Over 110,000 fans have united in their discontent with the final episodes of “Stranger Things” Season 5, triggering a petition on Change.org to demand the release of deleted scenes from Volume 2. The movement comes as viewers express dissatisfaction with various aspects of the final season, including writing quality, pacing, and production elements like cinematography and special effects.
Organized by a fan known only as Wennii J, the petition argues that crucial plotlines and character moments were omitted, denying fans a complete experience after a decade-long journey with the series. Wennii J claims, “I believe there was more to the episodes, and we didn’t see these deleted scenes either due to Netflix or the team of Stranger Things cutting them.” The petition cites the emotional investment fans have made over ten years and calls for the Duffer brothers and Netflix to heed their concerns.
In the ongoing dialogue about the show’s conclusion, fans have created a Google document asserting that significant character arcs, including interactions between Will (Noah Schnapp) and Vecna/Henry (Jamie Campbell Bower), were altered or omitted. This document includes details of additional scenes such as a one-on-one interaction between Will and Mike (Finn Wolfhard) and a suggested fake-out death for Will. The author of the document emphasizes a notable decline in the quality of storytelling between Volume 1 and Volume 2, attributing it to what they perceive as “executive meddling.”
Fans have also coined the term “Cutgate” to label their grievances, which include mismatched clues from cast members and promotional interviews that do not align with the aired episodes. With the series finale approaching on December 31, 2023, fans are eager for clarity and want to ensure that “Stranger Things” maintains a legacy worthy of its cultural impact.
Despite the backlash, there is an undercurrent of hope among fans that their voices will inspire the Duffer brothers and Netflix to respond positively. The anticipation leading up to the finale remains palpable, as many continue to rally for the story they have invested in deeply.