‘Stranger Things 5’: First look at final season as cast faces controversy

‘Stranger Things 5’: First Look at Final Season

Netflix released the opening five minutes of “Stranger Things” Season 5, sparking excitement and controversy as fans await the series' concluding chapter.

Season 5 Opening Scene

Contrary to fan speculation, the new season’s story does not continue directly from the end of Season 4. Instead, it takes place on November 12, 1983, six days after Will Byers' disappearance, returning viewers to the unsettling Hawkins Library in the Upside Down.

Although the main events of Season 5 occur 18 months after Season 4, creators Matt and Ross Duffer use this opening to connect back to the emotional core and storylines that began in Season 1, involving Joyce (Winona Ryder) and Police Chief Jim Hopper (David Harbour) when they first found Will (Noah Schnapp).

Controversy During Press Tour

The press tour for the final season was clouded by a viral report claiming Millie Bobby Brown accused co-star David Harbour of bullying on set. The allegation was first published by The Daily Mail last weekend.

According to the report, "Brown, 21, filed a harassment complaint before filming began, prompting Netflix to investigate for months."

No sexual misconduct was alleged. The report also mentioned that Brown had a personal representative present during production, which ended in December.

So far, neither Netflix nor representatives for Brown or Harbour have released official statements addressing the claims.

Summary

Netflix previewed “Stranger Things” Season 5 with a flashback scene tying back to the start of the series, while the press tour is overshadowed by unconfirmed allegations involving key cast members.

Would you like the summary to be more formal or conversational?

The Daily Star — 2025-11-07