Stranger Things Season 5 Official Set Video Sets Up The Return Of Dead Character

An official set video for Stranger Things season 5 proves it will feature a well-known setting within Hawkins, and the Netflix series sets up the return of a dead character through its inclusion. With the final season of Stranger Things currently in production, there’s been plenty of talk about what will happen in the coming episodes. The Stranger Things cast and crew are stirring speculation further by sharing behind-the-scenes images and videos, many of which raise more questions than they answer.

While some BTS Stranger Things images raise concerns about the characters’ survival hopes, others suggest that certain players will return before the series is through. With so little known about Stranger Things season 5 and where it will take the Hawkins gang, it’s no wonder so many theories are arising based on every update. And the show’s recent BTS video confirmed that one familiar Stranger Things location will appear in the final episodes. Of course, its return leaves fans to wonder if a key character will show up with it.

Stranger Things Season 5’s Hawkins Lab Tease Hints At Dr. Brenner’s Return

Eleven’s “Papa” Could Show Up In Future Episodes

In a now-deleted Instagram story, Stranger Things revealed that season 5 will return to the Hawkins Lab — and more specifically, the Rainbow Room. Stranger Things season 4 spent a lot of time there, as the previous outing dug into Eleven and Henry Creel’s connection to the facility. Both characters were raised there, and Henry became the villain Vecna within the walls of the facility. It’s unclear whether Stranger Things’ final episodes will return to the lab in the present-day timeline or through more flashbacks. However, the Rainbow Room’s appearance raises one question: whether Dr. Brenner will be back as well.

Dr. Brenner seemingly perishes at the end of Stranger Things season 4, but the Netflix series is no stranger to death fakeouts. It’s very possible that Eleven’s “papa” could make a surprise appearance in the fifth season, especially if the characters are returning to the Hawkins Lab. There’s certainly more to explore about Brenner as a character, as well as his relationship with Henry and Eleven. While undoing his death might feel cheap, it could be worthwhile for bigger emotional beats.

What The Duffer Brothers Have Said About Dr. Brenner’s Stranger Things Season 5 Return

The Show’s Creators Confirmed That The Character Is Dead

Although Dr. Brenner’s comeback feels obvious after Stranger Things season 5’s lab tease, the Duffer Brothers previously confirmed that the character is indeed dead. Since Brenner nearly perished once before, fans were skeptical about whether his character really died after the events of season 4. In an interview with Josh Horowitz for the Happy Sad Confused podcast, both Matt and Ross admitted that Brenner is gone “for real this time.” That seems to settle the debate, but it’s worth noting that this discussion took place in 2022 — which means there’s plenty of time to make changes.

Given that the writers’ and actors’ strikes of 2023 pushed back work on Stranger Things season 5, there’s a possibility the Duffers rethought their direction following that interview. There’s also a chance that Brenner could return without contradicting their words. After all, there’s no telling if the show will return to the Hawkins Lab in the present or past. If it’s the latter, Brenner could make an appearance in a flashback that occurs prior to his season 4 death.

Why Dr. Brenner’s Return To Stranger Things Makes Sense

It Could Tie Up Some Loose Ends

Dr. Brenner’s return in Stranger Things season 5 isn’t confirmed, but it makes sense for the Netflix show’s final season. If Brenner shows up in the present-day timeline, it will give the character a chance to redeem himself and help defeat the monster he created. After all, Henry’s transformation into Vecna — and his mastery of his powers — is Brenner’s fault in the first place. It would be fitting for him to help defeat the villain, even if it doesn’t make up for all the harm he causes throughout the show.

Brenner’s return makes even more sense in flashbacks, as Stranger Things needs to close out his backstory. There are a few lingering questions about the Rainbow Room, Henry’s escape, and Eleven’s past that need to be answered in Stranger Things season 5. If the video showing Hawkins Lab helps solve any of these mysteries, it seems likely that Dr. Brenner will be present. And after so much time on the show, it’s fitting that actor Matthew Modine would appear in the last batch of episodes.