5 Stranger Things season 5 theories after first-look teaser – from major death to cliffhanger ending

The whole team is reunited once more to face Jamie Campbell Bower's Vecna in the final battle for Hawkins, with the teaser promising destruction, terror, and, very possibly, some soul-crushing deaths.

So, as we prepare to have our hearts ripped out one final time, here are a few theories we've got for that final season – based on the very scientific methods of having a great love of the show, analysing clues from the new teaser, and delving into the vibes the Duffer Bros and the cast have been giving off.

Jonathan Byers is not long for this world

There's a reason it's a popular theory following that trailer – the biggest vibe we're getting is that Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton) is about to bite the dust.

Jonathan is barely present in the newly released teaser but, when he does appear, the emotions are incredibly heightened.

Not long after Jonathan looks into Nancy's eyes and tells her: "This thing, it ties us together forever," we see Nancy (Natalia Dyer) sobbing in a mirror, washing blood off of her hands (a clear symbol for guilt). In that moment, has she just witnessed Jonathan's death and been unable to stop it? Very possibly.

While many believe that fan favourite Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) will instead be killed off, Jonathan's death could actually have the bigger emotional hit – imagine the impact on Nancy, and on Joyce, who will have all but lost two sons over the course of the show. Netflix, our hearts are in your hands.

The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler

Holly Wheeler, younger sister of Nancy and Mike (Finn Wolfhard) is about to have a much bigger role than we've seen before. She was recast for season 5, now being played by Nell Fisher, which in itself is enough to indicate that she'll have a big role – but she's also seen multiple times in the new trailer.

When the episode titles were previously revealed, one was redacted, simply reading "The Vanishing of..." It's now widely speculated that this episode will be called The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler.

Her terror in the trailer surely points to a run-in with Vecna, with her mother Karen (Cara Buono) desperately trying to protect her, at one point throwing both of them underwater, perhaps in order to hide.

While Mike and Nancy are distracted, will Vecna kidnap the youngest member of the family? And will she get out alive?

Eddie won't be resurrected – but will have a role beyond the grave

One moment from the trailer that's left the fandom up in arms is a shot of Eddie Munson's grave with the words "Burn in Hell" scrawled over his name, seemingly in blood. Elsewhere in the teaser, Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) wears rings that may have belonged to Eddie or at least seem to be inspired by his style.

So, following his death in season 4, Eddie's presence is still massively felt in the teaser for season 5. Some fans have wondered if this could point to a resurrection for Eddie and, considering this is very possible in Dungeons & Dragons lore, it's not out of the question.

However, narratively, it would completely ruin Eddie's tragic death last season if he was to be brought back. To honour his character, though, it's possible that he could help from beyond the grave.

Perhaps the actual site of his grave will prove an important location in the series. Or something he once said could prove key to defeating Vecna. Maybe something will be found among his possessions that will help the gang in the final battle.

Either way, Eddie won't be forgotten this season in a hurry.

Will's connection to the Upside Down will save lives

When will Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) get a break?! Certainly not in season 5.

Shots we've seen of Will from this season include him hopping among the trees as he attempts to escape Vecna's clutches, and screaming for everyone else to run as he looks more haunted then ever before. So, safe to say, it's not going to be a fun time for Will again.

But, after all this time, Will has grown pretty used to his connection to the Upside Down.

What may have been purely a source of horror previously could end up proving pretty useful this time around – and we wouldn't be surprised if Will ends up using that connection to save his friends.

An open-ended finale

It's no secret that the world of Stranger Things will continue beyond the original series. An animated spin-off series, Stranger Things: Tales From '85, is already in the works, and it certainly wouldn't be a surprise if more come our way.

To that end, it would make sense for the series to end in an open-ended way. Sure, we'd expect our characters' arcs to be wrapped up, but the end of the final episode will likely show some remnant of Vecna, or Will's connection to the Upside Down that could still prove harmful in future.

Alternatively, perhaps the last episode will take us back in time to Henry Creel's youth, to set up a new story based around the stage show, The First Shadow.

One thing's for sure – the impact of Stranger Things season 5 will be felt for a long time!

Stranger Things seasons 1-4 are available on Netflix now. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.

Add Stranger Things to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.