The final season of Stranger Things approaches, director and executive producer Shawn Levy has taken fans on a nostalgic trip. He recently shared a collection of behind-the-scenes photos from Season 4’s most popular episode, “Dear Billy.” The photos offer a fun and touching look at the making of one of the show’s most unforgettable chapters.
A Look Back at “Dear Billy”
Shawn Levy posted the photos on his social media accounts with the simple but powerful caption, “Dear Billy…” This phrase instantly reminds fans of the emotional heart of Season 4, Episode 4. The episode is widely remembered for its intense focus on Max Mayfield’s battle with grief and the terrifying Vecna.
Set in 1986, the episode centers on Max, who is mourning the loss of her stepbrother, Billy. She becomes the next target of the season’s villain, Vecna. One of the most iconic scenes in the entire series shows Max trapped in Vecna’s nightmarish mindscape, breaking free with the help of her friends and the sound of Kate Bush’s 1985 hit, “Running Up That Hill.” Levy directed the episode, which first aired on May 27, 2022.
What the Behind-the-Scenes Photos Show
The set of images Levy shared captures the unique mix of tension and camaraderie that defined the production. They provide a stark contrast to the dark tone of the final episode.
One photo shows Sadie Sink, who plays Max, suspended in mid-air with a blue jacket against a blue screen. This shot was part of the climactic scene where Max levitates during Vecna’s attack. The magic of filmmaking is on full display, showing the practical wirework used to create the supernatural effect.
Another photo is a cheerful on-set selfie of Levy smiling with young cast members Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, and Gaten Matarazzo. The picture highlights the light moments the team shared between filming intense sequences.
A particularly haunting close-up focuses on Sadie Sink’s expression during one of the episode’s most intense sequences. Her fearful eyes tap directly into the show’s signature supernatural horror appeal.
The collection also includes a shot of the gravestone prop for Billy Hargrove, which served as the emotional anchor for Max’s story in the episode.
The Lasting Impact of the Episode
“Dear Billy” was met with overwhelming praise from both critics and fans. The episode was celebrated for its powerful cinematography, masterful use of music, and especially for Sadie Sink’s raw and emotional performance.
The episode’s cultural impact was significant. It led to a massive resurgence in popularity for Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” with the song soaring to the top of music charts decades after its original release. The episode inspired countless fan edits, social media posts, and discussions, cementing its place as a touchstone moment for the series.
Levy is credited with creating the episode’s most suspenseful scenes through a clever combination of practical effects, wirework, and emotional close-ups. These behind-the-scenes photos finally give fans a glimpse into how that magic was made.
A Perfect Time for Nostalgia
The release of these photos is well-timed. It comes as the world prepares for the premiere of Stranger Things Season 5. The final season is scheduled to begin on November 26, 2025, with the series finale set for December 31, 2025.
For fans, these behind-the-scenes moments are a perfect way to revisit the world of Hawkins before the story concludes. They serve as a reminder of the passion and effort that goes into creating the show’s most memorable moments, blending supernatural chaos with deep personal emotion.
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Credits: Netflix Tudum
