Credit: NetflixMillie Bobby Brown, known worldwide for her role as Eleven on Netflix’s Stranger Things, was overcome with emotion as she bid farewell to the series that defined her teenage years. After wrapping her final day of filming on the show’s fifth and final season, the actress delivered a tearful farewell speech to the cast and crew, which has sparked mixed reactions from fans.
An Emotional Goodbye
Brown’s heartfelt farewell, captured in a video shared on her social media, showed her breaking down as she read a letter addressed to the team she had worked with for nearly a decade.
“Isn’t graduation supposed to bring relief? Like you’re glad to leave behind the teachers and classmates. Not me,” Brown said, tears streaming down her face. “I am nowhere near ready to leave you guys. I love each and every one of you, and I will forever carry the memories and bonds we created together as a family. I love you, thank you.”
The actress, who was just 11 years old when filming began in 2015, also shared a collection of photos from her time on the show, celebrating the near-decade she spent portraying Eleven.
Controversy Over the Wrap Party
While her emotional goodbye painted a picture of deep love for the series, some fans couldn’t help but point out a contradiction: Brown’s absence from the Stranger Things wrap party. Reports indicate she skipped the event to attend a meeting with her husband Jake Bongiovi’s team, raising eyebrows among fans.
Critics have questioned why the star couldn’t reschedule, especially for such a pivotal moment in the show that launched her career. The situation has fueled speculation that Brown may have outgrown her attachment to Stranger Things and her iconic character.
Outgrowing Eleven
Brown has been candid in past interviews about her readiness to move on from the series. Speaking to Women’s Wear Daily last year, she likened the conclusion of Stranger Things to graduating high school.
“I think I’m ready,” she said. “It’s been such a huge factor in my life, but it’s like graduating high school. You’re ready to go and blossom and flourish, and you’re grateful for the time you’ve had, but it’s time to create your own message and live your own life.”
Brown’s co-star David Harbour echoed similar sentiments, describing the ending as bittersweet yet necessary for both the cast and the creators, the Duffer Brothers, to explore new opportunities.
What We Know About Stranger Things Season 5
As fans process the emotional goodbyes and behind-the-scenes drama, anticipation for Stranger Things season 5 continues to build. The final season is set to premiere in 2025 and promises to be a definitive conclusion to the beloved series.
A Long Road to the Finale
Stranger Things has been a cultural juggernaut since its 2016 debut, blending ’80s nostalgia with gripping supernatural storytelling. However, long gaps between seasons have tested fans’ patience, especially after the extended wait for season 4.
Season 5, delayed due to the pandemic and the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, marks the final chapter in the Hawkins saga. The stakes are higher than ever following the shocking events of season 4, which left the town of Hawkins on the brink of collapse and saw Max’s life hanging by a thread after her encounter with Vecna.
Avoiding Past Missteps
One recurring criticism of the show has been its reliance on fakeout deaths, such as Hopper’s survival after his apparent demise in season 3 and Max’s ambiguous fate in season 4. Fans hope season 5 will steer clear of such tropes, delivering real stakes and definitive outcomes for the characters.
Major Theories and Predictions
The looming threat of Vecna and the Upside Down has led fans to speculate about potential casualties in the final battle. Popular theories suggest Steve Harrington, who narrowly escaped death in season 1, might not be so lucky this time. Others believe Will Byers, whose connection to the Upside Down has been central since the beginning, could make the ultimate sacrifice.
As for Eleven, her journey as the series’ emotional core makes her a prime candidate for either a triumphant victory or a tragic end.
The End of an Era
The Duffer Brothers have promised an emotional, action-packed conclusion that ties up loose ends while honoring the show’s legacy. With the cast, crew, and fans preparing to say goodbye, season 5 is expected to be a bittersweet finale that leaves a lasting impact.
Though Stranger Things is coming to an end, its influence on pop culture and the careers it launched—especially Millie Bobby Brown’s—will endure. Whether or not fans agree with how the final season plays out, it’s clear that the series has left an indelible mark on television history.