Unlocking Behind-the-Scenes Details: What the Creators Reveal About Stranger Things' Finale
January 2, 2026
The Stranger Things finale wrapped up many storylines, but left some characters’ fates uncertain, prompting curiosity among fans. Co-creators the Duffer brothers are now sharing insights into those unresolved plot points, shedding light on characters who were somewhat left hanging.
A Happy Ending for Erica, the High School Valedictorian
Erica, known for her spirited attitude, sharp wit, and confident personality, became a standout character beloved by viewers. While her future wasn’t explicitly shown at the series’ conclusion, the Duffer brothers are certain she'll succeed.
Ross Duffer expressed confidence, saying:
“Obviously, no one’s concerned about Erica. She can take care of herself. She’s got to go through high school now, but she’s just so tough.”
Matt Duffer added:
“She’s definitely going to be valedictorian. That’s for sure. What happens after that, I don’t know. She has the potential to go wherever she wants.”
Regarding other older characters, Matt commented on their futures:
“I like that Murray and Mr. Clarke have bonded. Murray’s doing his own thing now, and Mr. Clarke is probably still teaching. He loves educating kids at heart.”
Max and Lucas Finally Get Their Moment
One of the long-awaited plot threads was the relationship between Max and Lucas. Fans were promised a movie date, and in the finale, they finally got to go to the movies together. This fulfilled the show’s promise, with the Duffer brothers revealing some behind-the-scenes details.
Ross Duffer shared:
“They had a movie date planned for a long time, so it was nice to finally see them go.”
Matt added:
“They’re watching Ghost.”
However, the scene was cut from the final episode, with the Duffer brothers explaining why:
“We filmed it. It was a very romantic scene from Ghost, but we decided it took away from their moment. Plus, the timeline doesn’t quite match up—Ghost came out in summer 1990, but Stranger Things is set in 1987. So, perhaps they waited three years to see it.”
What's Next for the Young Cast?
For fans curious about what the young stars of the series will do now, there's plenty to look forward to. The creators also mention the show's characters' potential futures and recommend exploring our rankings of the best Stranger Things characters and episodes for more insights.
Images embedded herein are referenced for context and illustrative purposes.