As the premiere of Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 draws near on December 25, 2025, fan speculation has reached fever pitch, particularly regarding the fate of Steve Harrington, played by Joe Keery. The series' creators, the Duffer Brothers, have playfully stoked these anxieties, leading many to wonder if Steve will meet a tragic end in the show's final season.
The Duffer Brothers made an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on December 17, 2025, where they engaged in a lighthearted yet unsettling skit using Funko Pop figures of the Stranger Things characters. Fallon asked them to arrange the figures on his desk in a way that would hint at the show's ending. After placing figures of Eleven, Will, and Vecna in symbolic positions, they placed the Steve Harrington figure precariously on the edge of the desk. Ross Duffer then nudged the figure off the desk, prompting gasps from the audience and a joke from Fallon that "That's how Stranger Things ends!". The seemingly innocuous moment sent fans into a frenzy, interpreting it as a sign that Steve's days are numbered.
Adding fuel to the fire, a behind-the-scenes clip recently surfaced online, showing Joe Keery as Steve Harrington with claw marks and blood. While some fans pointed out that the clip appears to be from Season 4, based on Steve and Dustin's appearances, it did little to quell fears about Steve's fate.
Steve Harrington has become a beloved character throughout the series, evolving from a popular high school jock to a caring babysitter and loyal friend. His character development and heroic moments have made him a fan favorite, leading many viewers to dread the possibility of his death. As one fan wrote, "If Steve dies because he falls or sacrifices himself, I will never forgive them".
Despite the Duffer Brothers' teasing, some fans remain optimistic that Steve will survive. Some speculate that the creators are intentionally misleading the audience, while others believe that Steve might appear to die only to return later. It's worth noting that the Duffer Brothers have stated that no fan theories have correctly predicted the ending of Stranger Things.
Adding to the suspense, the trailer for Volume 2 features an emotional exchange between Steve and Dustin, with Dustin saying, "You die, I die". This callback to their close bond has further heightened concerns about Steve's potential demise.
Ultimately, Steve Harrington's fate remains uncertain. Whether he survives the final battle against the Upside Down or makes a heroic sacrifice, fans can expect an emotional and suspenseful conclusion to his story. Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 premieres on December 25, 2025, with the series finale set to air on December 31, 2025, promising to reveal the ultimate fate of Steve Harrington and the rest of the Hawkins crew.
