Stranger Things Season 5 Cast and Character Guide

Nivedita Dubey
November 27, 2025

Summary:

Core characters like Eleven, Mike, Joyce, Hopper, Dustin, Lucas and Will return for Stranger Things Season 5.
Fan-favorites Eddie Munson and Dr. Martin Brenner are confirmed not to return they died in Season 4.
Several new characters are joining including Dr. Kay (played by Linda Hamilton), Derek Turnbow, Lt. Akers, and a recast Holly Wheeler as the story heads toward its final showdown.

Stranger Things is returning for its final chapter Season 5 and fans worldwide are wondering who will make it to the end and who’s left behind. With a mix of old favorites, tragic losses, and new faces, the final season promises a bittersweet reunion. Here’s a clear breakdown of who you can expect to see and who’s gone for good.

Which Season 4 characters are returning in Stranger Things Season 5?

Stranger Things 5 - Netflix — Stranger Things 5 – Netflix

Season 5 brings back most of the major surviving characters from Season 4. Notable returning characters and actors include:

Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown)
Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard)
Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder), Jim Hopper (David Harbour)
The rest of the core group: Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair, Will Byers, Max Mayfield, Nancy Wheeler, Jonathan Byers, Steve Harrington and others.
Supporting characters such as Erica Sinclair, Murray Bauman, and the Wheeler family members also return.

In short: the heart of the Hawkins gang plus longtime allies are coming back for the final ride.

Who will NOT return? The Confirmed Absences

Eddie Munson is gone for good

The showrunners have confirmed that Eddie Munson, played by Joseph Quinn, died in Season 4 and will not be coming back for Season 5.
His exit was final: there’s no hint of a resurrection or comeback through flashbacks or alternate-universe tricks.

Dr. Martin Brenner’s story appears closed

Dr. Brenner (Matthew Modine) was killed in Season 4 when he was shot during an escape attempt.
While fan theories had floated the idea of him returning (visions, flashbacks, etc.), there’s no credible confirmation that he appears in Season 5.

In short: both Eddie and Brenner are out. Their arcs closed in Season 4.

Who’s new in Stranger Things Season 5? Meet the newcomers

The final season adds a handful of new characters mostly to raise the stakes as the story heads toward its dramatic conclusion. Key new faces:

Dr. Kay (portrayed by Linda Hamilton) — a military scientist involved in investigating the Upside Down’s growing threat.
Derek Turnbow (Jake Connelly) — a new young character entangled in the series’ supernatural events.
Lt. Akers (Alex Breaux) — a military figure working alongside Dr. Kay, tied to the unfolding Upside Down crisis.
A recast Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher) — Mike and Nancy’s younger sister, now poised to play a larger role.

These additions suggest Season 5 will broaden the scope, with more military involvement, new conflicts, and fresh character dynamics.

Release Info & What This Means for the Final Season

Season 5 premiered on November 26, 2025 with the first four episodes.
The season is being released in three parts: Volume 1 in November, Volume 2 on December 25, 2025, and the final episodes including the series finale on December 31, 2025.
Given how many original characters are returning, but also how definitive some deaths were (Eddie Munson, Dr. Brenner) this season seems designed to wrap up the story cleanly. Expect closure for many arcs, and possibly emotional goodbyes.

Quick Answers to Key Questions

Is Eddie Munson really dead — will he return?
Yes. The creators have confirmed his death in Season 4 is final and he will not return in Season 5.

Will Dr. Brenner appear again?
No credible information suggests that. He died at the end of Season 4, and though fan theories exist, there’s no confirmed return.

Are there new characters to watch out for?
Yes. Dr. Kay, Derek Turnbow, Lt. Akers, and a recast Holly Wheeler are among the new additions joining the final chapter.

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