Devoted fans of the hit series Stranger Things have been left profoundly shaken after Netflix released the first five minutes of the show's highly anticipated final season.
A Chilling First Look
The streaming giant unveiled the exhilarating and disturbing clip on November 7, 2025, offering a brutal glimpse into the events that will kick off the epic finale. The preview is packed with jump scares and harrowing moments, immediately plunging viewers back into the terror of Hawkins.
It revisits one of the series' most pivotal early events: Will Byers' initial encounter with the supernatural forces of the Upside Down. The scene, featuring actor Noah Schnapp as a young Will, shows the character fighting desperately for his life as he is hunted.
Vecna's True Role Unmasked
In a major revelation, the clip confirms a long-held fan theory. It was not a Demogorgon, but the series' primary antagonist, Vecna (played by Jamie Campbell Bower), who was ultimately behind Will's capture in Season 1.
As a vulnerable Will tries to escape, Vecna takes control of his body. In a deeply unsettling moment, a tentacle is seen forcing its way into Will's mouth, demonstrating the full, horrifying extent of Vecna's power. The villain then tells the terrified youngster that the pair would do "beautiful things together."
Fan Reaction: Heartbreak and Horror
The intense preview has sparked a massive reaction on social media and forums like Reddit, where viewers expressed their shock and heartbreak for the beloved character.
One user, IFSismyjam, commented on the disturbing imagery, stating: "That scene where Vecna touched Will’s face as the tentacle went down his throat was seriously unsettling."
Another fan, Stephyloowho, highlighted the intensity, writing: "Poor baby was running for his life! That was a super intense intro to season five, but I love that they brought it right back to season one."
The emotional impact was clear, with Nastia_dream adding: "Just watched it. Damn this traumatised me. I knew Will's time in UD was bad, but not this bad." Despite the horror, many, like Miserable-Dream7047, concluded they are "sooooooo excited" for the full season, praising Will as a "survivor."
Fans now face an agonising wait to see if Will will finally get justice. Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 airs on Netflix on November 26 in the US and November 27 in the UK.
