‘Stranger Things 5’ Volume 2: Duffer Brothers Discuss the Level of Violence Fans Can Expect

The creators of Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers, have addressed questions about whether Volume 2 of the show’s fifth and final season will be bloodier than the first.

When asked if fans should expect major character deaths, they made it clear the series will not follow the extreme violence seen in shows like Game of Thrones. “I’ve said this before: The show is not ‘Game of Thrones.’ I’m hoping it surprises people. But there’s no Red Wedding, if that’s what you’re asking. That would be depressing,” they explained.

Volume 1 of Stranger Things 5 ended without any character deaths, even for characters like Ted and Karen who appeared to be in danger. Ross Duffer explained that the first volume’s conclusion was planned around the development of Will’s powers.

“Once we decided we knew we wanted to do the Will power stuff this season, we knew that that’s how we had to end Volume 1. So there’s the low point of all the kids being taken, but the high point of Will has these powers. That was always the discussion. Vecna taking these children was the low point we needed for the end of Volume 1,” he said.

Stranger Things 5 is set to release on Netflix in three parts. The season has eight episodes in total. Volume 1 premiered on November 26, Volume 2 is set for December 25, and the finale will arrive on December 31. The season was produced by the Duffer Brothers alongside Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen.

The cast includes returning favorites such as Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, Brett Gelman, Cara Buono, and Jamie Campbell Bower.

Every battle has led to this 💥 the Stranger Things 5 teaser is HERE! pic.twitter.com/dSYwnfgsER

— sƃuᴉɥʇ ɹǝƃuɐɹʇs (@Stranger_Things) July 16, 2025

Joe Chrest and Amybeth McNulty have been promoted to series regulars, while newcomers Linda Hamilton, Jake Connelly, and Nell Fisher join the cast this season.

The Duffers emphasized that the show continues to focus on character development and suspense rather than shocking deaths. Volume 2 is expected to explore the fallout from Volume 1, keeping fans engaged with the story without relying on sudden major losses.

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