The final chapter of the beloved horror saga, Stranger Things Season 5, concluded its thrilling run for Indian audiences on January 1, 2026. As the kids of Hawkins faced their ultimate battle, the show's visual and physical effects reached new, terrifying heights, a hallmark since its inception. In an exclusive deep dive, the show's production designer, Chris Trujillo, has pulled back the curtain on the monstrous sets and innovative techniques that brought the Upside Down to life.
The Gruesome Anatomy of the Pain Tree
In a detailed tour featured on Architectural Digest's YouTube channel, Chris Trujillo began with one of the series' most iconic and horrifying creations: the Pain Tree. This set piece, central to Vecna's lair, was described by Trujillo as "one of the most unique sets we have ever made, and also the most epically gross." The massive structure is an enormous foam sculpture built on a metal frame, physically realizing concept art from Head Concept Designer Michael Maher.
The design process involved what Trujillo called "disgusting research" into organic matter. The team studied internal organs, flayed bodies, and other biological horrors to achieve a visceral, authentic look. A key feature is the tear-away membrane, crafted from a specialized silicone to feel convincingly real when actors rip through it. To avoid using child actors in the disturbing scenes, the production created life-size dummies of every child abducted by Vecna, sealing them within the tree's silicone flesh.
Reviving the Golden Age of Radio
Moving from biological horror to nostalgic detail, Trujillo next showcased the meticulously recreated radio station where characters Robin and Steve worked. His vision was to capture the golden age of radio through authentic decor. He presented the Duffer brothers with an extensive look book, and a photograph of an old radio station exterior directly inspired the writers to incorporate the set into the script.
The set was rebuilt with period-accurate details, including copper fittings in the floor for proper grounding, a technical necessity of classic radio equipment that added to the set's authenticity. This attention to historical detail provided a stark, comforting contrast to the show's otherworldly terrors.
Vines, Battlefields, and Final Confrontations
Another significant challenge was creating the invasive flora of the Upside Down. Trujillo revealed a room filled with "miles and miles of vines" constructed for the Hawkins Lab Basement. These physical props, when combined with strategic visual effects and lighting, created the iconic, claustrophobic atmosphere of the infected lab.
The tour also covered the pivotal Mac-Z battle scene, a sequence from the final season that captivated audiences. This is where Will Byers, played by Noah Schnapp, discovers his own latent powers. Trujillo explained how the set was built to mimic a town square, drawing inspiration from his personal experiences in New York. In a companion video on the Stranger Things YouTube channel, actor Noah Schnapp himself guided fans through the Mac-Z set, pointing out where key moments were filmed.
The series, created by Matt and Ross Duffer, stars Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Noah Schnapp, Joe Keery, and Sadie Sink. With the finale now aired, these behind-the-scenes revelations offer fans a lasting appreciation for the immense craftsmanship that made the journey through Hawkins so unforgettable.
