The upcoming season of Stranger Things may carry on the battle against Vecna, but viewers are still mourning the heartbreaking loss of Eddie Munson. Recent behind-the-scenes images are only adding to the emotional impact for fans.
Eddie Munson, a new addition to the show for one season, quickly became a beloved character in Stranger Things lore. As the town "freak," a local dealer, and leader of the Hellfire Club, the metalhead resonated with fans who empathized with his struggles of town ostracism, the loss of his mother, an absent father, and his status as an outcast.
Speculation by fans that Eddie would meet a tragic end in Season 4 turned out to be true, as he died heroically in the Upside Down while protecting Dustin and the others from demobats. Despite their anger over his demise, fans have brainstormed theories about his potential return and even launched a petition to bring him back. However, it appears that their wish for Eddie to reappear in Stranger Things Season 5 will not be granted.
Will Eddie Munson return for Stranger Things Season 5?
Based on set photos released on social media, Eddie is likely not to return as fans hoped as the images show Dustin next to Eddie’s vandalized grave.
According to X/Twitter, recent photos of the set show actor Gaten Matarazzo back in character with a new look that has stunned fans due to its resemblance to his fallen mentor. He is seen wearing a torn-up Hellfire shirt, several rings, and a longer mullet. However, what really caught everyone's attention was what he was standing next to: the grave of Eddie Munson. Adding to the somber scene was the tombstone reading, "Now at peace," which left many fans feeling heartbroken. Adding to the distress was the apparent vandalism seen on the tombstone, with the words "Burn" or "Burn in hell" being visible.
Hawkins despised Eddie and frequently accused him of being a devil worshipper, leading the townspeople to believe he was involved in Chrissy’s murder. Even after his death, his uncle had to replace his missing person poster multiple times due to vandalism. Although fans and the characters in the story view him as a hero, the townspeople will always see him as a villain.
The photos stirred up strong emotions among the fans.
"are you still in that Eddie Munson phase?- It's 2024 already" HOW CAN WE STAY SILENT IF THEY PULLED SHIT LIKE THIS?!? pic.twitter.com/lSLNRivA3l
— Roshan (@raddsofficial) January 12, 2024
“Are you still fixated on Eddie Munson? It's 2024 already. How can we stay silent about this nonsense?!?," one fan commented on X/Twitter.
Me and Eddie Munson, if he doesn't rise from the grave. [image attached]
— katie is BREAD! w salty butter (@mvnsonxs) January 11, 2024
Another said, “Me and eddie munson if he doesn’t crawl out of the grave.”
So much happening! Dustin wearing the Hellfire Club shirt and some rings (possibly in honor of Eddie Munson?), and Eddie's grave being vandalized???? I can't stop crying 😢 pic.twitter.com/qrDehgwJA1
— Joseph Quinn Thinker (@josephqthinkerr) January 11, 2024
One fan exclaimed, "So much happening!!! Dustin in the Hellfire Club shirt and rings (perhaps in tribute to Eddie Munson?), AND EDDIE’S GRAVE VANDALIZED?????? I'M IN TEARS,". Here's a picture of me and Eddie Munson in case you're interested. pic.twitter.com/OODHx2XXSm
— kate🩶 (@mescalquinn) January 11, 2024
Another even took the opportunity to quote the now-famous grave scene from Saltburn. “This is me and Eddie Munson if you even care,” they said.
Explore all the details on Stranger Things Season 5 in our comprehensive hub. Some have wondered if the Duffer brothers are enjoying toying with fans' emotions, as numerous theories have emerged about Eddie possibly coming back as Kas after his death. Fans have been able to get their Eddie fix through his prequel novel.
Editor's P/S
As a die-hard fan of Stranger Things, I was devastated when Eddie Munson met his untimely demise in Season 4. His character quickly became a fan favorite, and his death left a void that no other character could fill. The recent behind-the-scenes images from Season 5 only add to the pain, as they show Dustin standing next to Eddie's vandalized grave. It's heartbreaking to see that even in death, Eddie is not at peace. The vandalism on his tombstone is a stark reminder of the prejudice and hatred he faced from the people of Hawkins.
Despite the overwhelming evidence that Eddie will not be returning in Season 5, I still hold out a glimmer of hope. The Duffer brothers have a history of surprising their fans, and I wouldn't put it past them to pull off a miraculous resurrection. Eddie's death was a major turning point in the story, and it would be a shame if his character were to be forgotten so soon. I believe that Eddie still has a lot to offer the show, and I hope that the Duffer brothers will find a way to bring him back.