The Duffer Brothers, masterminds behind the global phenomenon Stranger Things, rarely enjoy killing off characters. Yet, as architects of an ’80s horror homage, they understand the necessity of loss to make the Upside Down’s threat feel real. Ahead of the fifth and final season, the showrunners have offered a deep dive into their creative process, revealing the surprising stories and profound ripple effects behind the deaths of beloved figures like Barb, Bob, Billy, and Eddie, characters whose sacrifices left indelible marks on both Hawkins and its dedicated fanbase.
For fans of Stranger Things, few moments have resonated as deeply as the unexpected demises of its characters. While the core ensemble often seems shielded from the Demogorgon’s grasp, supporting roles frequently face grim fates. Yet, according to showrunners Matt and Ross Duffer, these deaths are anything but arbitrary; they are pivotal narrative tools designed to create “massive season-long ripple effects,” making the stakes tangible and the emotional impact profound, as detailed in an exclusive interview with AOL Time. As the final season approaches, the Duffer Brothers reflected on the most impactful losses that shaped the series, from the forgotten friend to the charismatic outcast.
The Enduring Legacy of Barb Holland
The death of Barbara “Barb” Holland in Season 1 was arguably the show’s first viral moment, sparking a fervent fan campaign for #JusticeforBarb. Despite her brief appearance across just two episodes, actor Shannon Purser’s portrayal of Nancy Wheeler’s nerdy, sensible friend struck a chord with audiences. When Barb was dragged into the Upside Down and seemingly overlooked by the town of Hawkins, the fanbase erupted.
“The reason we had Barb in there as a character is we wanted Nancy to have a real direct connection to the supernatural goings-on,” Matt Duffer explained. Ross added, “We were Barb in high school, though. We weren’t Nancy.” The brothers admitted their surprise at the intensity of the reaction, especially given Barb’s limited dialogue. However, Netflix executives had an early premonition, consistently asking, “‘What about Barb? Is anyone thinking about Barb?'” during script reviews, a detail highlighted in a TIME cover story.
This neglect, both by the town of Hawkins and initially by the show’s narrative focus, paradoxically cemented Barb’s iconic status. “We neglected her and as such Hawkins neglected her,” Ross Duffer stated. “And it made her that much more famous.” Even years later, the question of Barb’s ultimate fate continued to surface, with the Duffer Brothers assuring fans in a 2016 IGN interview that while she wouldn’t return, “Barb will not be forgotten. We’ll make sure there’s some justice for Barb.” This promise was later fulfilled in Season 2 with Nancy seeking justice for her friend.
It is important to note that a separate NBC pilot, also titled “What About Barb?”, featuring Leah Remini and Jessica Gunning, is an adaptation of the 1991 film “What About Bob?” and is unrelated to the character from Stranger Things, as reported by Variety.
Bob Newby, the Lovable Sacrifice
Originally conceived as an “obnoxious boyfriend” for Joyce Byers, Bob Newby was destined for an early demise. However, the casting of Sean Astin, renowned for his roles in classics like The Goonies and Lord of the Rings, fundamentally altered the character’s trajectory. Astin’s inherent charm led the Duffer Brothers to rewrite Bob, transforming him into a lovable nerd and delaying his tragic end until the Season 2 finale.
Matt Duffer shared, “At that point, we were like we can’t have even a possessed Will kill Bob because we’re going to not like Will anymore.” Instead, the Demodogs were tasked with the deed, a scene both emotional and surreal to film. Winona Ryder, who played Joyce, was particularly attached to Astin, making the death scene a powerful experience for both actors. The brothers even involved their fellow writer Kate Trefry in the filming, having her “on top of Sean fake slashing him” to simulate the Demodog attack. Ross added that Astin enthusiastically embraced the gore, “He kept wanting more blood in his mouth so he could spit it up.” The scene even drew a lecture from the Duffer Brothers’ mother for its graphic violence, reminiscent of a classic Steven Spielberg movie.
Billy Hargrove’s Complicated Redemption
Billy Hargrove, played by Dacre Montgomery, entered Stranger Things as a troubled antagonist, a direct contrast to Steve Harrington’s evolving character. Steve, initially intended as a villain, became an endearing figure thanks to Joe Keery’s performance, prompting the Duffers to craft Billy as the “vicious, mean bully” archetype they had initially envisioned for Steve.
“We knew he was going to die from the moment we introduced him,” Ross Duffer confirmed, detailing plans for a possession storyline. Montgomery, however, pushed for a more nuanced portrayal, insisting on a backstory that explained Billy’s abhorrent behavior. This led to the inclusion of the scene where he is chastised by his father, revealing the trauma that fueled his aggression. While Billy never achieved full redemption like Steve, Eleven’s dive into his memories in Season 3 revealed a glimpse of the “goodness” he possessed as a child, culminating in his heroic sacrifice to save her from the Mind Flayer.
Matt clarified that it wasn’t a “redemption moment” in the traditional sense, but rather Eleven connecting with “the inner child before he turned.” Billy’s death profoundly impacted his step-sister, Max, a narrative thread the Duffers intentionally explored in Season 4, leveraging Sadie Sink’s powerful acting to delve into the complexities of grief and reckoning.
Eddie Munson, the Unexpected Hero
The casting of Eddie Munson proved to be one of the most challenging for the Duffer Brothers, who needed an actor capable of bringing charisma to a potentially “annoying and grating” character. They found their answer in Joseph Quinn, whose performance as the eccentric leader of the Hellfire Club instantly captivated audiences in Season 4.
“We knew Joe was special but we didn’t know how special until we started filming,” Ross remarked. The onset of the pandemic shortly after production began allowed the brothers to refine Eddie’s scenes, making him “the backbone” of the season despite sporadic appearances. From the outset, Eddie was destined for a tragic sacrifice, a pattern consistent with many breakout characters in the series.
Matt admitted the difficulty in saying goodbye to Quinn and Eddie, but stressed the narrative inevitability. After Chrissy’s death in his trailer, Eddie was unfairly branded as a satanic murderer by the town of Hawkins. “His story was always going to be a tragic one,” Matt explained. “Even if he were to live, it would have been a tragic end for him. He would have ended up in jail probably.” Eddie’s ultimate act of bravery, sacrificing himself to Demobats in the Upside Down to protect Dustin and divert the creatures, solidified his place as a fan-favorite and a true hero, leaving a deep impact on Dustin Henderson, which promises to resonate into the final season.
The Enduring Ripple of Loss in Hawkins
As Stranger Things prepares for its epic conclusion, the Duffer Brothers’ meticulous approach to character deaths underscores their commitment to a compelling, emotionally resonant narrative. Each loss—from Barb’s forgotten tragedy to Eddie’s heroic sacrifice—serves not merely as a plot point, but as a catalyst for growth, grief, and determination among the surviving characters. These carefully orchestrated moments of heartbreak ensure that the battle for Hawkins carries immense weight, promising an unforgettable final chapter where the stakes have never been higher for its beloved heroes.
