Fans of “Stranger Things” continue to hold onto hope for the potential return of Eddie Munson, despite the Duffer Brothers’ confirmation that his character has died. Gaten Matarazzo, who portrays Dustin Henderson, addressed this speculation, saying, “I love you to death, but he’s dead.” Matarazzo acknowledges the enthusiasm surrounding fan theories but emphasizes that he has accepted the reality of Eddie’s fate.
In the latest season, Dustin is grappling with the loss of his friend, having moved through the stages of grief more swiftly than some viewers. Matarazzo humorously notes that even with definitive statements from the show’s creators, fans still cling to theories that suggest Eddie may make a comeback. He adds, “Whatever floats your boat. Whatever keeps you invested.”
Among the various theories, one of the most discussed involves the possibility of Eddie returning as a vampire, inspired by the Dungeons & Dragons character Kas the Bloody-Handed. Viewers have pointed to hints throughout the series, including Eddie’s bat tattoos and references to vampires made in the storyline, arguing that these details could support their theory. However, Matarazzo believes that the D&D elements in the show are more about atmosphere than actual plot developments. He recalls the Thessalhydra, a creature that was mentioned in Season 1 but never appeared, as an example of fans waiting for connections that may not ever come to fruition.
Despite Matarazzo’s assertion that Eddie will not return, he remains optimistic about the spirit of Joseph Quinn, the actor who portrayed Eddie, being present in the final season. Quinn himself has teased the idea of his character returning by stating “nothing’s impossible,” during a recent public appearance, though Matarazzo understands that Quinn is currently busy filming another project in the U.K. and might not be keeping up with release dates.
Matarazzo shared that he reached out to Quinn before filming started for Season 5, seeking insight into how to channel the essence of Eddie. He requested playlists from Quinn, aiming to immerse himself in the character as deeply as possible. The music Quinn provided featured a playlist dominated by ’80s heavy metal, which Matarazzo admits isn’t his usual taste but was a unique connection to Eddie nonetheless.
With Season 5 on the horizon, the bond between the characters and the actors remains strong, showcasing a heartwarming camaraderie that persists even as the narrative moves forward. While the fate of Eddie Munson may be sealed, the legacy of the character appears to live on through the compelling performances and interactions among the cast.