The Duffer Brothers have confirmed that Nancy Wheeler and Jonathan Byers have broken up, following the events of the final season of Stranger Things. In an interview with PEOPLE, Matt Duffer stated: “That’s a breakup. They are broken up.” He explained that the decision was made to allow Nancy to “end up on her own and be independent.”
During the final episodes, Nancy and Jonathan were trapped in a lab in the Upside Down. As a melting substance filled the room, they had an honest conversation about their relationship. Jonathan revealed he never applied to Emerson, the university they planned to attend together, and pulled out an engagement ring, offering an “un-proposal” that was accepted. The moment, however, signalled the end of their romance.
Matt Duffer noted that the writers felt it was unrealistic for a high school relationship to last forever. Ross Duffer added that their love was built on a “trauma bond” after fighting a Demogorgon together. The brothers also indicated that Nancy will not reunite with Steve Harrington, despite lingering feelings from his side.
Fans expressed confusion over the breakup scene, with one viewer writing: “What do you mean Nancy and Jonathan broke up!?” Another said: “Well they needed to make that clearer because it wasn’t giving that.” Despite the on-screen split, actors Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton have been dating since 2017 and will appear in the final volume of season five, airing on New Year’s Day.
