Fans feared Steve Harrington’s death in Stranger Things 5 Vol. 2. (Photo: X/@cloiskryptonite)
As Stranger Things heads toward its long-awaited conclusion, anxiety is running high among fans especially over the fate of Joe Keery’s Steve Harrington. A cryptic tease by creators Matt and Ross Duffer sparked fears that one of the show’s most beloved characters could meet a tragic end in Season 5 Volume 2.
The panic began after the Duffer Brothers appeared on a late-night talk show and jokingly teased the finale using Funko Pop figurines. During the segment, Steve Harrington’s toy was placed precariously on the edge of a table only for the creators to push it off moments later.
The gesture was brief but explosive, immediately fuelling speculation that Steve, a fan favourite since Season 1, might not survive the final stretch of the Netflix series.
No-at least not yet.
Fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Steve Harrington survives Episodes 5, 6 and 7 of Stranger Things 5 Volume 2. Throughout these episodes, Steve plays a central role in the Upside Down alongside Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo), Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton) and Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer).
The group ventures into the abandoned Hawkins lab in search of a generator, splitting up along the way. Tensions flare particularly between Steve and Dustin culminating in heated arguments and even a physical scuffle. However, the duo eventually reconcile, reinforcing one of the show’s most emotionally resonant friendships.
In a scene that instantly set off alarm bells online, Dustin gifts Steve Eddie Munson’s spiked shield and metal sphere from the Season 4 battle. As they prepare for the looming final confrontation, the two exchange a chilling line: “You die, I die.”
For many viewers, the moment felt like ominous foreshadowing suggesting that Steve’s survival may still be at risk in the final episode.
Far from being sidelined, Steve emerges as a strategist in Volume 2. He devises the group’s final mission dubbed Operation Beanstalk.
The plan involves using the WSQK radio tower as Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) attempts to merge Hawkins with the Upside Down and the Abyss. Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) is set to infiltrate Vecna’s mind, while the others prepare to destroy the portal by detonating a bomb after escaping.
Steve’s leadership and tactical importance further highlight his narrative weight going into the finale.
Online theories continue to spiral. One popular idea suggests that the emotional “death pact” between Steve and Dustin could foreshadow a sacrifice possibly by one or both characters.
Others believe the show may pull a familiar trick: making it seem like Steve has died, only to reveal his survival later. Many fans point out that Stranger Things has relied on fake-outs before, making this a strong possibility.
There’s a compelling reason many viewers believe Steve will make it to the end. The Duffer Brothers previously revealed that Steve was originally meant to die after Season 1 but Joe Keery’s performance changed everything.
Over the years, Steve’s evolution from high-school bully to Hawkins’ most reliable protector, along with his bonds with Dustin and Robin, has become the emotional backbone of the series. Killing him off, some argue, would undercut the show’s hopeful send-off.
Stranger Things 5 Volume 2 premiered in India on December 26, 2025, with the final episode Episode 8 set to release on January 1, 2026.
Until then, fans remain on edge, restarting their “Steve Harrington prayer circles” and bracing for whatever the Upside Down has left in store.
One thing is certain: Hawkins’ most beloved babysitter isn’t out of danger just yet.
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience covering Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes that every voice matters, and journalism has a vital role to play in amplifying those voices. Sofia is committed to creating impact and shedding light on stories that truly matter. Beyond her work in the newsroom, she is also a music enthusiast who enjoys singing.
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