Stranger Things Season 5 Opening Reveals Will Byers' 1983 Ordeal
At Netflix TUDUM on November 6, 2025, an exclusive preview showed the first five minutes of Stranger Things Season 5. The event took place at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and promised a brutal start to the final season.
Opening Scene Details
The premiere begins with Will Byers in 1983, shortly after his kidnapping by the Demogorgon. The 12-year-old lies in the Upside Down forest, quietly singing “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” in his sleep. Suddenly, he wakes up terrified as he hears the Demogorgon approaching.
- Will grabs a gun and fires at the creature, but it has no effect.
- He flees, climbing trees to escape, but falls and loses consciousness.
- The Demogorgon drags him to a new location where Vecna appears, surrounded by tentacles gripping Will and pressing him against a wall.
“The spine-chilling video made it clear that it will surpass everyone’s expectations in terms of brutality.”
Vecna’s Terrifying Presence
Vecna, as horrifying as ever, is shown using tentacles to subdue Will, intensifying the sense of danger at the season’s start.
Summary
This preview deepens the mystery of Will’s past trauma in the Upside Down and sets a dark tone for the series conclusion.
“A few seconds later, he wakes up, all terrified. Well, who wouldn’t?”
Author’s note: The opening minutes reveal a harrowing glimpse of Will Byers' struggle immediately after his 1983 kidnapping, highlighting the season’s intense atmosphere.