Devoted fans of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things have been sent into a frenzy after uncovering a brilliantly hidden and interactive Easter egg, just as the first episodes of the fifth and final season dropped on the streaming platform.
The Missing Poster That Started It All
In a clever move to build anticipation for the upcoming season, Netflix previously released a fictional missing person poster. It featured Eleven, listed under her legal name Jane Hopper, who vanished at the catastrophic end of Season 4 in July 2022. The poster, offering a $3000 (approximately £2,267) reward for information leading to "Jane Hopper or her body," included a phone number for the Hawkins Police Department.
With the new season now available, fans have revisited this detail, desperate for clues about Eleven's fate. One fan, named Albert, decided to take the plunge and call the number, having heard rumours of a unique message.
A Chilling Call to Hawkins
In a video shared on TikTok, Albert dialled the number. What followed was a spine-tingling, in-world voicemail message from the fictional Hawkins Police Department. The recording stated: "Thank you for contacting the Hawkins Police Department. Due to the recent 7.4 magnitude earthquake, Hawkins is currently under lockdown to ensure the safety of our residents."
It continued, "The Hawkins emergency task force is working closely with the Hawkins police department to locate missing persons, of which Jane Hopper is a priority. We urge you as a responsible member of Hawkins to help us locate her." The message, delivered with crackly '80s-era phone line quality, then disconnected, leaving a palpable sense of urgency tied directly to the season four cliffhanger.
Fan Reaction and Season 5 Hype
The discovery has electrified the fan community. Albert himself exclaimed, "Yo, that was cool," while seeking reactions from his viewers. The response was immediate and shared his mix of excitement and unease.
One user admitted, "BRO I GOT SCARED WHEN I CALLED," and another echoed, "BRO I GOT SO SCARED WHEN IT SAID POLICE DEPARTMENT." A third simply stated, "Yo that’s awesome man and yes I am excited for stranger things season 5," capturing the collective anticipation for the show's conclusion.
This interactive teaser masterfully bridges the gap between the show's narrative and its audience, proving that the world of Stranger Things continues to engage fans in uniquely immersive ways as it heads towards its finale.
