Stranger Things Season 5 Poster Features Dark Will Byers with the Upside Down Threatening Hawkins

In a captivating new fan art piece, the character Will Byers from Stranger Things takes a dark turn, suggesting a menacing influence looming over Hawkins. The series, created by Matt and Ross Duffer, made its much-anticipated return with Season 4 in 2022, following Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and her friends as they confront the villain Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). With Season 5 on the horizon, the spotlight is back on Will (Noah Schnapp), who stands at the forefront of an intensifying battle.

As anticipation for Stranger Things Season 5 builds, fan account @StrangerNews11 on X, formerly Twitter, revealed a striking artwork by Axel Almirón. This piece features an unsettling portrayal of Will, his eyes glowing red, clearly under the sway of dark forces emerging from the Upside Down. The chilling tagline accompanying the artwork reads, “Hawkins Will Fall.”

THE FINAL VICTIM. 2025. #StrangerThings pic.twitter.com/tfHfpayFvs — Stranger News (@StrangerNews11) December 17, 2024

The caption accompanying this artwork, “The Final Victim,”casts a foreboding shadow over Will’s future, hinting at darker developments to come.

Implications of Will’s Dark Turn for Stranger Things Season 5

Will Byers with his hair soaked and looking at a light in Stranger Things

The finale of Stranger Things Season 4 introduces a pivotal new portal to the Upside Down, hinting at Will’s complicated narrative. In one of the final scenes, viewers witness Will experiencing goosebumps at the nape of his neck—an eerie sign of his entrenched connection to the Upside Down, first established back in Season 2. This unique bond may serve as a crucial element in the unfolding of Season 5.

In a revealing conversation with Collider in 2022, the Duffer Brothers confirmed that Will will enjoy a more significant role in Season 5 compared to previous seasons. While other characters have overshadowed him in the recent past, these upcoming episodes promise to bring Will’s arc full circle, with hints that the storyline may revisit themes from Season 1. Should Will’s character take a turn toward malevolence or succumb to Vecna’s control, it could serve as a powerful narrative vehicle that ties back to the origins of his character.

Our Insights on a Potentially Darker Will Narrative in Season 5

A Call for Greater Focus on Will in the Series’ Conclusion

Noah Schnapp as Will Byers looking at Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things Season 4

Despite receiving favorable reviews overall, Season 4 of Stranger Things has faced criticism for its sprawling cast, often leaving Will to languish in the background. This neglect has been particularly notable as new characters have emerged, drawing focus away from his storyline. Although the prospect of Will turning malevolent seems improbable, the idea of him being manipulated by Vecna could reestablish him as a central figure, providing a fresh perspective on his character development.

While a specific release date for Stranger Things Season 5 remains unannounced, Netflix has confirmed its premiere for 2025, heightening audience anticipation.

However, it is essential to recognize that if Will’s character is possessed, it may diminish his agency, leading to a mix of reactions among viewers. The unfolding narrative choices surrounding Will in Season 5 will undoubtedly captivate audiences eager to see more of his journey in the forthcoming episodes.

Source: @almirondesign (via @StrangerNews11)

Source&Images