The Dilemma of Growing Up
Stranger Things season 5 is facing a significant dilemma as the original cast of young actors has grown up over the years, making it challenging for them to convincingly portray their on-screen characters.
Jonathan, Will, Nancy, Eleven, Joyce, Hopper, and Mike looking up at the sky in the final scene of Stranger Things season 4.
The show's core group of young teenagers, including Eleven, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Will, have aged between 19 and 22, posing a credibility issue for the series as they struggle to pass as 15-16-year-olds.
Vecna red and looking angry and Eleven looking determined in Stranger Things season 4.
Twitter article posted by Stranger Things
Character Teases and the Necessity of a Time Jump
Judging from recent behind-the-scenes images and official posts, it has become evident that the aging of the cast makes a time jump essential for Stranger Things season 5 to maintain the authenticity of its characters and storyline.
Several key characters, including Erica and Jonathan, are intended to be much younger than the actors portraying them, highlighting the need for a time jump to align with the characters' ages and the actors' appearances.
The Benefits of a Time Jump for the Story
A time jump in Stranger Things season 5 presents an opportunity for the show to explore the aftermath of Eleven's battle with Vecna and the impact of the Upside Down on Hawkins over an extended period.
Additionally, the time jump could provide a means to address unresolved plot points, such as Max's recovery from a coma, and offer a compelling conclusion to the series as it delves into the long-term effects of the Upside Down.