Stranger Things creators the Duffer Brothers debunk major fan theory about 'ambiguous' finale - as they give definitive verdict on Eleven's final moments with Mike
The two brothers who created Stranger Things have debunked a major fan theory following the finale on Thursday.Fans of the series have been going wild after it came to a close, five seasons later, with the final two-hour episode airing on New Year's Day.Fans watched Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and the rest of the gang try and take down Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) and the Mind Flayer, as well as try and close the gap between the real world and the Upside Down.The evil characters are killed by El and they successfully managed to close the gap.Main character Eleven appeared to die in the final ever episode, although the cliffhanger has left fans torn apart after Mike suggested she could very much still be alive thanks to a cunning plot.Turning to his friends, Mike says: 'She had to make everyone, including her friends, believe that she was dead.' The two brothers who created Stranger Things have debunked a major fan theory following the finale on Thursday The finale ever instalment of the sci-fit hit, named Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up, has FINALLY landed on the streaming serviceLater in the episode, we then see Eleven hiking somewhere that appears to be 'a small town to call home'.The ambiguous ending has caused a stir online, with many fans trying to work out whether it should be taken as fact, or was just a hopeful fantasy from Mike.Meanwhile, Matt and Ross Duffer have spoken on the theories, and what really happened with Eleven.They pointed out that ability-dampening machines were aimed at Eleven during her final appearance, meaning that she shouldn't have been to close the portal at all.Instead, it's posited that Kali could have used her illusion summoning abilities to trick the military with a mirage. Matt told Variety: 'The only thing I’ll debunk is that Eleven does not communicate with Mike in any way.'But what you just said at the end — yes, at graduation, he’s hearing the speakers distort because the principal is so angry, and it makes him realise that there was the kryptonite.'So how could she have possibly made it all the way to the gate? Not only that. How could she have possibly used her powers to bring him into the void?'But there are a lot of other questions. Could Kali have actually done that? Could she have possibly been alive? We like that it’s up to the audience. Obviously, we tell you what the characters choose.' The final episode sparked 'woke' fury after raging Netflix viewers groaned on social media 'I can't even watch it now'. Stranger Things sparked 'woke' fury after raging Netflix viewers groaned on social media 'I can't even watch it now' after the season finale The series finale was released on New Years Eve (December 31) in the US, which meant that those in the UK could watch it at 1.00am in the morning on January 1 2026Comments online included: 'Trash, woke, predictable.''Stranger Things season 5 has to be the worst season of woke utter tripe ever.. 3 years to produce that sh**e.''Ppl who r too woke watched Stranger Things like ok it's ok now go get a job.''Girl the way nothing makes sense at all is truly keeping me sane and woke like this isn't my Stranger Things idk what imposter show they have on Netflix rn but good lord.''I can't even watch it now. They ruined it for a woke stupid agenda for no reason. Stranger Things sucks.'It's not the first time that Stranger Things fans have complained about season 5 of the hit.Despite that, others are gutted it's over and think that it was a great show.'Think it’s going to take a lot to top #StrangerThings as a piece of television and storytelling. Just amazing.''A series is truly defined by its ending... And Stranger Things Season 5 REALLY DELIVERS!''FINISHED WATCHING THE FINAL EPISODE LAST NIGHT. TOTALLY AMAZING. IM GLAD DECIDED TO GIVE A WATCH BEFORE SEASON 3 STARTED.''Stranger Things ending left a smile on my face tears in my eyes, it was a amazing journey, Thank you duffer brothers for this beautiful ending.''What A Beautiful Ending To An Amazing Show.''They said goodbye to their childhood. What a beautiful ending to an amazing show.'The second-to-last episode Chapter Seven: The Bridge has sparked plenty of backlash, a surprising turn for a largely popular show.The first four seasons, Stranger Things has received high scores on review site Rotten Tomatoes.After a slew of 0.5 and 1-star reviews, the series dropped down to a 56% Popcornmeter score, which is based on audience rating.All seasons of Stranger Things are available to stream now on Netflix.
