Stranger Things Creators Explain Why They Haven't Killed Off More Characters

Warning: This article contains major spoilers for Stranger Things 4 Vol. 2. In the lead up to Vol. 2, we knew deaths were coming to Stranger Things. Actor Noah Schnapp told us as much. The Duffer brothers dropped a few morbid teases, and let’s not forget about that ominous ‘Protect Steve’ billboard.

Well, the deaths certainly did come (final spoiler, warning). Thankfully, our boy Steve survived Vecna’s attack but poor old Eddie wasn’t quite so lucky. I’m not going to lie, I’m still mourning his death but thankfully, Eddie was the only major character to kick the bucket. Max isn’t in the best shape but she is technically alive, and does anyone really care about Dr. Brenner? Infact, the lack of deaths is something the Duffer brothers have now come under fire for.

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Some believe that show creators the Duffer brothers should’ve been bolder when it came to killing off characters, including Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown. In a recent interview, the Eleven actress told The Wrap that, “The Duffer brothers are two sensitive Sallies that don’t want to kill anyone off. We need to be Game of Thrones.”

The Duffer brothers have now responded to Millie’s “hilarious” criticism, saying that they explored all options during the writing process for Stranger Things’ fourth season. Appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Matt Duffer said, “Believe us, we’ve explored all options in the writing room. Just as a complete hypothetical, if you kill Mike, that’s depressing. We aren’t Game of Thrones. This is Hawkins, it’s not Westeros. The show becomes not Stranger Things anymore because you do have to treat it realistically.”

They went on to admit that more deaths are “on the table” in season five, which makes sense with it being the show’s final season. Personally, I’m not sure why killing Mike is any more depressing than the horrific ordeal they put us through with Eddie, but just hands off Steve okay? He is not on the table.