When the Duffer Brothers initially pitched the concept that would evolve into Stranger Things, they created a presentation designed to resemble a worn copy of a mock Stephen King novel titled Montauk. This included stills from classic inspirations such as Stand By Me and E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, along with details on story structure, character outlines, and their intended resolution.

The Montauk bible, which has since been released online for die-hard fans to study, serves as the roadmap to Matt and Ross Duffer’s original vision for the series, and its essence may hold the key to how Stranger Things will conclude. It reveals the themes and deeper meanings they were eager to explore, as well as ideas that have yet to materialize. With only one season remaining, this is the final opportunity to realize those early ambitions, and we can trace the breadcrumbs of the Duffers’ original vision all the way to the series finale.

The ‘Stranger Things’ Finale Could Mirror the Ending of Season 1

Stranger Things was originally conceived as an eight-episode narrative divided into three distinct acts that ultimately formed Season 1 — with the third act featuring the Party venturing into the Upside Down to rescue Will. It’s reasonable to assume that the Duffers concluded that first season with an ending they had originally envisioned for the entire story, hinting that “some … will never escape” in their pitch. We know the Duffers won’t shy away from significant deaths in Season 5, so how much will the story come full circle?

Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) is set to be central again this season, just as he was in Season 1. The first season concludes with Joyce (Winona Ryder) coming to Will’s rescue while Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) uses her powers to obliterate the Demogorgon and banish herself to the Upside Down. If Season 5 truly mirrors Season 1, saving Will could require an ultimate sacrifice from Eleven. The Duffers hinted at this in their original pitch with a Steven Spielberg comparison, stating, “Eleven is our E.T.” Just as E.T. returned home never to return again, it’s possible that Eleven may not be able to remain in the human world, echoing her exit in Season 1, Episode 8, “The Upside Down.” The mirrored title of Season 5 finale, “The Rightside Up,” only strengthens that possibility.

Stranger Things has been a flagship series for Netflix since July 2016, creating pressure for its creators to deliver a successful finale. Thankfully, the Duffers clearly state in their original Montauk pitch that “there will be no loose ends after the finale”, and “all our lead characters will have complete arcs.” By the time credits roll, we should understand everything about the Upside Down, who survives, and who doesn’t.

Mike and Nancy Wheeler Will Have Key Roles in ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5

The potential death (or permanent departure) of Eleven is going to hit hard for our Dungeon Master, Mike (Finn Wolfhard), but it’s going to be a significant season for the Wheelers overall, with many unanswered questions still looming. Will Nancy (Natalia Dyer) end up with Steve (Joe Keery) or Jonathan (Charlie Heaton)? Why are Karen (Cara Buono) and Holly (Nell Fisher) underwater in the Season 5 teaser trailer? And has Ted (Joe Chrest) noticed anything unusual at all?

The Duffers’ original story gave Mike a noticeable birthmark on his cheek, which would have been why he was bullied relentlessly. Omitting this physical characteristic emphasizes that no characters have been physiologically altered by their battles yet. While there have been emotional scars, a coma, and some memorable deaths, none of the main “party members” have a physical reminder that would stay with them later in life. Think of Xander (Nicholas Brendon) losing an eye at Caleb’s hands (Nathan Fillion) in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 7. The Duffers originally chose to start with Mike having a physical mark, so they could decide to conclude his journey that way instead.

The Montauk deck indicates that Nancy’s breakup after her “first fling” with Steve “leads to heartbreak and humiliation.” This then forces her to spend more time with Jonathan Byers and “experience love for the first time,” which suggests something deeper than just a night on Murray’s (Brett Gelman) sofa bed. A common coming-of-age trope is that first love runs deep, so if the Duffers don’t consider Nancy experiencing that with “safe bet” Steve, it appears she could ultimately stay with Jonathan. Another relationship aspect referenced multiple times in the original pitch is divorce, initially connected to Lucas’ (Caleb McLaughlin) parents. The Sinclairs’ storyline has not been significantly focused on in the series, making it unlikely to be introduced this late in development. However, Stranger Things has consistently hinted at tension in Karen Wheeler’s (Cara Buono) marriage to Ted. Much like Nancy redefined herself throughout the series, Karen could seize her freedom and embark on an adventure even wilder than a night with Billy (Dacre Montgomery).

‘Stranger Things 5’ Is Set To Reveal the Dark Side of Its Heroes

Stranger Things Season 5 may introduce another of the Duffers’ original concepts involving “a side character becoming key.” In their initial Montauk pitch, Science teacher Mr. Clarke (Randy Havens) was intended to play a much more significant role. The deck notes he would “become increasingly essential” throughout the story and ultimately assist the party in destroying the gate during Act Three. So far in the series, Mr. Clarke’s contributions have been minimal — he teaches about dimensions at Will’s fake wake and takes Dustin’s (Gaten Matarazzo) out-of-hours calls but hasn’t participated directly in combat. Season 5 could provide Mr. Clarke an overdue opportunity to reclaim his originally envisioned importance, especially considering his role as supervisor of both A.V. Club and new radio station featured in teasers.

An additional early concept sheds light on this idea. Eleven’s mother, Terry Ives (Aimee Mullins), was initially conceived as a conspiracy theorist wearing thick glasses — clearly a style reassigned to Murray Bauman. Terry was meant to be dismissed by Hopper (David Harbour) and others but later emerged as an unexpected hero. Murray has already established himself as a truth-teller within their group but could take center stage during Season 5’s action sequences. This would be an exciting surprise as anyone could become crucial during Hawkins’ final battle.

The impact of similar side characters throughout seasons has often ended poorly. Consider Barb (Shannon Purser), Bob played by Sean Astin, or more recently Eddie (Joseph Quinn). Eddie claimed it would finally be his year before introducing Vecna into heavy metal culture only for him to meet a tragic end shortly after. The aftermath of Eddie’s demise is evident in teaser footage where Dustin kneels by his defaced grave. This grief may allow Duffers to weave another original thread into their narrative: “How do you cope with overwhelming evil in this world? Ultimately is it worth it?”
Losing Eddie may push Dustin into darker coping mechanisms.

The lovable Dusty Bun appears outwardly unaffected but beneath his facade lies grief leading him towards choices reminiscent of Eddie’s struggles.
Originally intended for Hopper was an exploration of coping with internal demons alongside external threats from Upside Down — Hopper’s character was meant to abuse barbiturates following “a tragic car accident” that claimed his daughter.
With Dustin sporting fresh bruises throughout most teasers suggests he may make decisions Suzie (Gabriella Pizzolo) wouldn’t approve of.

The fifth season of Stranger Things, will also see Lucas grappling with newfound darkness.
Originally named Lucas Conley,Mcklaughlin’s character was meant as short comic relief but planned by Duffers for him darkening over time.The teaser shows him at Max’s (Sadie Sink), bedside while she remains comatose following her near-fatal encounter with Vecna.
This incident has already begun transforming Lucas into a more mature member within party dynamics while he prepares himself both protector & fighter heading towards finale.

Is ‘Stranger Things 5’ the End of Hawkins?

The original Montauk pitch also includes world-buildingdetails potentially shaping how story concludes.
The Upside Down reportedly seeps into Hawkins itself resulting paranormal disturbances like “loss of gravity.” This may explain epic scenes seen latest teaser where Demogorgons & Eleven alike leap great heights.
Perhaps most exciting element from original deck is party “hopefully closing [the] tear once & for all.”
This could allow Duffer Brothers’ proposed continuation franchise into ’90s featuring old characters returning Hawkins.
A new series exploring “many same characters themes horrors” could be developed but introducing “new ensemble actors fresh time period.”
Currently Hawkins appears too far gone save & Season five seems set deliver closure however we already know Demogorgons exist outside Indiana (notably Russia).
There remains opportunity for Duffers (despite recent deal Paramount) leave gate open both narrative reasons & means Netflix capitalize on ’90s nostalgia currently trending among teenagers making TikTok edits.