Stranger Things is back on our screens, and the heroes of Hawkins are, once again, fighting to save their small town from the threat of the Upside Down and all the horrifying creatures that live there.
Netflix has only given us the first four episodes of the season so far, but with more coming on December 26, and the grand finale due to air on New Year’s Eve, we’ll soon know how the story ends.
Rumors are circulating of a potential death before the end of season five, and given what’s already unfolded it’s looking increasingly unlikely that everyone will make it out alive.
But who is most likely to fall foul of Vecna, a demogorgon, or an entirely new threat we’re yet to meet, before the New Year fireworks fill our skies?
The latest Stranger Things prediction markets give us a glimpse into the heartbreak that’s about to hit.
Prediction Markets: Who will die before the end of Stranger Things season five?
| Character | Chance (%) | Yes Price (cents) | Equivalent Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Byers | 29% | 31 | +245 |
| Steve Harrington | 24% | 25 | +315 |
| Will Byers | 21% | 20 | +375 |
| Eleven | 19% | 21 | +425 |
| Jim Hopper | 17% | 19 | +490 |
| Nancy Wheeler | 15% | 18 | +565 |
| Derek Turnbow | 14% | 17 | +615 |
| Robin Buckley | 14% | 20 | +615 |
| Dustin Henderson | 11% | 11 | +810 |
| Joyce Byers | 10% | 11 | +900 |
| Mike Wheeler | 9% | 10 | +1010 |
| Lucas Sinclair | 9% | 10 | +1010 |
| Max Mayfield | 7% | 11 | +1330 |
| Holly Wheeler | 4% | 4.9 | +2400 |
Data provided by Polymarket - accurate as of 10 December
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Surviving Stranger Things: Which character's story is coming to a premature end?
Jonathan Byers +245 | Implied Probability 29%
Jonathan has been a central character right from the start, so if the writers want to deliver a real sucker punch this season they could well do so with a premature end to his story.
Eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed that scene when (spoiler alert) Murray passed Jonathan a hidden engagement ring in a cassette tape; could this mean his end is nigh?
This is Stranger Things, so forget the happily ever after. It’s more likely that Jonathan continues to put off the proposal, because the timing isn’t great let’s be honest, until he too is taken by the force of Mr Whatsit.
Now, we’ve seen the kids saved by music before, so what’s Nancy going to do when she realises Jonathan’s in mortal danger? Head to the cassettes and yes, you guessed it, find the ring. Cue maximum devastation.
Could our writers be so cruel? Let’s see.
Steve Harrington +315 | Implied Probability 24%
Second shortest odds on impending doom currently go to none other than Steve Harrington. Some say that Steve’s moody demeanour in the first four episodes point to him being the character most likely to be sacrificed by writers this season. Harsh if true.
The character arc that’s led to him becoming the kids’ “babysitter” also puts him in considerable danger, given the fact that certain death is only ever a few steps away from this crowd.
It’s been argued that Steve’s arc now feels complete, and there’s nowhere else for the writers to go with him. And that too could mean his time is up, in this world and the Upside Down.
Will Byers +375 | Implied Probability 21%
Will’s connection to the Upside Down has always been hugely important in this story, and that’s another plot line that’s circling back for season five.
In the closing scene of episode four we saw just how closely linked Will and Vecna have become, as Will began to channel the powers of Eleven’s arch nemesis. These new psychic abilities could be just what Hawkins need to pull through this tale, but their discovery could also point to Will’s imminent demise.
The real question is, will Will and Vecna’s connection be severed this season - and if so, what might that mean for Will?
Eleven +425 | Implied Probability 19%
Eleven emerged as an early favourite to meet her maker this season, but she’s since slipped down to fourth place in the odds.
Millie Bobby Brown’s character is of course key to the story; it was her discovery that started it all. And as the real force to be reckoned with in Hawkins, fan theories point to her being the one to take on Vecna in what promises to be a nail-biting finale.
A showdown between 001 and 011 could well be the one that doesn’t go Eleven’s way, though, considering the incredible power demonstrated by Vecna so far.
Eleven does have the support of her friends, both psychic and not, but Vecna has a whole army of demogorgons at his beck and call…
Jim Hopper +490 | Implied Probability 17%
Hopper has already been killed off once (or so we thought) but it seems he’s in danger once again this season. Another likely candidate to make a sharp exit before the season finale, Hopper’s could well be the shock death we’re all waiting for.
Jim Hopper is the classic protector, so there are many plot twists that could see him put in moral peril. If the show’s writers have chosen to save a character like Eleven, it could well be Hopper who dies trying to save her.
Given the fact that he’s done little else in the four episodes we’ve seen so far, that wouldn’t come as a huge surprise.
Who will be killed off in Stranger Things season five? Our odds sleeper
Dustin Henderson +810 | Implied Probability 11%
Dustin’s not playing games this season. He told us right from the outset that he wants to see Vecna’s heart on a platter, and he’s looking quite determined to achieve that dream.
Vecna’s powers could easily put a stop to that, though, and cause Dustin’s demise at the same time. While we’d hate to see it happen, the end of the show’s most loveable nerd is our sleeper at +810.
