With the anticipation of Stranger Things 4 Vol. 2, fans are breaking down every aspect of the story and coming up with convincing theories in the process. The theories range from hopes for new characters and fears for original characters to realizations of previous seasons and guesses using the show's overall themes.

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As the Stranger Things 4 Vol. 2 release date gets closer and closer, fans are getting more excited (and nervous) to see where The Duffer Brothers take the show. The next volume could be a heart-wrenchingly difficult watch, or the happy ending that the characters long for. Only July 1st will tell, but until then, fans have plenty of theories.

8 Eddie Will Die Redeemed

Stranger Things Season 4 which dealt with Satanic Panic

One of the most popular Stranger Things theories is that Eddie will take a stand and die in the process. Throughout volume one of season four, Eddie mentions running away. During a game of Dungeons & Dragons, he claims that there isn't any shame in running away. He even mentions it again under Skull Rock, implying he felt like a coward having just run away from trouble.

This could very well hint at Eddie having a redemptive arc in the next part of season four, one where he finally doesn't run. Many theorize that he could go back into the Upside Down to save Nancy by playing her favorite song on his guitar. That may be all it takes for Eddie's redemption, but if fans know The Duffer Brothers, they know character deaths aren't far-fetched.

7 Robin Saves Nancy

Nancy in the Library in Stranger Things

In the recent season, fans see Robin and Nancy team up for many investigations. They're an unlikely duo, but one that works surprisingly well, which is proved when they uncover many pivotal plot points in season four. Fans theorize this new friendship could be building up to Robin saving Nancy's life.

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In one scene, Nancy and Robin have to stop by Nancy's house and grab some things from her bedroom. While in there, Robin takes note of Nancy's mixtapes. As fans already know, a favorite song can save someone from Vecna's powers. Audiences wonder if Robin will remember a song from one of Nancy's mixtapes, which could save Nancy's life.

6 Vecna Was Actually In Season One, Episode One

Vecna in Stranger Things

Now that fans know about Vecna, rewatching old seasons is bringing many Easter eggs to light. Fans suspect that in the first episode of Stranger Things, Vecna was the cause of Will's bike accident. There is a brief flash of a monster that shocks Will into steering off the road and crashing in the forest.

Until season four, this unknown monster was assumed to be the demogorgon. Now, fans believe that the figure was actually Vecna, especially since the silhouette matches him better than a demogorgon. Additionally, during the chase, the monster manages to unlock the door to Will's house. It is fair to assume a demogorgon wouldn't be sophisticated enough to do so, meaning it must've been Vecna.

5 Steve Won't Make It Through Part Two

Steve Harrington on the phone in Stranger Things 4

Something about the seriousness of season four has many fans believing Steve, a beloved character, is going to die. Throughout season four, Steve longs for a serious relationship, something long-term and real. Along comes Nancy, who's having trouble with Jonathan, and fans are seeing the spark between her and Steve.

This tease of a happy ending for Steve could be a build-up to a heartbreaking end. Fans have seen it before in several characters who deserved a happy ending, namely Bob, and wouldn't put it past the creators to kill off another character again. Additionally, Robin being overly concerned about rabies seems to hint at a possible downfall for Steve.

4 Will Being Confirmed As LGBTQ+

Will Byers from Stranger Things with his bowl cut

There has been much speculation about Will's sexuality throughout Stranger Things. Fans have pointed out many subtle details that point to him being a member of the LGBTQ+ community throughout the seasons, and season four is no exception.

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In the first episode of season four, Eleven tells Mike that she thinks Will has a crush on a girl because he has been working on a painting for someone. When Mike arrives at the airport in California, Will is waiting excitedly and holding his painting. Fans wonder why else he would bring his painting if it is not for Mike.

3 The Upside Down Is Based In Human Memories

castle byers in the upside down in stranger things

The Upside Down being based in human memories is one of the most complex Stranger Things theories. Vecna was first to go to the Upside Down, which fans now know looks like Hawkins - where Vecna lived. Then, when Will went there, more details about Hawkins that Vecna couldn't have known appeared; such as Castle Buyers, Mike's house, etc.

This theory could also explain why Nancy's room seemed stuck in the past, since Will may not have seen her room in years and that's how he remembers it. It will be interesting to see if there is some truth to this theory in Vol. 2 after many more people have visited the Upside Down.

2 Ms. Kelley Is Connected To The Upside Down

Ms. Kelly, the counselor in Stranger Things

Ms. Kelley is a new character who was introduced in Stranger Things 4. She is the school counselor who, coincidentally enough, is connected to every victim of Vecna. This coincidence isn't too strange because Vecna targets people with serious struggles in their lives - people who would likely talk to a counselor.

Some fans believe that Ms. Kelley is not as innocent as she seems. They speculate that she is somehow feeding information to Vecna about who to target. Fans have already seen how creatures in the Upside Down can control humans, like Billy in season three. It is possible that Ms. Kelley is the reason why so many Hawkins High School students are victims of Vecna's curse.

1 Will Is The Mind Flayer

Will and Mind Flayer from Stranger Things

One of the more upsetting Stranger Things theories is that Will is the Mind Flayer, which is eerily plausible. If Will is the Mind Flayer, it would bring everything full circle; according to Joyce, Will changed after going to the Upside Down. Some fans think that the Mind Flayer is a projection of Will's inner struggles and fears.

The fourth season took a turn and focused on the characters' mental and internal sufferings. By showing Vecna's attacks on characters who deal with these struggles, the writers can stress the importance of mental health by personifying the negative effects uniquely. Perhaps all of Stranger Things has been an analogy for mental health.

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