Stranger Things actor Jamie Campbell Bower has seemingly put an end to fan theories that a secret final episode exists. Speaking on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the actor, who plays villain Vecna, said the finale was 'the ending the show deserves'.
The theory, dubbed 'Conformity Gate', has gained traction on TikTok among disappointed viewers who believe the epilogue showing the young leads moving on with their lives was actually an illusion created by Vecna. Fans have scrutinised details such as hand placements and prop continuity, despite creators the Duffer brothers stating that multiple endings were not filmed.
'Even as the actor that plays Vecna, like, it just – it feels right,' Bower said, referring to his character's defeat. 'You know, the show is so much about friendship and love and hope and joy. And of course, like, the person who is not that has to go, you know?'
Some fans had anticipated a secret episode dropping on 7 January after Netflix posted a cryptic message reading 'Your future is on the way', but no new episode has appeared. Others have criticised the theory, with one writing on X: 'The entire Stranger Things fandom currently in a collective psychosis coming up with a theory called Conformity Gate as a coping mechanism.'
The finale also sparked debate over the fate of Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), with co-creator Ross Duffer stating the character 'lives on in their hearts, whether that's real or not'. However, Bower's comments appear to confirm that the episode shown is the intended conclusion.
