Who's most likely to die in Stranger Things 4 vol 2?
Stranger Things season 4 volume 1 spoilers ahead.
Stranger Things season four was bigger and darker than ever before, with that epic volume one finale twist raising fan expectations (and concerns) to new heights.
Inspired by the Night King from Game of Thrones, Vecna is the show's most menacing antagonist yet, exacting his villainy by stalking traumatised teens with nightmares before slaughtering them in a truly horrifying manner.
The revelation of Vecna as test subject 001 aka Henry Creel in the volume one finale sets up volume two for an action-packed battle between the Hawkins misfits and the tentacled creature, but it also has fans worried about the fate of some of their favourite characters.
After all, it's not as if the Duffer brothers have been prepared to ease that worry. In fact, they've only increased it by warning us that we have every reason to be concerned.
"I don't really want to say, but I would be concerned about the characters going into volume two, for sure," Ross Duffer explained.
"I hope that that is sort of the sense, because it is a darker season and the kids are no longer kids. And there's sort of an ominous feeling that things might not go well. Now, whether they do [die] or not, you'll have to watch."
With that unfortunately being said, here are the characters we think are most likely to die in volume two, and those who could possibly be on the chopping block.
Most likely to cop it:
Dr Brenner
First up is Dr Martin Brenner. Season four saw the return of Eleven's 'Papa' after he had been presumed dead for the previous two seasons, and it's safe to say his return was not a welcome one.
After Brenner forces El into reliving her traumatic past to regain her powers, it looks like she's going to be more powerful than ever. So it wouldn't surprise us if she kills her first foe so she can escape his clutches and defeat Vecna (again).
After all, episode eight is titled 'Papa', suggesting the conflict between El and Brenner is far from over.
It's also possible that Brenner will go through some sort of redemption arc before being killed off (see Billy in season three). Lt Sullivan, as we know, believes El is the perpetrator of the heinous murders in Hawkins and is on the hunt for her.
In the volume two trailer, it appears as though Sullivan has managed to track her down as soldiers raid the underground bunker. Perhaps Brenner will experience a sudden surge of empathy and sacrifice himself to save Eleven.
Either way, Brenner has served the purpose of his return which was to help El regain her powers, so it makes sense that his arc will come to an end in volume two.
Dr Owens
Dr Sam Owens has been a recurring character since season one, and in season three, he helps Hopper to officially adopt Eleven.
It was therefore surprising to both El and viewers when this supposed ally duped her into going to the underground bunker to team up with Brenner.
Despite this betrayal, it's clear Owens cares for El. Similar to Brenner, then, it could be that Owens dies helping El escape.
Murray
Murray Bauman's soft side was shown to us in season three when his character was elevated to a more prominent role and formed an unlikely friendship with Russian scientist Alexei.
By season four, he was more than willing to risk his life and fly to Soviet Russia with Joyce to save Hopper, showing off some pretty impressive karate moves while he was at it.
While we hope that the trio survives, we can't help but think that it would be too good to be true for all three of them to escape Russia unscathed.
It's unlikely that Hopper would be killed off again, and there would be a riot if Joyce was killed just as she and Hop are reunited.
Unfortunately, that leaves Murray. The trailer shows him delightedly wielding a flamethrower, so maybe the 'Bald Eagle' will go out with all guns (literally) blazing.
Jonathan
We're sorry to say it, especially to those #Jancy shippers out there, but we don't think things will go well for Jonathan in volume two.
Jonathan has been around since day one and was the glue that held the Byers family together following Will's disappearance and Bob Newby's untimely demise *sobs*.
However, the character was largely sidelined during the latest season and was, for lack of a better word, pointless.
His only purpose was to provide comic relief, get stoned with his new friend Argyle and complain about his long-distance relationship with Nancy.
Don't get us wrong: it will be heartbreaking to see him go, but it appears that this is all just a set-up for his death.
There's also been a romantic connection between Steve and Nancy rekindling this season, so Jonathan's death would clear the way for the ex-lovers to reunite.
Eddie
Eddie 'The Freak' Munson's introduction sparked a frenzy of Eddie fan edits and nothing but praise for the Hellfire Club leader since season four dropped.
The soft-boy metalhead is everyone's new favourite character, apparently on par with Steve in that regard, which only makes us terrified for his safety.
After all, it wouldn't be the first time a lovable character has been introduced to us only for them to be promptly killed off – a formula that's been used in every season so far.
In season one, it was Barb and her unfortunate encounter with a demogorgon in a swimming pool. Joyce's new beau Bob made a heroic sacrifice in season two. Alexei, the sweet Russian scientist who just wanted to drink cherry slushies and watch cartoons, was assassinated at the Hawkins 4th of July fun fair in season three.
Eddie certainly fits the formula, and we fear that he has 'Bob' written all over him.
In the volume two trailer, Eddie is in the Upside Down slamming on his guitar, as Avril Lavigne would put it. It looks like the rocker will use his epic guitar solo to either save the day or serve as a distraction for something, which, as we've learned, can end in tragedy.
Although his popularity could be his saving grace, we don't think it's likely Eddie will make it out of the Upside Down alive.
Possibly toast:
Steve
It's hard to even type the words, but it's a real possibility that our favourite babysitter, aka Steve Harrington, could be on the chopping block.
The reason being is that both the Duffers and Shawn Levy haven't exactly been shy in warning us that volume two is set to send viewers into emotional turmoil and "punch you right in the heart".
And what character would do that more than our Steve?
But it's not just us fans who would be devastated; there are several major characters with whom he has strong relationships, making his death all the more heartbreaking.
He's best friends with Robin and is the only person who knows she's gay, he and Nancy seem to have unfinished business, and he's like a big brother to Lucas, Max and especially Dustin.
If Steve's death really is on the cards, then we'll definitely pray that Kate Bush makes a deal with God and finds someone to swap places with him.
Argyle
Argyle is another character whose death is a possibility. His sole purpose, like Jonathan's, is to provide comic relief, which was greatly appreciated given the darker tone of season four.
We're also thankful to the long-haired pizza boy for providing the getaway car for Jonathan, Mike and Will.
Aside from that, we're not really invested in the character enough to mourn his death, which means it could be used in place of the other characters.
Robin
Lastly, Robin was a fan favourite when she was introduced to us in season three and became an invaluable member of the Scoops Troop.
The edgy teen managed to escape the formula of being brought into the main fold with the sole purpose of dying, which would make it all the more surprising if this season were to break that mould and have it happen now.
More damning, though, is that in the trailer, she ominously tells Steve: "I have this terrible feeling that it might not work out for us this time." So, if the show wanted to go full Game of Thrones, it could be that they die together.
If Robin does die, mind, it would contribute to the harmful trope of queer characters never getting a happy ending. So we really hope this isn't the case.
Stranger Things season 4 volume 2 premieres on July 1, streaming on Netflix.
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