Stranger Things fans find major clue in season 5 that could explain Vecna's motive for kidnapping Will Byers

Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 has been streaming on Netflix for nearly a week, and fans are already analyzing the first four episodes in detail. A fresh theory has emerged that could potentially reveal key aspects of the storyline. Spoilers ahead for Stranger Things season 5 volume 1.

After Holly Wheeler becomes trapped in Henry Creel's Mindscape, it is revealed that Max's subconscious has been there since she fell into a coma at the end of season 4. During a flashback, Max drifts through Creel's memories from the 1950s. In Hawkins High, she notices Joyce Byers handing out flyers for a school play titled Oklahoma. However, attentive fans have noticed that the flyer might hold a crucial clue about why Vecna has been focused on Hawkins for decades.

The flyer shows that the play, directed by Joyce, featured Jim Hopper, Karen, Ted Wheeler, Patty Newby, Alan Munson, and Henry Creel. But it is the date of the performance that grabs attention: November 6, 1959. Fans quickly connected this to the fact that Will Byers was abducted by Vecna on November 6, 1983. Some speculate that Vecnas actions may be linked to events from the night of this high school play, drawing eerie parallels to horror classics like Carrie.

One fan on Twitter noted, "November 6th. All the parents. They were all targeted," pointing out that Joyce, Hopper, and the Wheelers' children are central to Vecnas havoc in Hawkins, along with Alan Munson, who could be related to the deceased Eddie Munson.

The Stranger Things: The First Shadow stage adaptation explores this high school production further. In the play, Joyce appears to stage a production of Oklahoma!, casting Henry Creel and Patty Newby as leads who develop feelings for each other. However, this is actually a cover for a darker scheme. Joyce secretly directs Dark of the Moon, a supernatural story involving a witch boy in love with a human girl. Joyce and Hopper also use the play to pressure Henry into testifying against his father, suspected of harming animals in Hawkins. Meanwhile, Patty promises to run away with Henry, but Creel is abducted by Dr. Brenner, eventually killing his family on the night of the play.

This leads to the possibility that Vecnas targeting of the children is revenge for their parents actions. The play may also represent a buried traumatic memory that Creel is holding onto, much like the cave, and could be the key to understanding his humanity and halting his plans.

Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 is currently available on Netflix, with volume 2 arriving on Christmas Day. For more viewing options, see our list of top Netflix shows to stream now.

Author: Sophia Brooks