Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 is now available on Netflix, delivering major reveals that not only build upon past events but also set the stage for what’s next. The latest installment dives deep into the evolving abilities of Will Byers and the surprising reintroduction of a familiar face.
In Season 5, Episode 4, fans witnessed a pivotal moment as Noah Schnapp’s Will Byers exhibited extraordinary powers, complete with an Eleven-style nosebleed. Facing overwhelming odds, Will demonstrated the ability to control and eliminate multiple Demogorgons, thereby preventing a catastrophic invasion.
This development marks a significant evolution for Will, highlighting a deepening connection to the Upside Down’s hive mind established by Vecna. Previously, Will showed signs of influence, such as subtly hindering a Demogorgon’s attack on his mother. Now, his powers have fully ignited, manifesting with white eyes and an imposing stance.
The implications of Will’s burgeoning abilities and the narrative’s direction in Volume 2 are subjects of intense fan speculation. As discussed in IGN’s analysis, these developments raise numerous questions about the future of the series.
The Mechanics of Will’s Powers
In an interview with IGN, Noah Schnapp and Millie Bobby Brown shared their excitement about Will’s new abilities and hinted at further explanations in Volume 2. Schnapp revealed his intention for Will’s power manifestation to differ from Eleven’s signature style.
“I remember talking about this with The Duffers,” Noah said. “They’ll explain more in Volume 2, like how it works. But the powers come differently, so I wanted to make sure that it wasn’t Eleven’s thing.”
The Duffer brothers elaborated on this in a recent interview with Variety, confirming that Will’s powers are proximity-based. Unlike Eleven, whose abilities are voluntary, Will must be near Vecna’s Upside Down hive mind to exert influence.
“He taps into the hive mind,” Matt Duffer explained, “and then he can manipulate anything within the hive. You’ll see how far he can take it as you continue to watch. But that’s how he’s able to manipulate the monster. So he can’t open a door, because the door is not part of the hive mind.”
The origin of these powers is linked to Will’s initial abduction by Vecna a decade ago, a connection explored in a flashback scene at the start of Season 5. This distinct origin further differentiates his abilities from Eleven’s.
Kali’s Unexpected Return
Millie Bobby Brown also reacted to the surprising return of Kali, also known as Eight, who was found confined by the military within the Upside Down. Brown expressed her astonishment and satisfaction with the storyline’s continuation.
“I didn’t know that she was coming back, so when I read it I was like, oh my god! Kali!” she said. “It just felt like that storyline started and never actually got the closure it deserved. So I’m really excited. I think what’s really exciting about the next volume is that she’s back for a reason and it’s pretty impactful.”
Kali, one of the Hawkins Lab test subjects alongside Eleven, possesses psychic abilities distinct from telekinesis. Her re-emergence is poised to play a significant role in the unfolding events.
Stranger Things Season 5 Release Schedule:
- VOL 1 – November 26, 5pm PT
- VOL 2 – Christmas, 5pm PT
- THE FINALE – New Year’s Eve, 5pm PT
For more on Stranger Things, check out Ross Duffer’s advice on TV settings and our spoiler review of Season 5, Vol. 1.
This story was based on reporting from IGN. Read the full report here.
