Fans may still be reeling from the biggest revelations of Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1, but there’s more to come in the upcoming Volume 2 and Volume 3 (finale) with that major cliffhanger.
Of course, the remaining four episodes are expected to feature bigger mysteries involving Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower), Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), and Will (Noah Schnapp).
With only two weeks left before the next batch of episodes is released, here are the biggest theories for Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2.
The Dungeons & Dragons Critical Roll of 20
After Will was revealed to be a sorcerer, there are theories that the 20 rolled by Erica (Priah Ferguson) during a Dungeons & Dragons campaign in the Season 5 debut episode, which defeated Vecna, may have foreshadowed what would ultimately bring the villain down.
In addition to Will’s newfound powers, Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 revealed Eight’s (Kali Prasad) return after Eleven learned her sister was the “kryptonite” Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton) had hidden in the military den in the Upside Down.
So, if combined – Eight + Eleven + Will, who is believed to be One due to his similar abilities to Vecna and being called “the first” – their dangerous combination might be the equivalent of the 20 roll that could finally defeat Vecna.
Will May Side to Vecna
Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1’s opening flashback to Season 1 revealed that Vecna had been inside Will’s mind long before he was officially introduced in the series.
Their psychic connection has remained and grown stronger than ever, to the point that Will is now channeling Vecna’s power.
So, when Vecna tells Will that they “are going to do such beautiful things together” and that he is “going to help me one last time,” it suggests that Will could become Vecna’s secret weapon, potentially siding with him and turning against his friends.
The Rise of ‘The Cult of Vecna’
The concept of the “Cult of Vecna” was first introduced in Stranger Things Season 4 during a D&D campaign run by Eddie (Joseph Quinn) in the Hellfire Club.
Now, with the increasing number of children Vecna has abducted from Hawkins, it appears that he is actively building his “cult.”
These children are trapped in Vecna’s mindscape and serve as his “vessels.” As potential followers, they could help amplify Vecna’s powers, which he may use to take over Hawkins.
The Mind Flayer is the True Villain
Vecna is often seen as the series’ main villain, but the Mind Flayer appears to be the overarching antagonist in Stranger Things.
Also known as the Shadow Monster, it is the hive-mind ruler of the Upside Down, controlling Vecna and directing his actions. While the Mind Flayer remains strangely quiet in Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1, it may return in Volume 2 or even the finale as the ultimate final boss.
Max May Sacrifice Herself to Save the Kids
Just like Holly (Nell Fisher), Max (Sadie Sink) has been trapped inside Vecna’s mind. Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 showed Max rescuing Holly from Vecna / Henry Creel’s home and bringing her to a cave where they are safe, since Henry is afraid of that place.
With Volume 2 Episode 5 titled “Escape from Camazots,” a reference to the sinister plane from A Wrinkle in Time, which is what Holly called Vecna’s mindscape, this may hint at Max’s attempt to escape the trapped children and potentially sacrifice herself to save them.
Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 will be released on December 25 followed by Volume 3 on December 31.
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