Stranger Things season 5 poster art imagines Will becoming the show’s real villain. The hit Netflix fantasy horror series created by the Duffer Brothers returned for season 4 in 2022, chronicling Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown) fight against Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). Noah Schnapp’s Will Byers has played a crucial role throughout all seasons of the series thus far, and he’s set to return – alongside most other characters – in Stranger Things season 5, which will serve as the show’s conclusion.

As the wait for the new season continues, a piece of Stranger Things season 5 poster art created by Sonnyfive on Instagram imagines Will taking a dark turn. Check out the art below:

The art features Schnapp’s character in the Upside Down surrounded by various monsters, including Demogorgons and Demobats. As confirmed in the caption, the art is depicting a future in which Will is “the real villain.”

Could Will Turn Evil In Stranger Things Season 5?

Why It’s Possible But Not Likely

As is explored throughout the show and further teased in the Stranger Things season 4 finale, Will has always had a mysterious connection to the Upside Down and the Mind Flayer, in particular. After going missing and spending time in the Upside Down in season 1, Will now gets goosebumps on the back of his neck when this connection to the Mind Flayer resurfaces, and these goosebumps returned in the final episode of season 4. It’s possible that this connection is somehow used against him in season 5.

There are a number of different theories about how Vecna could return in Stranger Things season 5, with some suggesting he could use somebody else as a vessel to do his dark bidding. Sadie Sink’s Max certainly seems like a potential candidate for this given her current brain-dead status, but Will’s connection to the Mind Flayer also puts him at risk. Will being used as a vessel for Vecna or the Mind Flayer would certainly add a dark twist to the season.

There’s good reason to believe that Will won’t turn evil, however. The Stranger Things character has arguably been underserved over seasons 3 and 4, and having him become merely a vessel for evil would seem like a waste of his potential. Matt and Ross Duffer have also teased that season 5 will see Will “come into his own” and be a major story focus, teasing more of a heroic storyline for the beloved character instead. Many questions remains about Stranger Things season 5, but the latest piece of art certainly serves as an interesting potential future for Will.

Source: @thesonnyfive/ Instagram