Stranger Things Season 5 Premiere: First Five Minutes Reveal What Happened to Will Byers in 1983
At Netflix TUDUM on November 6, 2025, fans were treated to an exclusive look at the opening sequence of Stranger Things Season 5. The premiere was showcased during a livestream event held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, starting at 5:00 PM PT. After a long two-hour wait, the chilling introduction finally aired, promising a season that surpasses all expectations in intensity and brutality.
The Opening Scene with Will Byers
The season opens by focusing on Will Byers, showing what transpired moments after he was kidnapped by the Demogorgon back in 1983. The young Will, age 12, is seen lying unconscious inside the eerie Upside Down forest, softly singing the song “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” in his sleep.
Suddenly, Will wakes up terrified upon hearing the Demogorgon approaching.
“Will picks up a gun and shoots him, but that didn’t do any good, so without taking much time, he starts running.”
He attempts to escape by climbing trees, but the creature relentlessly follows. While attempting to jump to another tree, Will falls to the ground and loses consciousness. The Demogorgon drags him deeper into the Upside Down, where Vecna appears, looking as terrifying as ever. Tentacles grab Will and press him against a wall, tightening their grip.
Key Moments
- Will’s singing reflects his vulnerability and innocence.
- The failed gunshot highlights the futility of fighting the creature physically.
- Will’s fall shows his desperation and the creature’s dominance.
- Vecna’s arrival adds a new layer of horror to Will’s plight.
This intense opening sets the tone for a brutal and emotionally charged final season of Stranger Things.
Author’s Summary
The exclusive opening scene of Stranger Things Season 5 reveals the harrowing fate of Will Byers in 1983, showcasing intense horror and the formidable threat of Vecna.