Eddie's return, it's close. The Duffers have discussed what happens when you kill off big characters. You have to honor that character in the story. Dustin changed after his interaction with Eddie, and now, Dustin, as a character, has to greive and go through the process of healing in the new season. So, that appears to be what's happening.
Unfortunately, it looks like Eddie will not be back in season 5.
Continue to the next slide for more Stranger Things characters who likely won't be back in season 5.