How we know the 'Stranger Things' conformity gate fan theory isn't real Taijuan Moorman and Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY January 7, 2026 at 8:11 AM 0 How we know the 'Stranger Things' conformity gate fan theory isn't real Some "Stranger Things" fans may be having a hard time saying goodbye. The Netflix show has even taken to its social media bios to remind viewers that "ALL EPISODES OF STRANGER THINGS ARE NOW PLAYING," after a fan conspiracy theory dubbed "conformity gate," which claims a secret bonus episode of the show will be released, took off online.
- - How we know the 'Stranger Things' conformity gate fan theory isn't real
Taijuan Moorman and Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY January 7, 2026 at 8:11 AM
0
How we know the 'Stranger Things' conformity gate fan theory isn't real
Some "Stranger Things" fans may be having a hard time saying goodbye.
The Netflix show has even taken to its social media bios to remind viewers that "ALL EPISODES OF STRANGER THINGS ARE NOW PLAYING," after a fan conspiracy theory dubbed "conformity gate," which claims a secret bonus episode of the show will be released, took off online. Proponents of the theory claimed the alleged bonus episode would be released on Jan. 7.
One part of the theory suggests that because Vecna, the series' central villain, can make people hallucinate, the events of the series finale will be revealed to be a trick in the "real" finale.
But while some viewers may have been less than satisfied with its conclusion, "Stranger Things" officially aired its series finale on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31. There is no indication that any additional episodes are coming.
USA TODAY has reached out to Netflix for comment.
From left: Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown and Gaten Matarazzo attend Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 world premiere at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on Nov. 6, 2025, in Hollywood, California.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Fast forward a decade later to Nov. 6, 2025, at the final red carpet premiere of "Stranger Things," as the cast prepares to say goodbye to the end of an area filled with Demogorgons, Mind Flayers, bicycle rides, Eggos, secret labs, first loves, heartbreaks and the biggest bad of them all: Vecna. From left: Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown and Gaten Matarazzo attend Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 world premiere at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on Nov. 6, 2025, in Hollywood, California.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/ev8DpcH class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Fast forward a decade later to Nov. 6, 2025, at the final red carpet premiere of "Stranger Things," as the cast prepares to say goodbye to the end of an area filled with Demogorgons, Mind Flayers, bicycle rides, Eggos, secret labs, first loves, heartbreaks and the biggest bad of them all: Vecna. From left: Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown and Gaten Matarazzo attend Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 world premiere at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on Nov. 6, 2025, in Hollywood, California.
">Fast forward a decade later to Nov. 6, 2025, at the final red carpet premiere of "Stranger Things," as the cast prepares to say goodbye to the end of an area filled with Demogorgons, Mind Flayers, bicycle rides, Eggos, secret labs, first loves, heartbreaks and the biggest bad of them all: Vecna. From left: Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown and Gaten Matarazzo attend Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 world premiere at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on Nov. 6, 2025, in Hollywood, California.
" src=https://ift.tt/ev8DpcH class=caas-img>which will also be hitting theaters).After the Season 5 premiere in Los Angeles, Jamie Campbell Bower, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, and Finn Wolfhard attended a For Your Consideration event at Netflix's Tudum Theater on Nov. 8, 2025.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Following the first batch of episodes, fans will have to wait until Christmas Day for "Volume 2" to binge three more episodes. Finally, it will all come to a bittersweet end on New Year's Eve with the series finale (which will also be hitting theaters).After the Season 5 premiere in Los Angeles, Jamie Campbell Bower, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, and Finn Wolfhard attended a For Your Consideration event at Netflix's Tudum Theater on Nov. 8, 2025.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/bA0jLgw class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Following the first batch of episodes, fans will have to wait until Christmas Day for "Volume 2" to binge three more episodes. Finally, it will all come to a bittersweet end on New Year's Eve with the series finale (which will also be hitting theaters).After the Season 5 premiere in Los Angeles, Jamie Campbell Bower, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, and Finn Wolfhard attended a For Your Consideration event at Netflix's Tudum Theater on Nov. 8, 2025.
">Following the first batch of episodes, fans will have to wait until Christmas Day for "Volume 2" to binge three more episodes. Finally, it will all come to a bittersweet end on New Year's Eve with the series finale (which will also be hitting theaters).After the Season 5 premiere in Los Angeles, Jamie Campbell Bower, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, and Finn Wolfhard attended a For Your Consideration event at Netflix's Tudum Theater on Nov. 8, 2025.
" src=https://ift.tt/bA0jLgw class=caas-img> (no pun intended) when she attended the Season 1 premiere of "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Millie Bobby Brown was only 11 (no pun intended) when she attended the Season 1 premiere of "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/kjhQsiV class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Millie Bobby Brown was only 11 (no pun intended) when she attended the Season 1 premiere of "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.
">Millie Bobby Brown was only 11 (no pun intended) when she attended the Season 1 premiere of "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.
" src=https://ift.tt/kjhQsiV class=caas-img>Now 21, Brown is all grown up in a Rodarte black gown at the final premiere.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/fEyo1Yu class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Now 21, Brown is all grown up in a Rodarte black gown at the final premiere.
">Now 21, Brown is all grown up in a Rodarte black gown at the final premiere.
" src=https://ift.tt/fEyo1Yu class=caas-img>On Nov. 13, 2025, Brown wore another elegant black gown at the UK screening of "Stranger Things 5" at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/gcoTd3R class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
On Nov. 13, 2025, Brown wore another elegant black gown at the UK screening of "Stranger Things 5" at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London.
">On Nov. 13, 2025, Brown wore another elegant black gown at the UK screening of "Stranger Things 5" at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London.
" src=https://ift.tt/gcoTd3R class=caas-img>Noah Schnapp was also 11 when "Stranger Things" first began.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/vQ26pBV class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Noah Schnapp was also 11 when "Stranger Things" first began.
">Noah Schnapp was also 11 when "Stranger Things" first began.
" src=https://ift.tt/vQ26pBV class=caas-img>Schnapp, now 21, looked dapper at the final "Stranger Things" premiere.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/cUgwYsS class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Schnapp, now 21, looked dapper at the final "Stranger Things" premiere.
">Schnapp, now 21, looked dapper at the final "Stranger Things" premiere.
" src=https://ift.tt/cUgwYsS class=caas-img>Schnapp and Brown, who have fostered a close friendship offscreen, share a laugh at the London premiere of "Season Things 5."
" data-src=https://ift.tt/yLc2NHG class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Schnapp and Brown, who have fostered a close friendship offscreen, share a laugh at the London premiere of "Season Things 5."
">Schnapp and Brown, who have fostered a close friendship offscreen, share a laugh at the London premiere of "Season Things 5."
" src=https://ift.tt/yLc2NHG class=caas-img>Gaten Matarazzo was almost 13 when "Stranger Things" premiered in 2016.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/M7mnfkA class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Gaten Matarazzo was almost 13 when "Stranger Things" premiered in 2016.
">Gaten Matarazzo was almost 13 when "Stranger Things" premiered in 2016.
" src=https://ift.tt/M7mnfkA class=caas-img>Matarazzo, now 23, who plays the beloved Dustin Henderson onscreen, looked rocked a three-piece dark grey suit at the final "Stranger Things" premiere.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/hrCnBzN class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Matarazzo, now 23, who plays the beloved Dustin Henderson onscreen, looked rocked a three-piece dark grey suit at the final "Stranger Things" premiere.
">Matarazzo, now 23, who plays the beloved Dustin Henderson onscreen, looked rocked a three-piece dark grey suit at the final "Stranger Things" premiere.
" src=https://ift.tt/hrCnBzN class=caas-img>Matarazzo at the London screening of the final season.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/FmjrUdQ class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Matarazzo at the London screening of the final season.
">Matarazzo at the London screening of the final season.
" src=https://ift.tt/FmjrUdQ class=caas-img>Caleb McLaughlin was almost 14 when "Stranger Things" Season 1 premiered in the summer of 2016.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/g4c5UNJ class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Caleb McLaughlin was almost 14 when "Stranger Things" Season 1 premiered in the summer of 2016.
">Caleb McLaughlin was almost 14 when "Stranger Things" Season 1 premiered in the summer of 2016.
" src=https://ift.tt/g4c5UNJ class=caas-img>McLaughlin, now 24, attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/hqSV25p class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
McLaughlin, now 24, attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 in Los Angeles.
">McLaughlin, now 24, attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 in Los Angeles.
" src=https://ift.tt/hqSV25p class=caas-img>McLaughlin wore custom Joshua Kane at the London premiere.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/OUugTiG class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
McLaughlin wore custom Joshua Kane at the London premiere.
">McLaughlin wore custom Joshua Kane at the London premiere.
" src=https://ift.tt/OUugTiG class=caas-img>Finn Wolfhard was almost 12 when "Stranger Things" premiered in 2016.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/el32Cxc class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Finn Wolfhard was almost 12 when "Stranger Things" premiered in 2016.
">Finn Wolfhard was almost 12 when "Stranger Things" premiered in 2016.
" src=https://ift.tt/el32Cxc class=caas-img>Wolfhard, now 22, spoke to USA TODAY at the "Stranger Things 5" red carpet about how it feels to say goodbye to the hit Netflix show and his costars.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/pAxaIjU class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Wolfhard, now 22, spoke to USA TODAY at the "Stranger Things 5" red carpet about how it feels to say goodbye to the hit Netflix show and his costars.
">Wolfhard, now 22, spoke to USA TODAY at the "Stranger Things 5" red carpet about how it feels to say goodbye to the hit Netflix show and his costars.
" src=https://ift.tt/pAxaIjU class=caas-img>"I feel like I haven't ever said goodbye totally," Wolfhard said. "It comes in waves, I feel like. But it's really nice to be able to be here with everyone and experience sort of the end, even though it doesn't really feel like the end, because we all still talk a lot."
" data-src=https://ift.tt/HLcMxKb class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
"I feel like I haven't ever said goodbye totally," Wolfhard said. "It comes in waves, I feel like. But it's really nice to be able to be here with everyone and experience sort of the end, even though it doesn't really feel like the end, because we all still talk a lot."
">"I feel like I haven't ever said goodbye totally," Wolfhard said. "It comes in waves, I feel like. But it's really nice to be able to be here with everyone and experience sort of the end, even though it doesn't really feel like the end, because we all still talk a lot."
" src=https://ift.tt/HLcMxKb class=caas-img>Natalia Dyer was 20 years old when she first appeared on Netflix's "Stranger Things" in 2016.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/XcopwTZ class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Natalia Dyer was 20 years old when she first appeared on Netflix's "Stranger Things" in 2016.
">Natalia Dyer was 20 years old when she first appeared on Netflix's "Stranger Things" in 2016.
" src=https://ift.tt/XcopwTZ class=caas-img>Dyer, now ushering a new season as a soon-to-be 31-year-old, opted to wear a bold red dress for the final "Stranger Things" premiere as she did for the first.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/7eRYqkg class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Dyer, now ushering a new season as a soon-to-be 31-year-old, opted to wear a bold red dress for the final "Stranger Things" premiere as she did for the first.
">Dyer, now ushering a new season as a soon-to-be 31-year-old, opted to wear a bold red dress for the final "Stranger Things" premiere as she did for the first.
" src=https://ift.tt/7eRYqkg class=caas-img>Dyer attends the "Stranger Things 5" screening in London on Nov. 13, 2025.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/kB7tqwC class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Dyer attends the "Stranger Things 5" screening in London on Nov. 13, 2025.
">Dyer attends the "Stranger Things 5" screening in London on Nov. 13, 2025.
" src=https://ift.tt/kB7tqwC class=caas-img>After a breakout Season 1 of "Stranger Things," the core cast was back at it on the red carpet circuit for Season 2. Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown attend the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 2 at Regency Bruin Theatre on Oct. 26, 2017.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/5x0rNBS class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
After a breakout Season 1 of "Stranger Things," the core cast was back at it on the red carpet circuit for Season 2. Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown attend the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 2 at Regency Bruin Theatre on Oct. 26, 2017.
">After a breakout Season 1 of "Stranger Things," the core cast was back at it on the red carpet circuit for Season 2. Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown attend the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 2 at Regency Bruin Theatre on Oct. 26, 2017.
" src=https://ift.tt/5x0rNBS class=caas-img>"The Goonies" actor Sean Astin, "Beverly Hills Cop" actor Paul Reiser and "Teenland" actress Linnea Berthelsen also joined the cast.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Season 2 of the show saw new cast additions including Sadie Sink as May Mayfield and Dacre Montgomery as her brother, Billy Hargrove. "The Goonies" actor Sean Astin, "Beverly Hills Cop" actor Paul Reiser and "Teenland" actress Linnea Berthelsen also joined the cast.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/SWxj5aJ class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Season 2 of the show saw new cast additions including Sadie Sink as May Mayfield and Dacre Montgomery as her brother, Billy Hargrove. "The Goonies" actor Sean Astin, "Beverly Hills Cop" actor Paul Reiser and "Teenland" actress Linnea Berthelsen also joined the cast.
">Season 2 of the show saw new cast additions including Sadie Sink as May Mayfield and Dacre Montgomery as her brother, Billy Hargrove. "The Goonies" actor Sean Astin, "Beverly Hills Cop" actor Paul Reiser and "Teenland" actress Linnea Berthelsen also joined the cast.
" src=https://ift.tt/SWxj5aJ class=caas-img>Sadie Sink, now 23, attends Netflix's "Stranger Things 2" premiere on Oct. 26, 2017, in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/D8bQYC4 class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Sadie Sink, now 23, attends Netflix's "Stranger Things 2" premiere on Oct. 26, 2017, in Los Angeles.
">Sadie Sink, now 23, attends Netflix's "Stranger Things 2" premiere on Oct. 26, 2017, in Los Angeles.
" src=https://ift.tt/D8bQYC4 class=caas-img>Sink attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/FTpX6Qz class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Sink attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 in Los Angeles.
">Sink attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 in Los Angeles.
" src=https://ift.tt/FTpX6Qz class=caas-img>Sink attends a "Stranger Things" Season 5 screening in London.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/O7NAel5 class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Sink attends a "Stranger Things" Season 5 screening in London.
">Sink attends a "Stranger Things" Season 5 screening in London.
" src=https://ift.tt/O7NAel5 class=caas-img>Brown walked hand-in-hand with costar Sink on the black carpet at the Hollywood premiere of "Stranger Things" Season 5 on Nov. 6, at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Brown walked hand-in-hand with costar Sink on the black carpet at the Hollywood premiere of "Stranger Things" Season 5 on Nov. 6, at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/nEMmHoV class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Brown walked hand-in-hand with costar Sink on the black carpet at the Hollywood premiere of "Stranger Things" Season 5 on Nov. 6, at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre.
">Brown walked hand-in-hand with costar Sink on the black carpet at the Hollywood premiere of "Stranger Things" Season 5 on Nov. 6, at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre.
" src=https://ift.tt/nEMmHoV class=caas-img>The two have been red carpet besties since the beginning.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/deTQm9W class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
The two have been red carpet besties since the beginning.
">The two have been red carpet besties since the beginning.
" src=https://ift.tt/deTQm9W class=caas-img>Joe Keery, now 33, has been part of the original "Stranger Things" cast since Season 1.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/cbwBCxI class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Joe Keery, now 33, has been part of the original "Stranger Things" cast since Season 1.
">Joe Keery, now 33, has been part of the original "Stranger Things" cast since Season 1.
" src=https://ift.tt/cbwBCxI class=caas-img>Fast forward a decade later, Keery has also forayed into the music industry.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/8nODYw3 class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Fast forward a decade later, Keery has also forayed into the music industry.
">Fast forward a decade later, Keery has also forayed into the music industry.
" src=https://ift.tt/8nODYw3 class=caas-img>Keery opts for an edgy, all-black look at the final premiere of "Stranger Things" in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/pSB3RJO class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Keery opts for an edgy, all-black look at the final premiere of "Stranger Things" in Los Angeles.
">Keery opts for an edgy, all-black look at the final premiere of "Stranger Things" in Los Angeles.
" src=https://ift.tt/pSB3RJO class=caas-img>Here he is pictured at the 2017 BAFTA Tea Party at Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Charlie Heaton, the brooding Jonathan Byers on "Stranger Things," has also been on the show since the start. Here he is pictured at the 2017 BAFTA Tea Party at Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/73fHNv6 class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Charlie Heaton, the brooding Jonathan Byers on "Stranger Things," has also been on the show since the start. Here he is pictured at the 2017 BAFTA Tea Party at Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.
">Charlie Heaton, the brooding Jonathan Byers on "Stranger Things," has also been on the show since the start. Here he is pictured at the 2017 BAFTA Tea Party at Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.
" src=https://ift.tt/73fHNv6 class=caas-img>Heaton, now 31, attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" final season.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Kq1yUHx class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Heaton, now 31, attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" final season.
">Heaton, now 31, attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" final season.
" src=https://ift.tt/Kq1yUHx class=caas-img>Heaton, a UK native, attends the "Stranger Things" screening in London.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/ambdcqB class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Heaton, a UK native, attends the "Stranger Things" screening in London.
">Heaton, a UK native, attends the "Stranger Things" screening in London.
" src=https://ift.tt/ambdcqB class=caas-img>Mother! Winona Ryder attends the Season 1 premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/9NfBQiH class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Mother! Winona Ryder attends the Season 1 premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.
">Mother! Winona Ryder attends the Season 1 premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.
" src=https://ift.tt/9NfBQiH class=caas-img>Ryder attends the 2025 world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/cdX13ZD class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Ryder attends the 2025 world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" in Los Angeles.
">Ryder attends the 2025 world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" in Los Angeles.
" src=https://ift.tt/cdX13ZD class=caas-img>Blast from the past! David Harbour at the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/G2dbivg class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Blast from the past! David Harbour at the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016.
">Blast from the past! David Harbour at the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016.
" src=https://ift.tt/G2dbivg class=caas-img>David Harbour, now 50, attends the final premiere of "Stranger Things." He plays Jim Hopper.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/3GxU0Za class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
David Harbour, now 50, attends the final premiere of "Stranger Things." He plays Jim Hopper.
">David Harbour, now 50, attends the final premiere of "Stranger Things." He plays Jim Hopper.
" src=https://ift.tt/3GxU0Za class=caas-img>Father-daughter duo from the start. Harbour and Brown attend the after party for the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" in 2016.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/f70bV2P class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Father-daughter duo from the start. Harbour and Brown attend the after party for the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" in 2016.
">Father-daughter duo from the start. Harbour and Brown attend the after party for the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" in 2016.
" src=https://ift.tt/f70bV2P class=caas-img>Daily Mail on Nov. 1 that Brown had allegedly filed a harassment and bullying claim against her onscreen dad before filming began. During the Nov. 7 premiere, however, the actors showed a united front, conveying nothing but admiration toward each other as phones and cameras measured their every move.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>The final "Stranger Things" premiere was nearly plagued with controversy after reports surfaced from the Daily Mail on Nov. 1 that Brown had allegedly filed a harassment and bullying claim against her onscreen dad before filming began. During the Nov. 7 premiere, however, the actors showed a united front, conveying nothing but admiration toward each other as phones and cameras measured their every move.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/b5iWlR7 class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
The final "Stranger Things" premiere was nearly plagued with controversy after reports surfaced from the Daily Mail on Nov. 1 that Brown had allegedly filed a harassment and bullying claim against her onscreen dad before filming began. During the Nov. 7 premiere, however, the actors showed a united front, conveying nothing but admiration toward each other as phones and cameras measured their every move.
">The final "Stranger Things" premiere was nearly plagued with controversy after reports surfaced from the Daily Mail on Nov. 1 that Brown had allegedly filed a harassment and bullying claim against her onscreen dad before filming began. During the Nov. 7 premiere, however, the actors showed a united front, conveying nothing but admiration toward each other as phones and cameras measured their every move.
" src=https://ift.tt/b5iWlR7 class=caas-img>Here she is pictured at the Season 3 premiere of the show on June 28, 2019, in Santa Monica, California.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Priah Ferguson, who plays Lucas Sinclair's younger sister Erica Sinclair, also joined the cast of "Stranger Things" in Season 1. She has gradually become a fan favorite with her sassy attitude and quick wit toward her onscreen brother Caleb and the rest of the Hawkins gang. Here she is pictured at the Season 3 premiere of the show on June 28, 2019, in Santa Monica, California.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/zSacsni class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Priah Ferguson, who plays Lucas Sinclair's younger sister Erica Sinclair, also joined the cast of "Stranger Things" in Season 1. She has gradually become a fan favorite with her sassy attitude and quick wit toward her onscreen brother Caleb and the rest of the Hawkins gang. Here she is pictured at the Season 3 premiere of the show on June 28, 2019, in Santa Monica, California.
">Priah Ferguson, who plays Lucas Sinclair's younger sister Erica Sinclair, also joined the cast of "Stranger Things" in Season 1. She has gradually become a fan favorite with her sassy attitude and quick wit toward her onscreen brother Caleb and the rest of the Hawkins gang. Here she is pictured at the Season 3 premiere of the show on June 28, 2019, in Santa Monica, California.
" src=https://ift.tt/zSacsni class=caas-img>Priah Ferguson attends Netflix's "Stranger Things" red carpet premiere for Season 5.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/tJr83B6 class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Priah Ferguson attends Netflix's "Stranger Things" red carpet premiere for Season 5.
">Priah Ferguson attends Netflix's "Stranger Things" red carpet premiere for Season 5.
" src=https://ift.tt/tJr83B6 class=caas-img>
Say "Vecna"! "Stranger Things" cast Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown (front right) attend the BUILD Series at AOL HQ on Aug. 31, 2016, in New York City.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/MYzUjaD class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Say "Vecna"! "Stranger Things" cast Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown (front right) attend the BUILD Series at AOL HQ on Aug. 31, 2016, in New York City.
">Say "Vecna"! "Stranger Things" cast Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown (front right) attend the BUILD Series at AOL HQ on Aug. 31, 2016, in New York City.
" src=https://ift.tt/MYzUjaD class=caas-img>Strike a pose! The Core Four of Hawkins hit the 22nd annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on Dec. 11, 2016, in Santa Monica, California.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/7XZDUQ9 class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Strike a pose! The Core Four of Hawkins hit the 22nd annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on Dec. 11, 2016, in Santa Monica, California.
">Strike a pose! The Core Four of Hawkins hit the 22nd annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on Dec. 11, 2016, in Santa Monica, California.
" src=https://ift.tt/7XZDUQ9 class=caas-img>Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp and Gaten Matarazzo at the 22nd annual Critics' Choice Awards.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/9wlunHm class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="
Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp and Gaten Matarazzo at the 22nd annual Critics' Choice Awards.
">Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp and Gaten Matarazzo at the 22nd annual Critics' Choice Awards.
" src=https://ift.tt/9wlunHm class=caas-img>
1 / 46'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up
Fast forward a decade later to Nov. 6, 2025, at the final red carpet premiere of "Stranger Things," as the cast prepares to say goodbye to the end of an area filled with Demogorgons, Mind Flayers, bicycle rides, Eggos, secret labs, first loves, heartbreaks and the biggest bad of them all: Vecna. From left: Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown and Gaten Matarazzo attend Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 world premiere at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on Nov. 6, 2025, in Hollywood, California.
The conformity gate fan theory comes after some viewers raised a similarly debunked fan theory that significant cuts were made to the newest season in response to what some deemed poor storytelling. There has been no evidence to support the claims, but despite this, a Change.org petition demanding the release of the "unseen footage" has attracted nearly 400,000 signatures.
Sadie Sink reveals her surprising take on 'Stranger Things' ending
Randy Havens, who plays teacher Scott Clarke, took to Instagram to assure viewers there is "no secret Snyder cut of the show," referring to Zack Snyder's director's cut of "Justice League."
"Stranger Things" creators Matt and Ross Duffer also debunked claims of cut scenes in an interview with Variety. "Obviously, that's not a real thing," Matt Duffer said, while Ross Duffer added, "I don't think there's a single cut scene in the entire season."
"The show has just grown so massive," Matt Duffer told Variety. "Online, there's just so much misinformation. Just tons of it. We would be here for hours trying to bat down the stuff that was not true. But at the end of the day, hopefully the work speaks for itself, and it is the show that Ross and I wanted to make."
What may be adding fuel to the fire is the series' ambiguous ending. But in interviews after the finale, the Duffers said they intentionally left it that way so fans would decide what happened for themselves.
Murals of "Stranger Things" characters adorn the walls of a building on Jackson's Square, which served as the setting of downtown Hawkins.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Tucked about an hour south of Atlanta, Jackson has quietly become a must-stop for "Stranger Things" fans. The small town is a gateway between real-life Southern charm and Netflix-era nostalgia.Murals of "Stranger Things" characters adorn the walls of a building on Jackson's Square, which served as the setting of downtown Hawkins.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/2nYclqh class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' isn't over for the town where the series filmed" data-caption="
Tucked about an hour south of Atlanta, Jackson has quietly become a must-stop for "Stranger Things" fans. The small town is a gateway between real-life Southern charm and Netflix-era nostalgia.Murals of "Stranger Things" characters adorn the walls of a building on Jackson's Square, which served as the setting of downtown Hawkins.
">Tucked about an hour south of Atlanta, Jackson has quietly become a must-stop for "Stranger Things" fans. The small town is a gateway between real-life Southern charm and Netflix-era nostalgia.Murals of "Stranger Things" characters adorn the walls of a building on Jackson's Square, which served as the setting of downtown Hawkins.
" src=https://ift.tt/2nYclqh class=caas-img>
Visitors can find more photo opportunities inside Hawkins Headquarters, as well as an arcade and 80's-style merchandise. Stranger Tours also operates out of the same space.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/48jZImN class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' isn't over for the town where the series filmed" data-caption="
Visitors can find more photo opportunities inside Hawkins Headquarters, as well as an arcade and 80's-style merchandise. Stranger Tours also operates out of the same space.
">Visitors can find more photo opportunities inside Hawkins Headquarters, as well as an arcade and 80's-style merchandise. Stranger Tours also operates out of the same space.
" src=https://ift.tt/48jZImN class=caas-img>
1 / 11'Stranger Things' isn't over for the town where the series filmed
Tucked about an hour south of Atlanta, Jackson has quietly become a must-stop for "Stranger Things" fans. The small town is a gateway between real-life Southern charm and Netflix-era nostalgia.Murals of "Stranger Things" characters adorn the walls of a building on Jackson's Square, which served as the setting of downtown Hawkins.
'Stranger Things' star Noah Schnapp says child actors need therapy
The Duffers also said on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast that they don't intend to ever revisit the "Stranger Things" characters, affirming the series finale is how they wanted to close the book.
Not everyone is having a hard time saying goodbye. Star Noah Schnapp talked to USA TODAY about the bittersweet ending of the series, saying while he is "so sad" for the conclusion, "If we had another season of 'Stranger Things,' it would just be so tired. This is the perfect time to end it."
The series may be over, but more "Stranger Things" content is in the works. A behind-the-scenes documentary, "One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5," will premiere on Netflix on Jan. 12. A live-action spinoff series is also in development, and an animated series will debut in 2026.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Stranger Things' conformity gate fan theory debunked by series
Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: Entertainment
Published: January 07, 2026 at 04:36PM on Source: RED MAG
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