The Conspiracy Theory Surrounding Stranger Things’ Secret Episode 9

is there an Episode 9 waiting in the wings? A growing conspiracy theory suggests that the series finale, The Rightside Up, was merely an illusion crafted by the sinister Vecna, and that the true ending will be revealed in a secret episode. Proponents of the theory point to subtle details that they believe hint at a hidden narrative.

For instance, during the graduation ceremony, the way the students hold their hands appears to mirror Vecna’s signature posture. The recurring appearance of the Whatzit game, a nod to Henry Creel’s alias, has sparked speculation. The hairstyles of several characters, similar to Henry’s, and Max’s sudden graduation despite being in a coma for two years, have also fueled the theory.

The theory even proposes a release date for the supposed Episode 9: January 7, 2026, citing the group’s final Dungeons & Dragons game, where they rolled a seven. However, neither Netflix nor the Duffer Brothers have acknowledged the theory. In fact, Matt Duffer has stated that the series is complete, telling Variety in a 2025 interview, “This is a complete story.