Stranger Things finale: Why we'd like to see these spin-off ideas take off

The finale of Stranger Things ends the story on a deliberately bittersweet note, choosing emotional truth over spectacle. The years-long war is over, but growing up isn't. That lingering sense of loss, change, and unfinished emotional journey has sparked conversations among fans about what might happen next, leading to anticipation for possible spin-offs of their favourite characters. This piece explores why the ending itself makes spin-off ideas not only inevitable but meaningful, and why revisiting selected characters can deepen the show's legacy rather than dilute it.

These Stranger Things characters deserve a spin-off

[Spoiler Alert]

What's the background story of Vecna/Henry Creel?

Henry Creel/Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower, is one of the most misunderstood villains in Stranger Things. He is the series's ultimate tragic antagonist, the thematic backbone of Upside Down. Henry isn't just a monster; he's a deeply complex character whose choices and trauma have created the horrors of Upside Down. Unlike typical villains, he shows how neglect, isolation, and power can distort someone, making him terrifyingly relatable.

Henry Creel could have been normal, but an unstoppable force (Vecna) grew from him. We think Henry Creel's spin-off is one of the most demanding at this point, as fans want to know more of his life story, about the stone inside the cave that changes his life, and why he chose to become Vecna, and especially the origin of Upside Down through Henry's life and the theory of his relationship with the Mind Flayer.

What actually happened to Eleven?

In the Stranger Things finale, when the Upside Down begins to collapse, Kali requests Eleven to stay behind, so that no one can use her power again. When the Hawkins group detonates the bomb, Eleven disappears, appearing briefly at the gate to pull Mike closer and say a final goodbye before plunging into the void.

Later, during a D&D session, Mike imagines a brighter ending: Kali’s last illusion lets Eleven slip away unnoticed, finding refuge in a remote village where she can live freely, hidden from the world. But 'that's just a theory, right?' asked Max, to which Mike said, "I believe" and Max, Will, Dustin, and Lucas also followed him and said, "I believe." However, the query still lingers about whether Eleven really died or not, and if not, will she again come back? So, an Eleven spin-off is as important as Henry Creel.

Also Read: Sorcerer or The Rightside Up? Top-rated Stranger Things episodes after series finale

Will Hopper investigate the Montauk Project?

Hopper and Joyce finally share their long-awaited date at Enzo’s after Hawkins is saved from the Vecan's curse. While he proposes to Joyce, the couple makes plans to start fresh in Montauk, New York, where Hopper is set to take on the role of chief of police.

But the twist lies here. Montauk isn't just a quaint coastal town; it's ground zero for the real-life Montauk Project that took place at Camp Hero during the Cold War. It’s an alleged secret government program experimenting with mind control, time travel, and the human psyche. As we know, the Duffer Brothers’ series, originally called Montauk, pulls heavily from these outlandish theories, blending fiction with the edges of real-world conspiracies.

Steve Harrington to continue being a professional chaos manager

Steve the 'hair' Harrington is one of the most loved Stranger Things characters, and a spin-off on him would be lovely to see more of his story. After defeating Vecna, while Nancy, Jonathan, and Robin have gone their separate ways, Steve stays in Hawkins. He’s now a little league coach, mentoring young players with Derek (Jake Connelly) as his trusted catcher. Even though fans think Steve has a beautiful ending, they do not mind getting a spin-off on him. 

During their rooftop meeting, Steve, Nancy, Jonathan, and Robin promise that no matter what happens, they will continue to meet each other, so if a spin-off happens, the plot could be based on how Steve deals with his life, balancing everyday challenges, maybe unexpected adventures, and even the occasional supernatural threat, while staying connected to the friends who helped shape him.

Will Holly Wheeler and her friends embark on new D&D adventures?

One of the most emotional and touching scenes of the Stranger Things finale was the ending when Mike sees his sister, Holly, along with her friends, including Derek, finding their childhood game, D&D, interesting. It is pure nostalgia because Mike, Will, Dustin, and Lucas used to play the game, and now the next generation is taking over. 

As Holly and her friends already visited the Upside Down, they are now more interested in the D&D game, making us anticipate a Holly Wheeler spin-off, exploring her journey.

Stranger Things finale FAQs:

Q: What time does the Stranger Things finale release?

A: The final episode of Stranger Things Season 5 is now streaming on Netflix.

Q: What happened to Eleven in Stranger Things?

A: As the Upside Down collapses, Eleven stays behind, saying goodbye to Mike before vanishing. Later, in a D&D game, Mike imagines she escaped to a hidden village, and the friends all echo, “I believe.” 

Q: What is the Montauk Project?

A: The Montauk Project is a well-known conspiracy theory claiming secret U.S. government experiments at Camp Hero, New York, involving mind control, psychic amplification, time travel through a “Time Tunnel,” alien contact, and abducted runaway boys.