Does This Popular 'Stranger Things' Fan Theory Really Hold Water?
By Andrew Sanford | News | October 31, 2025
One of the highlights of the fourth season of Stranger Things was its skillful weaving together of past storylines. The show's main antagonist, Vecna, was integrated into earlier seasons seamlessly. A character thought to be new revealed a hidden past tied closely to Eleven and the Hawkins children, appearing in varied forms throughout the series. This clever storytelling almost felt like a magic trick.
Some may argue this approach involved retconning certain elements. Vecna was portrayed as merely a projection of a smaller monster, with mindless servants acting on his behalf. The evil acts were attributed to Vecna, not the Demogorgon that terrorized Hawkins in the first season. Though this interpretation hasn't been officially confirmed, it has sparked the imagination of many fans.
Fan Observations and Evidence
Fans revisited the very first episode, piecing together clues that might have gone unnoticed initially. Yet, it raises a question: is this intricate backstory the result of careful planning, or are these adjustments made late in the show’s creation process?
Will Byers’ Disappearance
Central to the first season is Will Byers’ disappearance, where he is taken to the Upside Down by a shadowy figure. Initially, viewers might assume this figure was the fearsome Demogorgon of season one. However, its behavior differs significantly from what is seen in later seasons—it stealthily sneaks around with clear intent.
“A villain we thought had just been introduced had a past with Eleven, and all the kids of Hawkins, for that matter, and we had already seen him in different forms.”
“That last bit has yet to be confirmed by anyone involved in the show, but it’s taken many fans’ imaginations by storm.”
Whether these connections were planned from the start or added later, the theory adds layers to the show's mythology and deepens the mystery of Hawkins’ monsters.
Author’s summary: The evolving narrative of Stranger Things blurs the line between original storytelling and retroactive changes, enriching the show's mythos and sparking energetic fan debates.