Stranger Things co-creators Matt and Ross Duffer warned fans that Season 4 won't have a happy ending.
The Duffers discussed the finale of their hit Netflix sci-fi/horror show's fourth season in an interview with Empire. "Volume 2 really takes what we did in Volume 1 and ramps everything up," Ross Duffer said. Matt Duffer then chimed in: "Usually at the end of a season, we tie things up with a nice bow, before a little tease that says, 'Hold on, something is unraveling.' As we move into Season 5, we don't have to do that. There won’t be a reset from where we finish this season."
The new trailer for Stranger Things Season 4, Volume 2 seemingly backs up the Duffers' claim that the season's final two episodes, "Chapter Eight: Papa" and "Chapter Nine: The Piggyback" will build to a downer denouement. In the trailer, Season 4's villain Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) readies himself for a rematch with Eleven (Millie Bobbie Brown). A line of dialogue by Robin (Maya Hawke) strongly implies that this titanic showdown could claim the life of at least one of the show's characters.
The Duffers previously hinted that not everyone will survive Stranger Things Season 4. "I don't really want to say, but I would be concerned about the characters going into Volume 2, for sure," Ross Duffer said. "I hope that that is sort of the sense, because it is a darker season and the kids are no longer kids. And there's sort of an ominous feeling that things might not go well. Now, whether they do or not, you'll have to watch."
While the Duffers remain tight-lipped about which of the residents of Hawkins is most at risk of dying, they have confirmed which mysteries Stranger Things Season 4, Volume 2 won't address. Specifically, the show's co-creators have made it clear that Volume 2 won't explain why time itself has apparently stopped in the Upside-Down dimension. The Duffers added that they intend to resolve this plot thread in Stranger Things' fifth and final season.
That said, Season 4, Volume 2 may offer greater clarity around Will Byers' sexuality. The creators recently promised that the fourth season's remaining episodes will bring closure to several character arcs, including Will's. "[I]t’s going to be much easier to talk about for everyone -- the actors and us -- once those final two episodes have played. But certainly, [Will's] journey and arc is far from finished," they said.
Stranger Things Season 4, Volume 1 is currently streaming on Netflix. Volume 2 premieres on July 1.
Source: Empire
