Stranger Things Star Absent from Finale Amid Health Battle
A familiar face from Stranger Things was notably missing from the final series, leaving fans puzzled. The reason behind the absence, and what’s next for the franchise, may surprise you.
Jennifer Marshall, who appeared in the second and fourth instalments of the Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things, has disclosed that she was unable to return for the concluding series due to ongoing cancer treatment. Marshall, known for portraying the mother of Max Mayfield—Sadie Sink’s character—found herself sidelined at a pivotal moment in the story, much to the confusion of the show’s loyal following.
Max, a teenager whose fate took a dark turn as she slipped into a coma for nearly two years, was left without her on-screen mother’s presence during the final run. The absence did not go unnoticed. Fans, quick to spot such details, questioned the decision to exclude a parent figure when the character’s storyline seemed to demand it most.
Marshall’s Response and Reflections
Marshall herself seemed just as bemused as the audience. Taking to Instagram, she shared her thoughts on being left out:
“I had cancer, I get it. But I was in remission during the shooting of season five.”
She went on to note,
“Shooting would have helped me obtain my health insurance through the union.”
With a touch of dry humour, she added,
“Maybe they had too many characters, I don’t know, but obviously Susan Hargrove is the worst mother ever.”
Her post was accompanied by hashtags such as “Cancer sucks, but why?” and a video captioned, “How often I think about where the fuck Max’s mum was during season five,” set to the refrain, “Every day. Not all day, every day, but… Every day.”
The End of an Era and What Lies Ahead
The curtain finally fell on the much-loved sci-fi series on New Year’s Eve 2025. The Duffer brothers, who created the show, have since confirmed that a spin-off is in the works. This new project will delve into the backstory of Henry—better known as Vecna, the show’s formidable antagonist. Promising to address lingering mysteries left by the finale, the spin-off is set to introduce a fresh mythology, steering the franchise into uncharted territory.
Cast Members Move On
Meanwhile, Sadie Sink, who brought Max to life, is making her West End debut as Juliet in a new production of Romeo & Juliet at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London. She stars opposite Noah Jupe, who takes on the role of Romeo, with direction by Robert Icke. The transition from Hawkins to the London stage marks a new chapter for the actress, as the Stranger Things universe continues to evolve beyond its original cast and storylines.