Stranger Things star Sadie Sink has opened up about her character Max's fate following the season four finale, in which the character is left in a coma after a harrowing encounter with Vecna. Speaking to Deadline, Sink discussed whether the Duffers had forewarned her about Max's pivotal role this season.
“They kind of alluded to some of the plot lines that Max would be involved with and what she was going through in season four, but I didn’t really know until I read the scripts,” Sink said. She revealed that due to the COVID-19 shutdown, she received the final episodes earlier than usual and was “very shocked” by the direction of the story.
Reflecting on Max's journey, Sink described her evolution from a lonely newcomer in season two to a more confident figure in season three, before spiralling into grief following Billy's death. “All the pieces really came together in episode nine, for me, just with that monologue that she has [with Lucas],” she said, referring to the scene where Max admits feeling guilty for wanting her brother to die.
Sink praised the visual effects team for creating Vecna's prosthetic suit, which she said made it “impossible not to be a little bit scared” and enhanced the authenticity of the performances. She also noted that the Duffers have always treated the young cast as equals, never talking down to them.
As for Max's fate in the upcoming fifth and final season, Sink remained tight-lipped, but the season four finale leaves her character's survival uncertain. Fans will have to wait to see whether Max wakes from her coma.
