Stranger Things 4 has quickly become a phenomenon in its own right, which is largely because the latest season in the hit Netflix series is the most riveting so far. And perhaps it also has something to do with a build up of anticipation, both off and on the screen. But will there be a season 5 of Stranger Things?
Stranger Things 4 sees the return of Steve Harrington, Joyce Byers, Jim Hopper, Mike Wheeler, Eleven/Jane Hopper, Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair, Nancy Wheeler, Robin Buckley, Jonathan Byers, Max Mayfield, and Will Byers.
But this time, the gang isn't all together, as a number of storylines - all of which will undoubtedly intersect in Volume 2, which will stream on July 1 - see our heroes span Hawkins, California, Russia, and of course, the Upside Down.
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Stranger Things 4 is also the most high-stakes season yet. While the gang has already faced a number of hellish nasties from the Upside Down, from the Demogorgon to the Mind-Flayer, this time, all bets are off.
"Dark wizard" Vecna is a sentient demonic-like figure who is determined to take over the human world, and the grizzly murders he leaves in his wake on the surface above are merely a snapshot of things to come.
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As per the Netflix website, here's the official synopsis for Stranger Things 4:
It's been six months since the Battle of Starcourt, which brought terror and destruction to Hawkins. Struggling with the aftermath, our group of friends are separated for the first time – and navigating the complexities of high school hasn't made things any easier.
In this most vulnerable time, a new and horrifying supernatural threat surfaces, presenting a gruesome mystery that, if solved, might finally put an end to the horrors of the Upside Down.
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But will there be a season 5 of Stranger Things? Well, unfortunately, Stranger Things 4 has already been confirmed to be the final outing for our Hawkins heroes, so you'd best prepare yourself for goodbyes.
That's not to say that this will be the last time we see the rich world created by the Duffer brothers. After all, since the show's inception in 2016, we've already seen a wave of comic books, novels, games, and all sorts of merchandise.
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But as for whether or not Stranger Things 4 will be followed up canonically with another TV show (or perhaps a spin-off), or even a movie (even if said-movie goes straight to Netflix), remains to be seen.
One thing's for sure - Netflix certainly won't ignore the figures, and with the fourth and final season already a proven hit, it's entirely possible another season will be commissioned in due course.
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Until then, it's highly likely that this is the end for Hawkins. Let's just hope it isn't the actual end, and that our heroes kick Vecna's butt all the way back to the Upside Down where it belongs.
And where popular franchises are concerned, it's fair to say that goodbyes are rarely permanent. Whether it's in one year, five years, or even ten, we're confident that Stranger Things will find its way back into our lives.
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Stranger Things 4 Volume 1 stars Joe Keery (Steve Harrington), Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers), David Harbour (Jim Hopper), Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven/Jane Hopper), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers), Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield), and Noah Schnapp (Will Byers).
The fourth and final season of Stranger Things is currently streaming on Netflix. Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 2 will be available to stream on July 1, and will consist of two feature-length episodes.
Related: Is Series 4 of Stranger Things the Last Season?
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