Netflix Axes ‘Eleven’ from ‘Stranger Things’ Finale, New Role Introduced

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Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven

Credit: Netflix

It appears that there will no longer be a “new” Eleven in Stranger Things.

A young woman with a distressed expression is being escorted by two men in suits. The man on the left has a mustache, while the man on the right has a serious look. They are outside, near an open car door. You'd think they were shooting *Stranger Things*, but it’s actually during a filming hiatus.
Credit: Netflix

Since its inception in 2016, Stranger Things has captivated global audiences with its masterful blend of science fiction, horror, and 1980s nostalgia.

The series has evolved from a modest tale of missing children in a small town into a cultural phenomenon, with its fourth season setting viewership records and igniting social media trends. As production for the highly anticipated fifth and final season unfolds in Atlanta, fans eagerly await the climactic conclusion to this beloved series.

The Duffer Brothers, the creative minds behind the show, have promised a satisfying end to the Stranger Things saga, leaving fans both excited and apprehensive about the fates of their cherished characters.

With the stakes undeniably higher than ever before, the final season is poised to deliver a series of dramatic turns that could redefine the show’s trajectory. While the core cast, including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and Winona Ryder, are confirmed to return, the absence of Eduardo Franco’s beloved character, Argyle, has been met with disappointment among fans.

Production on the fifth season has faced numerous challenges, including industry-wide strikes that temporarily halted filming. However, with production now back underway, fans can anticipate the final season’s release sometime in 2025.

Recent concerns over a potential Amazon Teamsters strike, which could have further impacted production, have been alleviated, allowing the creative team to focus on bringing the series to a triumphant conclusion.

millie bobby brown and ensemble in stranger things
Credit: Netflix

As the countdown to the series finale begins, speculation runs rampant about the direction of the plot and the ultimate fates of the characters. With a blend of excitement and trepidation, fans eagerly await the final chapter of this beloved story.

Netflix has finally unveiled the release window for the highly anticipated fifth and final season of Stranger Things. While the news has brought a sense of relief to fans, the wait for the series’ conclusion has been extended into 2025.

Following the phenomenal success of Season 4, which captivated audiences with its expanded scope and elevated storytelling, expectations for the final chapter are exceptionally high. The Duffer Brothers and Netflix have maintained an air of secrecy surrounding the upcoming season, heightening anticipation among viewers.

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has announced that the fifth and final season of Stranger Things will be released in 2025.

The confirmation came during the streaming platform’s Q2 2024 interviews. Sarandos highlighted Stranger Things as one of the shows to look forward to in 2025. Fans also received confirmations on other popular series, including The Night Agent Season 2, Wednesday Season 2, and the second season of One Piece.

He said, “Looking forward through 2025, you’ve got new seasons of Wednesday, Stranger Things, and The Night Agent, and we’re in production on One Piece, so there’s a ton of excitement there just in our series.” While fans can be relieved that Stranger Things will return in 2025, hopes for a 2024 release have been dashed.

Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven in Stranger Things Season 4
Credit: Netflix

The extended wait has generated a mix of excitement and impatience among fans. While the prospect of a grand finale is undoubtedly thrilling, the delay has also fueled speculation about the potential direction of the series. As production continues, eager viewers eagerly await further updates and clues about what to expect from the climactic chapter of this beloved science fiction drama.

Fans are eagerly anticipating the resolution of numerous plot threads, including the fate of beloved characters, the ultimate battle against the Upside Down, and the potential for shocking character deaths.

One of the most burning questions surrounding Season 5 is the role of Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown). Having seemingly lost her powers in the Season 4 finale, fans are curious to see how Eleven will regain her abilities and contribute to the final showdown.

Another major point of speculation centers around the character of Will Byers (Noah Schnapp). His connection to the Upside Down has deepened over the seasons, leading many to believe he may play a pivotal role in defeating Vecna and closing the portal between the two worlds.

One of the major speculations in the season has been about time jumps.

We know that due to the delayed production start for season 5, and the age of the cast, the final season will start with a time jump to deal with the aging of the cast. The show, according to set props, will likely start one year in the future, in 1987.

millie bobby brown in stranger things
Credit: Netflix

Then, we have also seen casting notices go out for younger versions of the main cast, which likely means time jumps to the past. We know that this season will bring back the start of the show when Will Byers was brought into the Upside Down, so it appears we may be revisiting what went wrong 9 years ago.

One major rumor revolved around Linda Hamilton’s casting in the show. The Terminator actress was quickly slated to play “Eleven,” which signified that we would see a major time jump into the future.

Eleven, the telekinetic protagonist of Stranger Things, has emerged as the de facto savior of Hawkins, Indiana. Possessing extraordinary abilities, she stands as the town’s primary defense against the malevolent forces emanating from the Upside Down, particularly the formidable antagonist, Vecna. While the series boasts a compelling ensemble of heroic characters, Eleven’s unique powers position her as the linchpin in the battle against darkness.

The prospect of Eleven’s demise is almost inconceivable for many fans, given her iconic status and integral role in the series’ narrative. Millie Bobby Brown’s portrayal of the character has become synonymous with the show itself, making it difficult to imagine another actor in the role.

However, the recent casting of Linda Hamilton, renowned for her portrayal of Sarah Connor in the Terminator franchise, has ignited speculation about the potential future trajectory of Eleven’s character.

Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor in 'Terminator: Dark Fate'
Credit: Skydance Media

Hamilton’s history with time-bending narratives has led to theories suggesting she might portray an older version of Eleven.

While the specifics of her role remain undisclosed, the possibility of a time-jump or alternate timeline cannot be dismissed. This would offer an intriguing avenue for exploring Eleven’s character arc beyond the confines of the present-day storyline.

Now, it seems that rumor has possibly been squashed.

Stranger Things Updates has shared that, “Linda Hamilton is reportedly playing a doctor/scientist in Stranger Things 5.”

Hamilton’s name is no longer associated with Eleven with this new casting update; however, just because we have a job title does not mean that Eleven will not become the doctor or scientist that Hamilton will be playing in the future. The being said, there is a good chance that her character actually has nothing to do with Eleven at all. 

We have recently seen Millie Bobby Brown back on set in Atlanta filming after her short hiatus to marry her now-husband Jacob Bongiovi.

Would you like to see a future Eleven in the finale of Stranger Things? How do you think the series should end? 

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