Stranger Things Season 5 First Five Minutes Reveal What Happened to Will Byers in 1983
At Netflix TUDUM, fans got an exclusive preview of the opening sequence from Stranger Things Season 5, revealed during a livestream event held on November 6, 2025, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
The chilling first five minutes focus on Will Byers, showing what truly happened to him moments after his 1983 kidnapping by the Demogorgon. The scene opens with a 12-year-old Will lying in the Upside Down forest, quietly singing "Should I Stay Or Should I Go" in his sleep.
Suddenly, he wakes up terrified as the Demogorgon approaches. Will grabs a gun and fires, but it doesn’t stop the creature. He quickly flees, climbing a tree with the Demogorgon in pursuit. While jumping to another tree, Will falls, loses consciousness, and is dragged away.
Will is then brought before Vecna, whose horrifying presence is unmistakable. Tentacles emerge, grabbing Will and forcing him against a wall, tightening their grip.
“The spine-chilling video made it clear that it will surpass everyone’s expectations in terms of brutality.”
Key Moments in the Opening Sequence
- Will Byers found in the Upside Down forest, singing in his sleep.
- Demogorgon’s pursuit and attack on Will.
- Will attempts to defend himself with a gun.
- Will’s fall and unconsciousness during tree escape.
- Encounter with Vecna, who captures Will with tentacles.
Event Details
The livestream began at 5:00 PM PT after a two-hour wait, offering a glimpse into the final season’s dramatic and brutal tone straight from an iconic Hollywood venue.
Setting the Tone for Season 5
This opening sequence sets a darker, more intense mood, promising that the upcoming season will be the most brutal yet.
Author’s summary: The Season 5 opener of Stranger Things plunges into a terrifying flashback of Will Byers’ 1983 Demogorgon encounter, promising a darker and more brutal final chapter.