Summary

• New photos from Stranger Things season 5 may debunk a popular villain theory, hinting at Vecna's continued importance in the season.
• With Stranger Things season 5 the last one, there had been theories that Vecna could be replaced as the main villain by another, more powerful D&D character.
• However, the set photos reveal the return of the Creel House, suggesting Vecna will be fleshed-out further and remain the show's main villain.

New photos have emerged showing filming on the set of Stranger Things season 5 is expected to be released in 2025, and, as such, filming is currently well underway. In recent weeks, various photos from the set of the new season have found their way online, including a bunch from a familiar location that could hint at where the fifth and final season is headed.

The last time viewers took a trip to Hawkins, Indiana, was back in 2022 when season 4 of the hit sci-fi horror show was released in two parts over the summer of that year. Though some aspects of the story were tied up, Stranger Things season 4's ending left certain things unexplained and provided a lot of set-ups for the next installment. There are lots of great Stranger Things season 5 theories that could explain what the show has in store. However, thanks to new set photos, at least one popular theory has at least been partly disproved.

Stranger Things Season 5 Set Photos Return To Vecna's Childhood Home

Henry Creel's Home Could Have Another Big Role To Play

Stranger Things season 4 introduced a new antagonist in the form of Jamie Campbell Bower's Vecna, a malevolent and cruel being from the Upside Down. Vecna was later revealed to be the grown-up version of Henry Creel, a boy with telepathic abilities who later supervised and befriended Eleven at Hawkins National Laboratory. The large mansion-like home of the Creel family played a big role in season 4, being a gateway to the Upside Down. Now, set photos from Stranger Things season 5 show that the Creel House will once again feature in the show.

The photos, which were shared on X by Stranger Things cast are featured in any of the four images shared, and, at this stage, it's not clear how prominent a role the house will have in the season. However, the fact that Vecna's childhood home will once again appear in Stranger Things may be very significant in of its villain story.

The Stranger Things Images Poke Holes In A Popular Villain Theory

It Seems Less Likely Vecna Will Be Replaced As Season 5's "Big Bad"

One of the more popular Stranger Things season 5 theories is the idea that Vecna won't be the "big bad" of the season, but will instead play second fiddle to an even bigger D&D-related threat, such as Borys, an all-powerful magical dragon who would certainly be a step-up in threat-level. Stranger Things often introduces a new, bigger villain with each season, and with season 5 the last, the Duffers may want to take things up a notch. Vecna isn't the most powerful D&D creature, and he showed Nancy a vision of another monster, suggesting more are on the way.

Like other Stranger Things villains, Vecna is loosely based on a Dungeons & Dragons character of the same name.

However, the Creel home being featured means that Vecna's plan in Stranger Things will likely continue into season 5. Whether it's as the sole antagonist or not is unclear, but the pristine nature of the house as seen in the set photos implies that the new episodes will portray the home as it was when Vecna was a child.

The new season taking time to explore Vecna's early years in even greater depth suggests he will remain the major threat, as otherwise it would be an odd choice to develop him further. This doesn't rule out the inclusion of another villain, but it does mean he probably won't be replaced as the "big bad."

Season 5 Won't Have Time To Continue Vecna's Backstory & Add A Major New Villain

The Final Season Already Has Enough On Its Plate

The season of Stranger Things will act as the culmination of everything. Throughout its run, the show has accumulated a large ensemble of characters, all of whom come with their own individual arcs. As such, season 5 already has a big job on its hands if it wants to tie things up in a pleasing way. Therefore, the addition of a new villain on top of what's already going on will mean there won't be enough time to do every narrative thread justice, especially if season 5 delves into Vecna's backstory.

It would be unwise to eschew Vecna in favor of a completely new villain, given the popularity of the character.

Even if Stranger Things 5 inevitably copies its predecessor by being made up of a handful of feature-length episodes, it still feels like there's simply not enough room for two major antagonists. That's not to say there won't be more creatures and underlings from the Upside Down, but a Vecna replacement seems unlikely.

Besides, it would be unwise to eschew Vecna in favor of a completely new villain, given the popularity of the character. A testament to both the strength of the writing and Campbell Bower's performance, Vecna became an instant hit with viewers and critics. With a number of mysteries surrounding the character, Stranger Things would be better off focusing solely on Vecna as the main baddie of season 5.

Source: @SThingsSpoilers