With Stranger Things officially ending after almost a decade, you’re probably wondering what the future holds for our beloved Hawkins characters. The final battle has paid off, closing in on the strange things that have happened since the beginning of the series. However, the Stranger Things finale is where we see glimpses of the happy endings for each main character. Here’s a breakdown of every main character’s future, explained.
Will Byers Graduates from High School and Moves to New York City
First off, we’re glad to see Will Byers thriving in New York City right after high school. Ever since coming out as queer in the finale, Will has gotten the loving support he deserves from his family and friends. We then catch a scene of Will in a bar, wherein it’s implied that he has started dating or has a boyfriend.
Dustin Henderson Graduates as a Valedictorian and Plans to Go to College
Dustin also graduates alongside the gang, and he finishes as Hawkins High School’s Valedictorian. In his speech, he honors Eddie Munson and talks about how we should create life with the right amount of chaos. Then, in typical Dustin fashion, he rips off his graduation gown to show off a “Hellfire Lives” shirt, grabs his diploma from Principal Higgins, and flips him off.
Later on, we also find out in Mike’s vision of everyone (from the final D&D campaign) that Dustin will study at a university that’s nearby Hawkins, but will still make time for adventures with Steve Harrington.
Lucas Sinclair Graduates from High School and Continues His Relationship with Max
As Lucas Sinclair also graduates, we notice that there isn’t much to see from his future aside from continuing his relationship with Max. The two are very much in love, and a cute moment at the cinema is revealed later on.
Max Mayfield Heals from Vecna / Henry’s Attacks and Continues Her Relationship with Lucas
For Max Mayfield, she seems to have healed up from Vecna / Henry’s attacks and is back to skateboarding. She also continues her blossoming relationship with Lucas. Mike also notes from his vision that Max and Lucas will possibly settle down in the future.
Mike Wheeler Graduates from High School and Plans to Become a Writer
Speaking of Mike Wheeler, after being a Dungeon Master for quite a while, he seems to be on his way to becoming a writer who continues to tell stories, especially about his friends.
In the scene wherein he and his friends have one final D&D campaign, Mike narrates and envisions the future of what he and his friends could be doing.
Steve Harrington Stays in Hawkins as a High School Coach and eventually a Teacher
For everyone’s favorite character, Steve is alive and well, decides to stay in Hawkins, and he ends up working with kids as the school’s baseball team coach. It’s also revealed later on when he meets up with Jonathan, Nancy, and Robin that he’s been tapped to teach Sex Education in school. Plus, Steve will hang out with Dustin every time he visits from college.
Jonathan Byers is Studying at NYU Film School
Jonathan finally fulfills his dream of going to NYU’s Film School to study filmmaking. He mentions that he has been working on an “anti-capitalist cannibal movie.”
Nancy Wheeler Drops Out of Emerson and Is Working as a Journalist at The Boston Herald
While Nancy and Jonathan have broken up, Nancy is doing just fine as she dropped out of Emerson College. She boldly tells Steve, Jonathan, and Robin that she’s taking a job at the Boston Herald, further cementing her passion as a journalist.
Robin Buckley is Studying at Smith College and Reopens the Squawk Every Now and Then
Robin, on the other hand, is attending Smith College in Massachusetts. When we first see her visiting Hawkins, she reopens the Squawk. It’s uncertain, however, if Robin is still in a relationship with Vickie. The only hint we get is that when their group cheered, “To nothing ever keeping us apart,” Robin responded with a remark, “Including overbearing significant others.”
Robin also suggests that she, Nancy, Jonathan, and Steven meet up at Robin’s Weird Uncle’s House once a month just to hang out.
Hopper and Joyce Are Getting Married and Moving to Montauk
We can’t forget the iconic Chief of police and Joyce Byers. Hopper has become close with the Byers family, taking photos with Will, Jonathan, and Joyce during Will’s graduation.
In a later scene, we see Hopper and Joyce having their date at Enzo’s. Here we learn that the couple plans to move to Montauk with a new chief of police job waiting for Hopper. Joyce is then proposed to, and their ending closes with the happy couple dancing around.
Vecna / Henrcy Is Officially Killed
With Joyce finally having her full-circle moment, she kills Vecna / Henry, decapitating him. As Vecna / Henry’s gone and the Upside Down destroyed, it’s probably safe to say that Hawkins can finally be at peace.
Holly Wheeler and Friends are Picking Up Dungeons & Dragons
Holly Wheeler begins taking up Mike’s mantle as the Dungeon Master for her and her friends, with even Delightful Derek being added to her group. Mike watches Holly’s group from the basement stairs and reminisces, which is a heartfelt moment for him, too.
Eleven’s Fate Is Uncertain, Either Dead or Living Freely
Then we have Eleven. At the end of the final battle, the Hawkins team exits the Upside Down but is intercepted by Dr. Kay and the military. However, we later see Eleven by the entrance of the Upside Down. The bombs set by Hopper and Murray go off, with Eleven blowing alongside the Upside Down.
Later on in Mike’s vision, we get a different perspective on the events. It’s believed that Kali helped Eleven escape from the military unnoticed. This required Eleven to trick everyone into believing she had supposedly died. But she ventures out into the world and settles down somewhere, living freely.
The true ending of Eleven is uncertain. She could truly be gone, or she may have escaped.
Fates of Other Characters
You might also be curious about other characters in the series and what they’re up to now after the final battle.
While Vickie somewhat helped out the Hawkins team in the finale, we don’t get to see more of her in the character epilogues. This probably ties back into Robin’s vague comment of “overbearing girlfriend” in reference to Vickie.
Dr. Kay seems to still be alive. While she has lost Eleven to the Upside Down, she may or may not be scheming to get back to it.
Erica Sinclair is still up to some sneaky shenanigans, annoying her brother, Lucas.
Then Murray and Mr. Clarke seem to have become kindred spirits, even sitting together at the high school graduation.
Finally, for other characters who have died, such as Barb Holland, Bob Newby, Chrissy Cunningham, and Eddie Munson, unfortunately, they still remain dead.