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Stranger Things season 5 is now in production, and a big Hawkins reunion has been teased, but who's coming back for sure?

The length of the massive production and the time that all the post-production and editing work will need is going to determine whether Stranger Things season 5 can arrive around summer 2025 or land closer to Christmas next year as some fans believe. Another likely scenario would have the show slipping into early 2026, but Netflix may want to avoid that all costs.

Most of the cast for the fifth and final season remains unchanged, but there are some noteworthy absences plus one exciting addition. We've collected a straight-to-the-point list below so you can easily check whether your favorites are returning. We recommend staying tuned for updates as filming continues though.

Who is returning in the Stranger Things season 5 cast?

• Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven)
• Finn Wolfhard (Mike)
• Noah Schnapp (Will)
• Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin)
• Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas)
• Sadie Sink (Max)
• Priah Ferguson (Erica)
• Natalia Dyer (Nancy)
• Charlie Heaton (Jonathan)
• Maya Hawke (Robin)
• Joe Keery (Steve)
• David Harbour (Hopper)
• Winona Ryder (Joyce)
• Brett Gelman (Murray)
• Campbell Bower (Henry/001/Vecna)

Who is joining the Stranger Things season 5 cast?

So far, we've only learned about Terminator legend and 1980s icon Linda Hamilton joining the ensemble in an unknown role. In a 2022 interview with IndieWire, the Duffer Brothers explained they wanted to resist adding too many new characters to the final chapter of the story: "We’ve got a great cast of characters here, and actors, and any moment we’re spending with a new character, we’re taking time away from one of the other actors."

Which actors aren't coming back for Stranger Things season 5?

Fan-favorite character Eddie Munson died at the end of season 4 and had a huge impact on the finale's events and the whole season's story arc, so don't expect Joseph Quinn to make a triumphant return. However, the Duffer Brothers have teased his death will have "huge repercussions" (via Happy Sad Confused podcast), and that may open up otherworldly (or even flashback) possibilities.

Another absence that some viewers may feel is that of Argyle, one of the many highlights of season 4. Eduardo Franco recently confirmed he wouldn't be part of season 5 during a chat with Steve Varley.

I was a gay kid growing up in the 80s. Will Byers' coming out in Stranger Things was just as awkward as I remember