The highly anticipated final chapter of the Netflix phenomenon, Stranger Things season 5, Volume 1, has finally landed, bringing with it a seismic shift for one Hawkins family. The series, which returned after a final trailer, sees the town under strict military lockdown as the battle against the Upside Down reaches its climax.
While Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and the core gang, including Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), intensify their hunt for the sinister Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower), a new threat emerges from an unexpected place: the Wheeler household. In a chilling twist, Mike's younger sister, Holly Wheeler, begins experiencing terrifying visions and communicating with an unseen presence.
Who Is The New Holly Wheeler?
In a crucial recasting decision, the character of Holly Wheeler is now portrayed by 13-year-old British actress Nell Fisher. Hailing from London, Fisher is no stranger to screens, with previous credits including the film Evil Dead Rise and the television series My Life Is Murder.
This marks a significant change from earlier seasons, where a younger Holly was played by identical twin actresses Anniston and Tinsley Price. The producers sought an older and more experienced performer for season five, as Holly's role expands far beyond that of a background character.
Why Was Holly Wheeler Recast?
The decision to recast Holly was driven by narrative necessity. As co-creator Matt Duffer explained in an interview with SFX, the creative team wanted to recapture the essence of season one, a feeling intrinsically linked to younger characters.
"Our kids are not kids anymore. They're not close to being kids anymore," Duffer stated, adding, "So it was really fun to add Holly and her classmates into the show, because it allowed us to recapture some of that feeling."
This strategic move proves pivotal to the plot. Tragically, Mike and his parents dismiss Holly's strange behaviour as an imaginary friend, failing to connect it to Vecna's influence, unlike their experience with Will Byers (Noah Schnapp). This grave error leads to a devastating outcome: Holly is kidnapped by a Demogorgon and taken to the Upside Down.
How Old Is Holly Wheeler in Season 5?
While actress Nell Fisher is 13, her character Holly is significantly younger. According to the Stranger Things fandom, Holly was born in 1980. With season five set in the timeline following the season four finale, this places her at approximately seven years old.
This ageing up is subtly acknowledged in the show when her mother, Karen Wheeler (Cara Buono), remarks that Holly "isn't five anymore." For context, Holly was just about three years old when the series began in 1983.
Looking ahead, Duffer has teased that Holly's importance will become even clearer, stating, "Once you see the full season, you'll have a better understanding of why it was so important to add her to the cast."
Fans won't have to wait long for the conclusion. Stranger Things season 5, volume 2 is scheduled for release on Netflix UK and Ireland on Boxing Day, December 26, at 1am.
