Stranger Things Season 5 Drops Major Hint About Vecna’s Motive
A mysterious high school play from 1959 in Stranger Things season 5 may finally reveal why Vecna targeted Will Byers. Fans are buzzing about the play’s date and cast, which could tie directly to Vecna’s vendetta against Hawkins.
Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 has only been out for a short time, but viewers are already deep-diving into every detail, searching for hidden clues. The first four episodes have sparked a wave of new theories, with one in particular catching fire among fans. After Holly Wheeler finds herself lost in Henry Creel’s Mindscape, it’s revealed that Max’s consciousness has been trapped there since her coma at the end of season 4. During a flashback, Max stumbles through Creel’s memories from the 1950s and ends up in the halls of Hawkins High, where she spots Joyce Byers handing out flyers for a school play called Oklahoma.
Digging deeper, fans noticed something odd about the flyer. Not only was Oklahoma directed by Joyce, but the cast included Jim Hopper, Karen and Ted Wheeler, two students named Patty Newby and Alan Munson, and even Creel himself. The most intriguing detail? The play took place on November 6, 1959. Longtime viewers will recognize that date—Will Byers vanished on November 6, 1983. This parallel has led many to wonder if the events of that night set off a chain reaction, with Vecna seeking revenge for something that happened during the play. The theory has drawn comparisons to classic horror stories, with one fan posting,
"November 6th. All the parents. They were all targeted,"
pointing out that the children of Joyce, Hopper, and the Wheelers have all been caught up in Vecna’s chaos, along with Alan Munson, who could be related to Eddie Munson.
Unraveling the High School Play’s Secret
The mystery deepens with the Stranger Things: The First Shadow stage production, which centers around this very play. In the show, Joyce pretends to organize a high school performance of Oklahoma!, casting freshmen Henry Creel and Patty Newby in the lead roles. The two develop a close bond, but the play is just a front. Joyce is actually directing Dark of the Moon, a supernatural tale about a witch boy who falls for a human girl. Behind the scenes, Joyce and Hopper are trying to get Henry to testify against his father, who’s suspected of animal cruelty in Hawkins. Patty promises Henry she’ll run away with him after the play, but things take a dark turn when Creel is abducted by Dr. Brenner and later murders his family on the same night the play is staged.
This backstory suggests that Vecna’s vendetta may be rooted in the actions of the parents during their high school years. The play could represent a traumatic memory for Creel, one he’s locked away deep in his mind, much like the cave. Unlocking this memory might be the key to stopping his reign of terror.
What’s Next for Hawkins?
With the first volume of season 5 now streaming, fans are eagerly awaiting the second installment, set to drop on Christmas Day. Theories continue to swirl as viewers try to piece together how the past and present are connected in Hawkins. For those looking to catch up, now’s the perfect time to revisit the best shows available on Netflix and see how the story unfolds.