Stranger Things Season 4: Who Do You Think Will Die?

Updated: July 4, 2023

Netflix has only released a 1-minute teaser for Season 4 of Stranger Things, but based on some clever theories, we can speculate on the characters who might meet an untimely end this summer. Let's dive into the most likely candidates and the potential reasons behind it.

Steve Harrington

My bet is on Steve Harrington. He fits the narrative perfectly—he has undergone redemption, has become emotionally attached to the kids, and is currently single. His love interest, played by Maya Hawke, might change that, but even without her, he's a fan favorite. His death could be a significant sacrifice for the greater good, where he could jump in front of a metaphorical bullet for Dustin or any of the kids. This would not only enhance the drama, it would also provoke a little backlash, but I believe his death would be acceptable if done well.

Even though Shawn Levy said, "The day Steve Harrington dies is the day I walk off the show," it’s still a possibility.

Chief Jim Hopper

Chief Hopper is another strong contender. There's been a long-standing theory that the issue Hopper and Dustin faced during their battle in the Upside Down would come back as a plot point. If Hopper and Dustin both became ill, and a potential cure was limited, Hopper would likely sacrifice himself to save Dustin. While the show could easily carry on without him, it feels unfair to deprive Joyce and Eleven of their beloved father figure. David Harbour’s dynamic performance as Hopper adds a lot to the show, and it would be a waste to lose him.

Joyce Byers

While Joyce is likely to remain safe for now, there is a very small possibility that her character could meet a tragic end in the future. This is more for the sake of story continuity than in Season 4. She remains under Winona's shadow in Season 3, but there could be a darker turn in the subsequent seasons.

Billy Hargrove

Billy Hargrove could also be a candidate. Personally, I wish to see Billy facing consequences, but there's no strong narrative push for this. He is a more sinister character in comparison to Steve, and his death wouldn’t affect the audience as emotionally as Steve’s or Hopper’s would. This makes it less likely to happen.

Dr. Martin Brenner

Dr. Martin Brenner is not dead, folks. He has been tormented, tackled by the Demogorgon, and left hanging as a threat. He will return, and it’s likely that someone, possibly El or Hopper, will have to face him again.

Mayor Larry Kline and Bruce

The new supporting characters, Mayor Larry Kline and Bruce, could also be candidates for demise. Season 3 has the guts to kill off the series regulars and doesn't shy away from doing so. However, Barb, Benny, and Bob were essential plot devices for tension, not dialogue.

Eleven (Jane Hopper)

As for Eleven, this is just a theoretical possibility for the final season. It would be a dark, sad, and controversial move, but it's not impossible. Her vision from Dr. Brenner—that she has a festering wound—could be a foreshadowing of her internal struggle. We don’t know the extent of Eleven’s powers or the toll they take on her, but nosebleeds are often a bad sign in this context.

Stay tuned as the season unfolds, and we might just get some surprises!

Note: This update will be kept up-to-date till July 4, 2023, as that is when the show is expected to release its next episode.