As the highly anticipated final season of Stranger Things approaches, fans are buzzing with theories about which characters might not make it out alive.
While many believe Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) could die following her showdown with Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) in Season 4, a new theory recently emerged, suggesting another major character may be in danger.
Although the Duffer Brothers have primarily killed off supporting characters—such as Barbara (Shannon Purser), Bob (Sean Astin), and Eddie (Joseph Quinn)—this time, they might not shy away from saying goodbye to a main character—if this theory holds true.
Dustin Could Be Vecna’s Next Target
Season 4 revealed how Vecna selects and attacks his victims—preying on their deepest guilt and trauma. He targets those struggling with mental health issues, establishing psychic connections before striking.
Max became one of his victims after grappling with the death of her brother, Billy (Dacre Montgomery), in Season 3.
Now, with Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) mourning Eddie’s (Joseph Quinn) death, a strong theory suggests he could be Vecna’s next target.
Dustin formed a deep bond with Eddie, especially after they braved the Upside Down together. Eddie famously created a distraction by performing a metal-fueled rendition of Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” to draw away a swarm of demobats—ultimately sacrificing himself to protect Dustin and the others.
Although Dustin has also built a strong friendship with Steve (Joe Keery), it was Eddie who became his true inspiration.
How Can Dustin Be Vecna’s Next Victim?
Given their connection, there's a real possibility that Dustin could suffer the same fate as Max and become Vecna’s next victim.
Hawkins will surely remind Dustin of Eddie, especially since the town sees Eddie as a criminal and fugitive and Dustin fails to prove his innocence.
As this makes Dustin vulnerable, with Matarazzo himself confirming to The Direct that his character will go through darker and more traumatic moments due to Eddie’s death, he will be an easy target.
“He’s still the guy we know and love, but there is a context of that trauma and that weight of loss that seems to carry on with him through the early process of the season, and hopefully, that’s something that people like to see, see him grow through that arc, and see him start to deal with intense grief at a young age,” he said.
Duffer Brothers Not Afraid to Kill Off Major Characters
Although Stranger Things lead star Millie Bobby Brown once criticized the Duffer Brothers for not killing off enough characters—calling them “two sensitive Sallies” in an interview with The Wrap—the creators have since proven they’re not afraid to make bold choices.
They even admitted they originally planned to kill Max but ultimately chose to keep her alive to maintain a darker, more uncertain tone at the end of Season 4.
While Max was spared, she suffered severe consequences, ending up in a coma. If Dustin becomes Vecna’s next target, it remains to be seen whether he’ll be as lucky.
With Stranger Things Season 5 marking the show’s final chapter, anything is possible—even if it means fans will have to say goodbye to a beloved character.
Stranger Things Season 5 is set to be released this 2025 on Netflix.