‘Stranger Things Season 5’: Duffer brothers share rare behind the scene photos after the shocking finale twist

The first part of the final season of Netflix’s hit series has landed, and fans are still processing the massive twist that ended Volume 1 on a cliffhanger. As theories explode across social media, creators Matt and Ross Duffer surprised fans with a behind-the-scenes glimpse from the set, featuring moments with the cast and crew as the final chapter takes shape.

The photos include Stranger Things stars Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Noah Schnapp, Maya Hawke, Joe Keery, and more, along with the Duffer Brothers themselves. But the post also featured one image that instantly stole attention.

Duffer brothers share rare behind-the-scenes moments from set

The photos were shared by the Duffer brothers on their Instagram handle. Among the otherwise warm and candid photos, fans were especially struck by a picture of Vecna, portrayed by Jamie Campbell Bower, sitting quietly with headphones on. The contrast between his relaxed off-screen presence and the terrifying villain seen in the series instantly caught the internet’s eye.

Other snaps showed Ross Duffer standing alone between takes, Finn Wolfhard preparing for a scene, and Joe Keery unwinding on set. Another photo captured Jamie smiling into the camera as his human form, Henry Creel, while Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery were seen sharing a light moment.

There were also glimpses of Nell Fisher, who plays the grown-up Holly Wheeler, getting ready for a shot, and a playful photo of Millie Bobby Brown “locking” someone inside a box for fun. Noah Schnapp appeared focused during rehearsal for an important scene, while Maya Hawke was spotted spending time with the director off camera.

Sharing the post on Instagram, Ross Duffer wrote, “Some more BTS. It’s been incredible seeing everyone’s reactions to volume one. Thank you all. Back to work tomorrow! Updates to come. Almost done."

Why Will becomes the emotional and supernatural core of season 5

If the twist in Volume 1 stunned you, you’re not alone. Will’s sudden awakening of powers and his confrontation with the Demogorgon changed the tone of the series entirely.
Speaking to Netflix Tudum, Ross Duffer explained why Will takes center stage in this final chapter. “One of the earliest ideas in [Season 5] is, ‘What if Will were able to harness this connection and use it against our villains?’ We also felt it was very natural to re-centre the story on Will. He was the kid who was taken in Season 1, so it felt right for the story to come full circle. If anyone was going to be the key to ending Vecna, it needed to be Will." Matt Duffer added that Will’s arc was always meant to come to a powerful emotional resolution. “There is a lot that Will has been dealing with over the course of the four seasons before this, so many emotions and inner conflicts that remain unresolved. So we wanted him to grow as a human and become a fully formed version of who he is. And once he’s able to do that, he’s able to harness these incredible powers."

The season also features returning cast members Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Cara Buono, Matthew Modine, Sadie Sink, Priah Ferguson, Brett Gelman, and Linda Hamilton.

When to watch the remaining episodes

Volume 1 of the final season premiered on November 27. The remaining episodes will be released in two parts on December 26 and December 31 in India, bringing the story of Hawkins to its long-awaited conclusion.