The first part of Season 5 of “Stranger Things” has hit the screens, but viewers will need to exercise patience to see how everything concludes. Unlike Netflix’s usual strategy of releasing an entire season in one go, the final episodes are scheduled to drop on December 25 and 31. However, a significant line in the initial episodes might hint at what’s next for the Hawkins gang.

In the premiere episode of Season 5, titled “Chapter One: The Crawl,” Mike (Finn Wolfhard) and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) share a poignant exchange before Eleven ventures into the Upside Down. She questions what happens if they manage to defeat Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). Mike responds with a reference to his Dungeons & Dragons adventures, suggesting that the heroes often cannot return home due to the trauma they’ve endured, implying they must find a new place to belong.

A long-standing fan theory about “Stranger Things” suggests that the entire series is essentially a prolonged D&D campaign played by the boys. While this revelation might feel anticlimactic, it doesn’t rule out an ending inspired by the game. Mike’s observation hints at a potential conclusion where the group defeats Vecna but ends up parting ways, possibly to seek new beginnings or to prevent further monster invasions elsewhere.

According to series co-creator Matt Duffer, the conclusion of “Stranger Things” Season 5 may not satisfy everyone. The finale is designed to leave room for possible spin-offs, giving some closure but also keeping opportunities open for expanding the franchise. Interestingly, however, an Eleven spin-off is not on the cards. The Duffer Brothers, in conversation with Josh Horowitz on his podcast Happy Sad Confused, confirmed that Eleven will not be getting her own spin-off.

Series co-creator Matt Duffer has already spoken about how the end of “Stranger Things” Season 5 won’t make everyone happy. That’s due to the fact the show will leave the door open for spinoffs with its finale, so while there might be a sense of closure for most, there still needs to be room to milk this franchise for all it is worth. What’s more interesting is who seemingly won’t get a spinoff. According to Matt and Ross Duffer, speaking to Josh Horowitz for his podcast Happy Sad Confused, an Eleven spin-off is definitely not in the works.

Notably, the Duffers don’t mention Mike in that statement, and Mike is the one who foreshadows how heroes in D&D campaigns can never return home. Assuming he doesn’t die (and he better not), Mike may feel like Hawkins is too small for him now. He could be the one searching for adventure elsewhere, or maybe he wants to find a place that doesn’t have a bunch of bad memories of the time he and his friends were almost killed by vicious Demogorgons. 

Then again, there’s also a lot of speculation that Eleven may die by the end of “Stranger Things” Season 5. Perhaps the only way to get rid of Vecna for good is for her to sacrifice her life. That would undoubtedly make Mike depressed, goading him into getting as far away from Hawkins as possible. It would be a downer conclusion, but it could also set the stage for a spinoff centered on Mike down the road.

“Stranger Things” Season 5, Volume 1 is now available on Netflix.