Vecna may not be the main villain in Stranger Things season 5, here’s why

Vecna was positioned as the ultimate antagonist when the fourth season of Stranger Things concluded, but several emerging theories suggest otherwise as speculation builds about what Stranger Things season 5 might hold.

Max is still trapped in a coma, and Eleven’s failure to find her mind has sparked new questions about whether Henry Creel is really acting alone. Some believe Max may have already become his secret weapon, hidden in plain sight. At the same time, clues from Dungeons & Dragons hint that Vecna might not even be the biggest threat.

Will’s painting of a three-headed red dragon in season four could be a quiet warning about Borys, a far more powerful villain. There is also growing talk that the Mind Flayer might be the one pulling the strings from the shadows, using Vecna as little more than a pawn.

Why Vecna May Not Be the Ultimate Threat in Stranger Things Season 5?

While Vecna was positioned as the central villain by the end of Stranger Things' fourth season, theories supported by fan observations suggest he may not be the final threat in Stranger Things season 5.

Following his apparent defeat, Vecna’s survival and retreat have sparked discussions about the emergence of a greater antagonist. His Influence remains strong, but hints from Dungeons & Dragons lore imply that another figure could overshadow him.

One theory points to Will Byers' painting from season four, which depicts knights battling a three-headed red dragon. This detail could hint at the arrival of Borys, the Dragon of Tyr, a far more powerful villain from D&D mythology.

In the context of Stranger Things season 5, introducing a dragon-like entity would mark a major shift in the series’ trajectory, suggesting the former Hawkins Lab subject could be merely a bridge to a deeper evil.

Could Borys or the Mind Flayer eclipse Vecna?

Further analysis from theories proposes that the Mind Flayer, previously thought to be under Vecna’s control, could actually be manipulating him. Drawing from Dungeons & Dragons source material, the Mind Flayer is known for its treachery and mental domination.

This theory posits that the former Upside Down ruler may have been unknowingly carrying out the Mind Flayer’s deeper plans, positioning himself as a puppet rather than the true mastermind. If correct, Stranger Things season 5 could reveal a hidden hierarchy within the Upside Down, with the former Upside Down ruler being replaced or surpassed by a greater force.

The timeline adjustment teased by the Duffer Brothers, allowing the series to step into the early 1990s, opens possibilities for new mythological figures like Borys or even Tiamat, as highlighted by multiple sources. These elements support the idea that the former Upside Down ruler, though still dangerous, may not stand as the endgame villain.

Max’s condition and the continuing threat of Vecna

Another major thread involves Max Mayfield’s fate. Max’s comatose state could serve Henry Creel’s plans, suggesting he might be using her as a vessel to regain strength.

Eleven’s inability to locate Max’s consciousness hints at deeper psychological warfare, implying that Eleven’s first rival's role in Stranger Things season 5 could evolve into something more manipulative rather than purely combative.

In conclusion, while the former Upside Down ruler’s presence will remain critical, the final battle in Stranger Things season 5 may involve forces beyond him, with deeper and older powers emerging from the Upside Down to challenge the heroes one last time.

Whether he remains the primary villain or gives way to an even greater threat, the final season promises a high-stakes conclusion.

As of now, Netflix has confirmed that Stranger Things season 5 is scheduled to release sometime in 2025, although an exact premiere date has not yet been officially announced.

Stay tuned for more updates.