The globally beloved science fiction series, Stranger Things, is preparing for its final curtain call, promising an emotional rollercoaster for its massive fanbase and the cast that grew up on the show. The last episode is set to premiere on December 31, marking the end of an era for the Netflix phenomenon.
An Emotional Farewell on Set
For the actors, saying goodbye has been a deeply personal and challenging process. Sadie Sink, who portrays the resilient Max Mayfield, recently shared her experience of moving on from the series. In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Sink described the final days on set as being dominated by powerful emotions and tears.
She revealed that wrapping her final scene was particularly difficult. The entire cast and crew leaned on each other for support during these poignant moments. "The Duffers did a good job of finding the right moments to end each of our characters' stories and to have a good scene to wrap on," Sink stated. "One thing we all did was try to be there for each other on each other's last days."
The Grieving Process and a Second Wave of Emotion
Sadie Sink also reflected on her current stage of bidding farewell to both the show and her character. While the cast recently watched the finale together, she believes the true emotional impact is yet to come.
"It's interesting. We all watched the finale last week, and I thought that would be another wave of goodbye, but I really think this period is about sharing it with the fans," she explained. "I expect to have that second wave of emotion once the finale is actually streaming on Netflix."
She confessed to having cried extensively on her last filming day, feeling she had "grieved it properly." However, she added with a hint of apprehension, "But I fear there's more coming."
Final Episode Schedule and Extended Runtime
The release strategy for the concluding season saw Stranger Things 5 Vol. 1 debut on November 26, followed by Vol. 2 on Christmas Day. The saga's ultimate chapter, titled 'Stranger Things: The Finale, The Right Side Up,' will begin streaming at 8 p.m. ET on New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31.
In a last-minute update for fans, the final episode has been slightly extended. It will now run for two hours and eight minutes, an increase from the previously announced duration of two hours and five minutes. This ensures a more expansive conclusion to the epic story that has captivated audiences worldwide since 2016.
