‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Trailer: Which Fan-Favorite Characters Are Missing From the Final Chapter?

The new ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 trailer has sent fans into a frenzy after Netflix unveiled the first look at the show’s highly anticipated final chapter on October 30, 2025. While the teaser brings back most of the beloved cast, several noticeable absences have sparked speculation ahead of the November 26 premiere.

Fans were quick to spot that some major players were missing—or barely visible—in what’s being teased as the Hawkins crew’s last stand against Vecna. Here’s a breakdown of who’s present, who’s absent, and what it might mean for the end of one of Netflix’s biggest hits.

Who Appears in the ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Trailer?

The trailer confirms the return of all the original core members of the cast. That includes Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers), David Harbour (Jim Hopper), Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), and Joe Keery (Steve Harrington). Each appears prominently as the Hawkins heroes prepare for one final confrontation with Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower.

Netflix’s official synopsis hints that “the full party” will unite “one last time,” which lines up with what viewers see—dramatic glimpses of Hopper wielding a flamethrower, Eleven focusing her powers, and Will haunted by visions of the Upside Down once again.

Who’s Missing or Barely Seen in the Teaser?

Two later fan favorites—Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield) and Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley)—make only fleeting appearances. Sink’s Max remains in a coma following the events of Season 4. Despite the 18-month time jump between seasons, she’s seen briefly in a hospital gown as Lucas carries her into an elevator, confirming that her fate is still unresolved. The Duffer Brothers have remained tight-lipped about whether Max will recover, teasing only that “she’s going to play a part in the season.”

However, several familiar faces are missing entirely. Paul Reiser (Dr. Sam Owens), Brett Gelman (Murray Bauman), and Joseph Quinn (Eddie Munson) do not appear in the trailer at all. While Reiser and Gelman are confirmed to return, Quinn’s absence aligns with the confirmation that Eddie is officially gone after his Season 4 death. In an interview with Empire, cocreator Matt Duffer said bluntly, “No, [Eddie’s] dead. Joe is so busy anyway—he’s shot like five movies since! Sadly, RIP.”

What Fans Can Expect From the Final Chapter

“Stranger Things” Season 5 will unfold across three parts, with Part 1 premiering on November 26, followed by Parts 2 and 3 on December 25 and December 31, respectively. The trailer suggests a darker tone, large-scale battles, and emotional closure for multiple storylines. The 1980s nostalgia remains intact, but the scope now feels cinematic—hinting that Netflix is treating this final run as a blockbuster event.

Fans have also noted that Will Byers seems to take center stage again, potentially bringing the story full circle. Meanwhile, the Duffer Brothers have confirmed that the emotional heart of the series will focus on friendship, sacrifice, and redemption as Hawkins faces its greatest threat yet.

With a stacked returning cast, lingering mysteries about Max’s fate, and the absence of key side characters, the ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 trailer sets the stage for an emotional and action-packed farewell to one of television’s defining series.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who’s missing from the ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 trailer?

Joseph Quinn, Brett Gelman, and Paul Reiser do not appear in the trailer. Sadie Sink and Maya Hawke only make brief appearances.

Q2: Is Eddie Munson returning in ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5?

No. Matt Duffer confirmed that Eddie is dead and will not return for the final season.

Q3: When does ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 premiere on Netflix?

Part 1 releases on November 26, 2025. Parts 2 and 3 will drop on December 25 and December 31, respectively.

Q4: What happens to Max in ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5?

Max remains in a coma at the start of the season, as seen in the trailer. Her recovery remains uncertain.

Q5: Which main cast members are returning?

All original cast members including Millie Bobby Brown, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, and Finn Wolfhard return for the final season.

References

NJ Advance Media. (2025). “Who’s missing from the ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 trailer?” October 30, 2025.

Variety. (2024). “Duffer Brothers tease Max’s fate in ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5.” August 2024.

Empire Magazine. (2025). “Matt Duffer confirms Eddie Munson will not return for final season.” October 2025.