Dedicated Stranger Things enthusiasts have uncovered what could be a crucial narrative clue hidden within the show's final season, drawing connections to the classic science fantasy novel A Wrinkle in Time that might foreshadow how the Hawkins saga will conclude.
The Literary Clue That Has Everyone Talking
Although only the first four episodes of Stranger Things' fifth and final season have debuted on Netflix, released on 27th November 2025, sharp-eyed viewers believe they've identified a significant hint about the series' direction. The revelation comes through young Holly Wheeler, who appears reading Madeleine L'Engle's beloved 1962 novel A Wrinkle in Time in early scenes.
The connection becomes more explicit when Mike and Nancy Wheeler notice their younger sister referring to an apparent imaginary friend as Mr Whatsit - a clear nod to the character Mrs Whatsit from L'Engle's novel. This isn't the first time the Duffer Brothers have used literary references to foreshadow plot developments, having previously employed Dungeons & Dragons terminology to mirror the show's supernatural conflicts.
Parallel Worlds and Cosmic Battles
The thematic parallels between A Wrinkle in Time and Stranger Things are striking. L'Engle's novel follows young protagonists journeying through space and time across galaxies to rescue a captured father while battling a cosmic darkness called The Black Thing that has invaded multiple worlds.
This narrative bears remarkable similarity to Vecna's plan to invade Hawkins with his monstrous forces from the Upside Down, alongside the core group's repeated travels between dimensions to rescue friends. The connection has sparked widespread speculation among the fandom about potential time travel elements in the finale.
Fan Theories and Time Travel Possibilities
Enthusiasts across social media platforms are buzzing with theories about how the A Wrinkle in Time reference might play out. Some suggest it hints at the long-discussed 'time machine theory,' where Vecna controls time while Eleven manipulates space. This could potentially allow Eleven to journey into the past to alter key events.
Supporting evidence comes from Max's description of finding herself in 1950s Hawkins while trapped within what appears to be a memory. Additionally, fans have noted that when Max introduces herself to Holly, her outfit closely resembles Mrs Whatsit's appearance in the 2018 Disney film adaptation.
The return of science teacher Mr Clarke, who discusses wormholes as 'hypothetical tunnels through spacetime connecting distant points,' further fuels these theories. As one fan perfectly summarised online: "Holly reading A Wrinkle in Time is the perfect thematic fit. Alternate dimensions, the power of love, and children confronting cosmic darkness mirrors the world of Hawkins."
With volume two of the final season scheduled for release around Christmas and the ultimate conclusion arriving on New Year's, viewers won't have long to wait to discover if these theories prove accurate. All episodes are currently streaming on Netflix.
