At Netflix's TUDUM event on November 6, 2025, fans got an exclusive preview of the first five minutes of Stranger Things Season 5. The livestream from the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood showcased a chilling opening sequence that promises an intense and brutal final season.
The episode opens in 1983, focusing on 12-year-old Will Byers moments after his abduction by the Demogorgon. He lies in the Upside Down forest, singing “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” in his sleep. Suddenly, he wakes up terrified—
“He hears the sound of the Demogorgon approaching to attack.”
Will grabs a gun and fires at the creature, but it proves ineffective. He flees, climbing a tree as the monster pursues him relentlessly. While attempting to jump to another tree, Will falls and loses consciousness.
The Demogorgon drags Will deeper into the Upside Down, where the terrifying Vecna awaits. Tentacles seize Will and slam him against a wall, tightening their grip with menacing force.
This opening sets a dark and brutal tone for the season, indicating that the story will delve deeper into the horrors of the Upside Down and the fate of the characters fans have come to love.
“The spine-chilling video made it clear that it will surpass everyone’s expectations in terms of brutality.”
Author’s summary: The opening of Stranger Things Season 5 reveals a brutal and terrifying encounter that shapes Will Byers’ fate, promising a darker and more intense final chapter of the series.