Director and executive producer Shawn Levy marked the last Stranger Things Day before the show’s finale with a special behind-the-scenes photo from Season 1. The picture, posted on November 6, 2025, features a young Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven alongside Levy, a crew member, and Eleven’s body double. This year’s celebration was particularly meaningful for the cast, crew, and fans as it coincides with the world premiere of the show’s fifth and final season.
What is Stranger Things Day?
Stranger Things Day is an annual fan celebration held every November 6. The date is a key part of the show’s story, as it marks the day in 1983 when Will Byers mysteriously vanished from the small town of Hawkins, Indiana. His disappearance kicked off the extraordinary events that introduced the world to Eleven and the terrifying Upside Down.
The day has grown from a simple fan tradition into a major event organized by Netflix, featuring new merchandise, sneak peeks of upcoming seasons, and special experiences for fans around the world. This year’s event was especially significant as it was the last one before the story of Hawkins concludes.
A Look at the Special Throwback Photo
To commemorate the day, Shawn Levy posted a never-before-seen photo taken during the production of the show’s first season. The image offers a heartfelt look at the early days of filming.
The photo shows a young Millie Bobby Brown in her role as Eleven, standing with Levy and members of the crew. The presence of Eleven’s body double in the shot provides a rare glimpse into the collaborative filmmaking process that defined the series from its start. Levy captioned the simple post, “Happy Stranger Things Day @Stranger_Things.”
A Fitting Send-Off for the Final Season
The 2025 Stranger Things Day served as a global farewell event, packed with excitement for the final season. The day featured the world premiere of Season 5 in Los Angeles, which was streamed live to fans globally. Those who RSVP’d for the virtual event were treated to the first five minutes of the new season, along with red carpet interviews and surprise appearances.
The final season will be released in three parts. Volume 1 premieres on November 26, 2025, with Volume 2 arriving on Christmas and Volume 3 on New Year’s Eve. This final chapter will see Eleven, Will, Mike, and the rest of the gang face Vecna one last time.
Reflecting on the end of the series, Levy shared his feelings about the final days of filming.
“It was as emotional as you can imagine and maybe more emotional than you’ve heard. It was a relief, because it’s been such a long haul… But it was also goodbye to these stories and goodbye to Hawkins. We all sort of knew on that last day… this was the end of a chapter. You’re lucky if you get one ‘Stranger Things’ in your life.”
Cast members also hinted at an emotional conclusion. Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers, told fans to prepare for a powerful ending.
“People are going to be truly devastated. I’m so excited to see the world’s reaction to the finale, because there won’t be a dry eye. It’s going to be sad. Not to be so negative, it’s a really great season. People will love it.”
New Spinoff and Fan Experiences
While the main show is ending, the world of Stranger Things will continue. An animated spinoff series, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, is scheduled to arrive on Netflix in 2026. The series will be set between the events of the live-action show’s second and third seasons.
For fans looking for more immediate adventures, Stranger Things: Escape the Dark is an immersive experience opening at Netflix House in Dallas on December 11, 2025. The attraction will place guests on a high-stakes rescue mission in the world of Hawkins.
A Changing Role Behind the Camera
Shawn Levy’s involvement in the final season marks a break from his long-standing tradition on the show. For the first four seasons, Levy directed episodes 3 and 4 of each season, including the critically praised Season 4 episode “Dear Billy.”
For the final season, he will not direct episodes 3 and 4. Instead, he will helm one later episode in the season, while Frank Darabont will direct episodes 3 and 5, and the Duffer Brothers will direct the rest. This shift places Levy’s directorial contribution in a more climactic part of the story for the show’s finale.
Also Read: Stranger Things Animated Spin-Off Brings The Gang Back to 1985
