As the first volume of Stranger Things season 5 lands on Netflix, a dedicated corner of the fandom is buzzing with renewed conviction that a key character from the previous season will make a dramatic comeback before the series finale.
The Forgotten Ally: Dmitri 'Enzo' Antonov's Fate
Season 4 of the hit Netflix show introduced viewers to a host of new faces, from the heroic Eddie Munson to the laid-back Argyle. Among them was Dmitri Antonov, played by Tom Wlaschiha, a Russian prison guard who, under the alias Enzo, formed an unlikely but crucial alliance with Jim Hopper. After helping Hopper, Joyce Byers, and Murray Bauman escape from Russia, Dmitri's storyline was left open-ended, with his ultimate fate unknown.
This narrative ambiguity has fuelled intense speculation for years. As one fan pointed out on Reddit, "If he returned to the USSR he’d be imprisoned." This logical conclusion has led many to believe the show's writers have left the door wide open for his return, rather than writing him out for good.
Fan Theories: From Hawkins to a Wedding Guest
The theory first gained traction on Reddit three years ago and has seen a significant resurgence since the release of season 5 volume 1. Fans have constructed detailed scenarios for how Dmitri could re-enter the fray.
One popular theory suggests the US government would recruit him. "Dmitri is one of the only people on the planet who has any experience fighting the forces of the Upside Down," argued a fan. "They'd be fools to not be like, ‘Hey, if you help us we will let you and your family become citizens.’ I am almost certain he's coming back."
Others speculate he is already in hiding in the US, possibly even in Hawkins, Indiana—a location he discussed with Murray. Some hope for a lighter conclusion, with one viewer quipping, "Personally I'd love for the show to end with Joyce and Hopper's wedding and have Dmitri show up as a wedding guest."
The Case Against a Comeback
Not every viewer is convinced, however. Skeptics argue that the Russian storyline has largely concluded and may have little relevance to the final battle in Hawkins. "Sadly I don't think he will, the KGB story seems over," one fan stated, though they added they hoped he was at least mentioned as being safe "outside Commieland."
Despite the doubters, the question "Do you guys think Dmitri Antonov will return?" is being asked with fresh urgency on forums. With volumes 2 and 3 of season 5 set to arrive on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day respectively, fans won't have long to wait for an answer. Whether Dmitri returns as a key fighter against the Upside Down or receives a brief, happy ending, his story remains one of the show's most intriguing loose threads.
