'Stranger Things' star debunks claims of 'unseen footage' from Season 5, Volume 2 as backlash intensifies ahead of the series finale Neia BalaoDecember 30, 2025 at 3:42 AM 0 Stranger Things fans are having thoughts about Season 5, Volume 2 — and they aren't exactly positive. When the second volume of the final season debuted on Netflix on Christmas Day, dedicated viewers were quick to watch all three episodes of the drop. But what was initially hopeful anticipation following that explosive reveal at the end of Volume 1 quickly devolved into dissatisfaction among many.
- - 'Stranger Things' star debunks claims of 'unseen footage' from Season 5, Volume 2 as backlash intensifies ahead of the series finale
Neia BalaoDecember 30, 2025 at 3:42 AM
0
Stranger Things fans are having thoughts about Season 5, Volume 2 — and they aren't exactly positive. When the second volume of the final season debuted on Netflix on Christmas Day, dedicated viewers were quick to watch all three episodes of the drop. But what was initially hopeful anticipation following that explosive reveal at the end of Volume 1 quickly devolved into dissatisfaction among many.
Now, the Stranger Things fandom is attempting to take matters into its own hands. A couple of days after the second installment was released, a fan by the name of Wennii J started a petition on Change.org demanding the release of what is claimed to be "unseen footage" from Season 5, Volume 2. The crux of the petition, it seems, is the assertion that Netflix and the Duffer brothers, who created the show, are withholding footage that was wrongfully cut from Volume 2.
"This has been a long 10 year process and this is what we get," Wennii J wrote. "They must have cut out a lot of scenes from volume 2 and from our loved characters. I believe we as fans should stand up and take the initiative to get the footage and make the decision. We should sign this petition, trend hashtag, and make videos together to get Netflix and the duffer brothers to notice us. WE WANT ANSWERS!!"
Wennii J went on to assert that "everyone is clearly dissatisfied with this season volume" and that the show's legacy hinges on the release of this supposed footage.
Wennii J isn't alone in thinking this way. As of Dec. 29, the petition has garnered more than 325,000 signatures from Stranger Things fans worldwide. Disappointed fans have left detailed comments and impassioned videos on the petition page as well.
"It's genuinely disappointing to see how this final season is turning out," a fan named Maxx from Santa Clarita, Calif., wrote. "Ever since I was 10 this show has meant so much to me, especially because of the representation that makes me feel seen. Now it just feels soulless and we deserve to see how this story was truly supposed to end, with all of our beloved characters."
Another fan by the name of Sheldon Lee from São Paulo accused the Duffer brothers of failing to provide "decent closure," writing, "I've loved this show ever since I was 10 years old. I related to the experience of the characters, being an outcast, and especially Will, as a queer person myself. It all made me fall in love with the story immediately. To not have a decent closure, after such a good and promising development, to be robbed, is extremely upsetting. Please, release the director's cut, or even the scripts. We, as fans, have all been waiting for this, waiting so many years and years... We deserve this."
These fans, however, seem to be petitioning for the release of something that doesn't exist. Randy Havens, who plays Hawkins science teacher Scott Clarke, debunked the existence of any "unseen footage" via his Instagram story.
"There's no secret Snyder cut of the show," Havens wrote on Dec. 28, referring to director Zack Snyder's original, longer version of Justice League, which was released in 2021. "Please don't believe everything some random ass tells you on the internet."
The Duffer brothers have not publicly commented on the backlash or the petition.
Sadie Sink and Nell Fisher in "Stranger Things." (Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection)
Several plot points in Season 5, Volume 2, have irked fans — like the lack of clarity surrounding whether or not Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) are actually broken up; that Holly (Nell Fisher), a relatively new character this season, has been given a lot more screen time than the rest of the main characters; the decision to bring Kali (Linnea Berthelsen) back; and what has been described as subpar performances from some of its stars.
Among the most criticized moments in Volume 2 occurs in Chapter Seven, "The Bridge," when Will (Noah Schnapp) comes out to his family and friends. While the moment was intended to be heartfelt, some fans are upset with the show's handling of Will's story. That he was strong-armed by Vecna into telling his truth and that his older brother, played by Heaton, was the only one who showed real emotion in this moment are among their chief complaints. Fans are also drawing comparisons to Robin's (Maya Hawke) "incredible" coming-out scene in Season 3 — and how "impersonal and rushed" Will's seemed.
Gaten Matarazzo and Joe Keery in "Stranger Things." (Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection)
Volume 2 wasn't all bad, though, according to viewers. Several Stranger Things fans have highlighted the bright spots of the second installment — like when Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) bursts into tears at the thought of Steve (Joe Keery) dying or the fact that Max (Sadie Sink) and Holly carried the season. Max and Lucas's (Caleb McLaughlin) relationship is also beloved by the fandom.
With an 84% critics' score, Stranger Things Season 5 is the series's lowest-rated season on Rotten Tomatoes. The highest-rated season, per Rotten Tomatoes, is Season 1 (97%), followed by Season 2 (94%), Season 4 (90%), Season 3 (89%) and then Season 5 (84%).
The Stranger Things series finale debuts on Netflix and in select theaters on Dec. 31.
Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: Entertainment
Published: December 30, 2025 at 12:36AM on Source: ANDY MAG
#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle