Fri Dec 26 01:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Hawkins Mourns, Fans Speculate: Is Eddie Munson Really Gone From Stranger Things?

HAWKINS, IN – Despite the Duffer Brothers’ confirmation, a dedicated contingent of Stranger Things fans refuses to let go of Eddie Munson, played by Joseph Quinn. The character, who met a heroic end in Season 4, has become the subject of elaborate theories suggesting his return in the upcoming final season.

Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin Henderson, Eddie’s close friend, has weighed in on the speculation with a dose of reality. “I love you to death, but he’s dead,” Matarazzo stated, acknowledging the fans’ grief but firmly dismissing the possibility of Eddie’s resurrection.

The most popular theory centers around Eddie’s transformation into a vampire, mirroring the Dungeons & Dragons character Kas the Bloody-Handed. Fans have pointed to Eddie’s bat tattoos, a reference to the movie Vamp on the show, and his mention of Kas during a D&D game as potential foreshadowing.

However, Matarazzo believes these connections are more aesthetic than narrative. “People think the D&D references play a very big role in plot decisions for the show,” he explained. “For Matt and Ross [Duffer], it’s way more of an aesthetic than it is a plot driver.” He cited the Thessalhydra, a monster referenced in Season 1, as an example of D&D lore that never materialized on screen.

Adding fuel to the fire, Quinn himself has playfully hinted at a possible return, stating “nothing’s impossible.” However, Matarazzo suggests Quinn’s busy schedule, including filming a Beatles project in the UK, may simply be keeping him occupied.

Despite Eddie’s apparent demise, Quinn’s presence is still felt on set. Matarazzo revealed that he reached out to Quinn for musical inspiration to get into Dustin’s mindset during Season 5 filming. Quinn provided a playlist of ’80s heavy metal, reflecting the character’s musical tastes.

While Eddie Munson may be gone, his impact on the Stranger Things universe, and the enduring love of his fans, remain. Whether or not he makes a supernatural comeback, one thing is certain: Hawkins will never forget the Hellfire Club’s resident metalhead.

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