Stranger Things Finale Nearly Brought Back Demogorgons

Netflix’s latest behind-the-scenes documentary on the final series of Stranger Things has shed light on a creative decision that may surprise long-time viewers. The much-anticipated showdown in Hawkins, pitting Eleven and her friends against Vecna and the Mind Flayer, was initially set to feature a swarm of Demogorgons. However, the script took a different turn after Ross Duffer voiced his reservations about the creatures’ continued presence.

Director Martina Radwan, who helmed One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5, captured the moment the writers’ room began to reconsider.

“I like the conversation, because it obviously changed, right? And so having them sit there and really explore that – to me, the writers' room is so fascinating, because you see them thinking. I love that they were so sure about the Demogorgons in the final Abyss – except Ross was like, 'Mmm, maybe there's some fatigue, Demogorgon fatigue.' And [writer/executive producer] Kate [Trefry] agreed,”

she explained. The documentary leaves the debate unresolved, reflecting the uncertainty at the time of filming, but by the time the series aired, the absence of Demogorgons in the climactic ‘Pain Tree’ sequence was clear.

Creative Fatigue and the Writers’ Dilemma

For many, the decision to exclude the Demogorgons from the final confrontation is a curious one. The show has, on occasion, leaned heavily on these flower-faced monsters, and the idea of ‘Demogorgon fatigue’ is not without merit. Yet, their omission from the last stand in the Abyss raises questions, especially given their established role in the series’ mythology.

Earlier in the season, Dustin—Hawkins’ resident science enthusiast—uncovered that the Demogorgons were never truly from the Upside Down, as previously assumed. Instead, they originated in the Abyss, using the Upside Down as a passageway to the human world. This revelation seemed to set the stage for their involvement in the final battle, making their absence all the more striking.

Vecna’s Control and Will’s Arc

Throughout the series, Vecna’s ability to manipulate the Demogorgons via the hive mind has been a recurring threat. He’s used them to carry out his plans, including the abduction of Holly Wheeler and other local children. The creatures’ connection to Vecna’s power was meant to play a significant part in Will’s journey during the last season.

Will’s development involved learning to tap into the hive mind himself, ultimately using this link to undermine Vecna’s control and destroy the monsters. The decision to sideline this plot point in the final battle left some fans puzzled, as it seemed a natural culmination of Will’s growth and the series’ ongoing themes.

Behind the Curtain: The Making of a Finale

As the documentary reveals, the writers’ room was a place of lively debate and shifting ideas. The certainty with which the team initially approached the Demogorgon’s role gave way to second thoughts, with Ross Duffer’s concerns about overexposure tipping the scales. Kate Trefry, another key voice in the room, agreed, and the group left the matter open-ended until a final decision was reached.

All episodes of Stranger Things are now available to stream. For those who have already finished the series and are seeking clarity on the finale, there are detailed breakdowns and reviews to help make sense of the twists and turns that defined the show’s conclusion.