Joseph Quinn, the actor who brought the beloved character Eddie Munson to life in ‘Stranger Things,’ will not be returning for the show’s fifth and final season. The Duffer brothers, creators of the hit Netflix series, have officially confirmed the news, putting an end to ongoing speculation among fans. In a recent interview with a British film magazine, Matt Duffer addressed the rumors, stating, ‘Joe is so busy anyway that everyone should know he’s not coming back. He’s shot like five movies since! When the hell does he have time to come and shoot Stranger Things? No, sadly, RIP. He’s fully under that ground.’
Eddie Munson, introduced in Season 4, quickly became a fan favorite for his heroic sacrifice. His emotional death scene, where he distracts the Demobats to aid his friends, remains one of the most memorable moments in the series. Since his departure from the show, Quinn has been immersed in a series of high-profile projects, including ‘A Quiet Place: Day One,’ ‘Gladiator II,’ and ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps.’
While Eddie’s return is off the table, fans can still anticipate the return of the show’s core cast, including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, and Winona Ryder. Additionally, the final season will introduce a new character, Dr. Kay, portrayed by Linda Hamilton. Described as a ‘hyper-intelligent and intimidating’ government agent tracking Eleven, Dr. Kay is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the series. Matt Duffer praised Hamilton’s character, saying, ‘She’s a scientist, but if she needs to, she can get into a fight and shoot a gun.’
The final season will be released in three parts, with Volume 1 premiering on November 26 (four episodes), Volume 2 on Christmas (three episodes), and The Finale on New Year’s Eve. This structured release is designed to give fans a gradual and impactful conclusion to the beloved series.