As ‘Stranger Things’ gears up for its highly anticipated fifth and final season, longtime fans are bracing for an emotional farewell to one of the most beloved TV series of the last decade. With the final season set to arrive in three parts beginning November 26, excitement and speculation have reached an all-time high.
One of the biggest questions on viewers’ minds was whether Billy Hargrove, the redeemed villain of season 3, would return one last time. Now, actor Dacre Montgomery has broken his silence and confirmed what many had suspected: Billy will not be back for season 5.
Billy’s Absence Makes Sense, But Still Hurts
In a recent interview with SR, Dacre Montgomery addressed the fan speculation directly. “I’m not in the last season, unfortunately,” he said, while also sharing his admiration for co-star Sadie Sink (Max) and excitement for the Duffer Brothers’ future creative ventures. This was sad for fans as Billy’s arc in ‘Stranger Things’ was nothing short of fascinating. Introduced in season 2 as the volatile and aggressively hostile step-brother to Max, he quickly became one of the most hated characters in Hawkins.
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However, season 3 gave Billy a chance for redemption, and it delivered one of the most powerful and emotional sacrifices in the show’s history. Possessed by the Mind Flayer, Billy ultimately broke free from the creature’s control in a pivotal moment. He gave his life to protect Eleven and the others. It was brutal, tragic, and deeply human. Additionally, it cemented Billy’s place as one of the most complex characters in the series.
Montgomery briefly returned in season 4, appearing in a hallucination conjured by Vecna to torment Max at her lowest point. The scene, set to Kate Bush’s now-iconic “Running Up That Hill”, became one of the most emotionally resonant sequences of the series. In that brief appearance, Montgomery reminded everyone why Billy had made such an impact. So, bringing Billy back again in season 5 might have risked undermining the weight of his send-off.
Unlike other fan-favorite characters like Eddie Munson, who left behind unresolved narrative threads, Billy’s story feels complete. His death had meaning. It changed Max, shaped the plot, and gave him closure. And maybe, that’s how it should stay. That doesn’t make the news any easier to swallow. Knowing he won’t appear in the final episodes is a disappointment. However, perhaps it’s also for the best.
The Future Of ‘Stranger Things’ After Season 5 Is Bright
Even as fans prepare to say goodbye to Hawkins, the world of ‘Stranger Things’ isn’t going anywhere. Co-creator Ross Duffer and Netflix executives have long hinted at a sprawling future for the franchise, including spinoffs and expanded lore. One person already imagining what that could look like is ‘Stranger Things‘ star Finn Wolfhard.
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Speaking to Variety, Wolfhard, who has played Mike Wheeler since the show’s debut in 2016, shared an idea for a spinoff that ditches the original cast and Hawkins altogether. “Sort of an anthology and different tones but similar universe or same universe,” he said. “There has to be labs everywhere. If there was one in Hawkins, there’s one in Russia. Where else could they be?”
Wolfhard’s pitch reflects the larger potential of ‘Stranger Things’ as a franchise. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos even called Stranger Things “a franchise being born,” which all but confirms that spinoffs are not a matter of if, but when. Still, for now, all eyes are on season 5 as it promises to wrap up nine years of storytelling. The timeline will jump to the fall of 1987, placing the characters on the cusp of adulthood and possibly in their most dangerous situation yet.
