The creators of Netflix's hit series Stranger Things have definitively shut down swirling fan theories that they filmed multiple endings for the show's highly anticipated final season.
The speculation begins
Following comments from cast member Noah Schnapp that the ensemble wouldn't watch the finale until the world sees it, online speculation went into overdrive. Fans began theorising that the true ending was being kept secret from even the main cast members.
One viral tweet captured the growing suspicion: Guys do you think they filmed multiple endings for Stranger Things so the cast doesn't even know how it ends... Another user suggested the production might be filming multiple scenes to throw potential leakers off their trail amid paparazzi leaks.
The theories gained further traction when Caleb McLaughlin revealed his ending is different from everyone else's, adding fuel to the speculative fire about alternative conclusions being filmed.
Direct from the creators
Speaking exclusively to Capital Buzz on the red carpet at the London premiere of Stranger Things 5, Matt and Ross Duffer put the rumours to rest. Matt Duffer responded with an emphatic Oh no. No no when asked about filming multiple endings.
While acknowledging they admire other TV shows that employ this technique, Matt explained their practical concerns: I love when I hear people do that but I'm like, 'How do you have the time?! Oh my god! The energy to, A: write it and then shoot it? Are you crazy? No. No.
The real approach to the finale
The actual ending remains under lock and key until its New Year's Eve premiere, with the Duffer brothers taking inspiration from celebrated series finales. They revealed studying endings from shows including Six Feet Under, Friday Night Lights and The Sopranos to understand what makes a satisfying conclusion.
Ross Duffer shared their philosophy: The best ones were very true to themselves. The shows that are trying to be super clever - I think that's where it can go wrong really quickly.
Despite paparazzi photos surfacing online showing cast members filming what appears to be an epilogue, the brothers confirm there's only one genuine conclusion to the story that has captivated audiences since 2016.
The final season will focus significantly on Will Byers' connection to Vecna and the Mind Flayer, bringing the epic supernatural saga to its long-awaited conclusion.
