As Stranger Things Season 5 Part 2 arrives on Netflix, one fan theory continues to dominate social media and Reddit discussions: will Eddie Munson return as a vampire in the final season? According to the creators, the answer is no. But the popularity of the theory shows how deeply the character of Eddie still resonates with fans.
Eddie Munson, played by Joseph Quinn, was murdered during a heroic stand against the Demobeats in Season 4 of The Upside Down. Since then, fans have discovered clues indicating his return, particularly through the show’s longtime use of the Dungeons & Dragons mythology. The most common theory connects Eddie to Cas the Bloody-Handed, a D&D character who became a vampire after betraying Vecna.
Despite discussion, Stranger Things season 5 provides no real evidence that Eddie survived or will return in some supernatural form.
Why fans thought Eddie Munson might return as a vampire
The vampire theory gained strength because Eddie was killed by bat-like creatures, and bats are closely associated with vampires in pop culture. Fans pointed to Cass’s storyline as a possible twist that the Duffer Brothers could adapt for the final season.
However, in both parts of Season 5, Eddie does not appear in flashbacks, hallucinations, or the Upside Down. His death is referenced primarily to support Dustin’s emotional journey, reinforcing the idea that Eddie’s story has already reached its conclusion.
Ross Duffer directly addressed the theory in early December 2025, saying, “There are some wild theories, even for Season 5. Eddie is not a vampire. That’s all I’ll say.” This statement was meant to shut down speculation, although it has not completely shut down fan discussions.
Interestingly, Season 5 Part 2 includes a reference to vampires, but it has nothing to do with Eddie Munson. In episode 5, Kali tells Eleven that Dr. K repeatedly took her blood, leading her to think of the doctor as “a kind of vampire”. The term is used figuratively, not literally.
Dr. K was taking Kali’s blood to continue Dr. Brenner’s experiments, hoping to recreate Eleven’s powers in pregnant women. The show makes it clear that no real vampires exist in this story.
Also read: Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 3 release date: When and where to watch the epic series finale
