Joe Keery made headlines right after the Golden Globes. He tackled wild fan theories about the ending of Stranger Things Season 5. Fans had latched onto something called 'Conformity Gate.' They claimed the finale was just an illusion. Many believed the series would truly end with a secret ninth episode.
Joe Keery Sets the Record Straight
Keery, famous for evolving Steve Harrington from a high school jock to a beloved hero, shut down the rumors quickly. He did this in a recent interview clip with Jack Saunders. The actor provided a clear and direct response to the swirling speculation.
"I Talked About It With Charlie"
Joe Keery confirmed he discussed the theory with his co-star Charlie Heaton, who plays Jonathan Byers. "I did, yes. I talked about it with Charlie. It's not true," Keery stated firmly during his Golden Globes interview. Some fans had hoped subtle clues hinted at more content. Keery even joked that budget issues might one day revive the show. But he delivered the final word. "I think some people are sad to see it go. Unfortunately, I'm here to squash your dreams. There's no ninth episode."
Music Adds to the Speculation
At 33 years old, Keery also rides high as the musician DJo. His 2022 track 'End of Beginning' topped global charts. Keery credits the timing. Fans naturally linked the song's theme to bidding farewell to Hawkins. It seemed to symbolize the end of an era, fueling more theories about the show's conclusion.
What Is the 'Conformity Gate' Theory?
The buzz exploded immediately after the Season 5 finale aired. Viewers began spotting what they called glitches and inconsistencies. They noted missing logos in certain scenes. They pointed out rigid poses during the Hawkins High graduation ceremony. Some even observed the Wheeler family's suspiciously uniform haircuts.
Fans tied these details to earlier plot points. They recalled Holly Wheeler spotting Vecna's mind tricks in previous seasons. Examples included wrong colors on a merry-go-round or a shifting clock tower pointer. Will Byers' speech also name-dropped milkshakes at Melvald's General Store. This was a spot that never actually sold milkshakes in the show's universe. This fueled cries that Vecna's faulty memory, dating back to his days as Henry Creel, was at play.
Many viewers waited for Netflix to drop a surprise episode 9. They remained convinced the real final battle still lingered in the Upside Down. Season 5 did wrap up Vecna's story. Eleven, Kali, Will's courage, and Joyce's axe swing all played a part. The Upside Down collapsed in a dramatic bomb blast. However, many fans criticized the ending for feeling "too safe." They argued Vecna and the Mind Flayer were defeated too easily. This sparked the initial doubts about an illusion or hidden truth.
Closure for Die-Hard Fans
Joe Keery's definitive word finally brings closure to Stranger Things die-hards. The actor's clear denial puts the 'Conformity Gate' theory to rest. Fans can now stream the entire series on Netflix and revisit those intriguing theories for themselves, knowing the official ending stands as presented.
