Stranger Things 5: Will’s Powers Stun, But Bigger Shocks Await
Stranger Things producer Shawn Levy hints at even more astonishing twists in volume 2 and the finale, following the jaw-dropping reveal of Will Byers’ abilities in episode 4.
The first half of Stranger Things’ fifth series delivered a moment that left viewers reeling, and it seems even those behind the scenes were caught off guard. Shawn Levy, the show’s executive producer, has admitted that the reveal in episode four was as much a surprise to him as to anyone watching at home. Yet, he suggests that the most dramatic developments are still to come, with volume two and the concluding episode promising to surpass even this pivotal twist.
Will Byers Steps Into the Spotlight
Levy recalls his initial reaction to the Duffer brothers’ pitch for the series’ latest bombshell.
“I remember the goosebumps I got when the Duffers pitched it to me. I remember the goosebumps I got all over again when I read the earliest draft of the script, and I sure as hell still get those goosebumps when I watch it,”
he told SFX magazine. The moment in question sees Will Byers harnessing power from Vecna, turning the tide against the Demogorgons and rescuing his friends. For those seeking a detailed breakdown, the ending of volume one offers plenty to unpack.
Levy elaborated on the creative logic behind this shift:
“The logic of this iconic, epic reveal of Will’s powers just felt so right,”
he said.
“I’ll never forget the first time the brothers pitched me the reveal that Will’s connection to the Mind Flayer, to the Upside Down, finally results, not in his being possessed and compromised, but by being empowered, and it’s confirmed by that defining nosebleed.”
Anticipation Builds for Volume Two
Despite the seismic impact of Will’s transformation, Levy insists that the story is far from over.
“The next four episodes take you even further into revelations and storytelling that is jaw-droppingly epic and satisfying.”
The specifics of what lies ahead remain closely guarded, but the promise of further surprises has set expectations sky-high for the remainder of the series.
Levy’s own emotional response to the finale hints at the scale of what’s to come.
“What they’ve achieved floored me and moved me profoundly,”
he shared.
“In fact, I hope the Duffers never reenact the weepy phone call I made to them on FaceTime while I was in London making Star Wars. I watched the finale one night and called them at midnight London time, just fucking sobbing and so astonished by how satisfying it is.”
Unanswered Questions and What’s Next
Netflix remains tight-lipped about the details of the final episodes. With Will’s new abilities, the enigma of the cave, and the reappearance of Eleven’s estranged sister Eight, there are numerous threads still to be resolved. The first volume is already available to stream, while the second is scheduled for release on Christmas Day. For those eager to keep up, the series’ release schedule provides all the necessary timings. There’s also plenty of discussion around the latest episodes and recommendations for other top series to watch in the meantime.