Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 has dropped on Netflix, and it’s packed with game-changing revelations that redefine the series’ lore and set the stage for the epic conclusion. The latest episodes see Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) unleash astonishing new abilities, while a familiar face from the past makes a dramatic comeback.
Warning! Spoilers for Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 follow:
In a pivotal moment in Season 5, Episode 4, Will Byers discovers a dormant power within himself. Facing an overwhelming Upside Down invasion, he channels a potent force, exhibiting an Eleven-style nosebleed as he gains control over multiple Demogorgons, turning them against each other and halting the immediate threat.
This development marks a significant evolution for Will, who has long been connected to the Upside Down’s hive mind. The season has been building towards this, showing his increasing sensitivity to Vecna’s influence. Earlier scenes hinted at his growing control, as he seemingly influenced a Demogorgon to spare his mother, Winona Ryder. His power surge in Episode 4, with eyes turning white and arms raised, signifies a new level of his abilities.
The implications of Will’s newfound powers are a major talking point for fans and creators alike. In an interview with IGN, Noah Schnapp and Millie Bobby Brown shared their excitement about this narrative turn. Schnapp revealed his intention to differentiate Will’s powers from Eleven’s signature telekinesis.
“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 the nature of Will’s abilities in a recent Variety interview. They confirmed that Will’s powers are proximity-based, tied to his connection with Vecna’s Upside Down hive mind. Unlike Eleven, who can wield her powers at will, Will must be near the hive mind to manipulate its creatures.
“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 Will’s powers is rooted in his traumatic past. A flashback scene in Season 5 revisits his initial abduction by Vecna a decade ago, illustrating how his deep entanglement with the hive mind granted him these unique abilities, setting him apart from Eleven’s distinct powers.
Adding to the season’s intrigue, Millie Bobby Brown expressed her surprise and delight at the return of Kali (Eight), Eleven’s
