Summary
Eddie Munson's tragic backstory is further explored in an upcoming Stranger Things prequel novel called Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus by Caitlin Schneiderhan.
Munson is featured in a newly released excerpt from the novel, showcasing him playing the guitar in a recording studio. The excerpt reveals that heavy metal music serves as an escape for him, helping him cope with the pain of losing his mother at the tender age of six.
Eddie's endearing eccentricity and kind nature quickly endeared him to viewers, making him a beloved addition to the show's cast in season 4. However, it was his epic sacrifice in the season's final episode that firmly established him as a fan-favorite character.
Additional details about Eddie Munson's tragic background are unveiled in a preview from an upcoming prequel novel of Stranger Things. Originally premiered on Netflix in 2016, Stranger Things swiftly gained immense popularity as one of the streaming platform's most beloved original series. Its fourth season, debuted in the previous year, further propelled the epic tale forward by introducing Joseph Quinn's character, Eddie, who valiantly gave his life in the battle against the formidable new adversary, Vecna. Please note that your browser lacks support for the video tag.
Why Eddie Is Such A Memorable Stranger Things Character
As the anticipation for the highly-anticipated Stranger Things season 5 builds up, EW has unveiled a captivating snippet from Caitlin Schneiderhan's upcoming novel, Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus. Transporting us back in time, the novel delves into Eddie's life two years prior to the events of season 4, providing a fascinating exploration of the character's aspirations to become a musician. Within the excerpt, Eddie finds himself immersed in a recording studio, absorbing the atmosphere around him. Subsequently, he confides in his producer, revealing the heart-wrenching fact that he lost his mother at the tender age of six. Embracing heavy metal music, Eddie discovered a gateway to an alternate realm brimming with awe-inspiring adventures.
The Stranger Things cast has significantly expanded, featuring a diverse array of main and supporting characters. Among them, Eddie quickly stole the audience's hearts in season 4. He portrayed the eccentric dungeon master at Hawkins High School's Dungeons & Dragons club while also proving to be a loyal friend to Chrissy (Grace Van Dien). Despite his occasional bold and rebellious behavior, the first episode clearly demonstrates his inherent kindness.
After becoming the primary suspect in Chrissy's murder, Eddie finds himself not only evading the authorities but also running from a group of vengeful high school students. Despite being the underdog and facing unfortunate circumstances, Eddie captures the audience's support, which intensifies as the season progresses. Eddie's memorable character is also accentuated by his untimely demise.
In a pattern established by Stranger Things, beloved supporting characters are often killed off, generating early concerns for Eddie's fate. Throughout the season, Eddie spends his time in escape mode, but he ultimately transforms into a true hero during the finale of Stranger Things season 4. In a pivotal moment, Eddie sacrifices himself for his friends, engaging in an awe-inspiring performance of Metallica's "Master of Puppets" to distract Vecna as part of a larger plan. Although Eddie's death appears permanent, suggesting his absence in season 5, the anticipated prequel promises an exciting expansion of this fan-favorite character's story.
Source: EW