Nell Fisher as Holly Wheeler in Stranger Things season 5
By
Rianna de Bono-Smith
Published 26 minutes ago
Rianna is the Movie News Editor for ScreenRant. After earning her BA in Film Studies, she began her career as an entertainment writer, contributing to several publications before joining ScreenRant. Her dissertation on the impact of streaming on traditional cinema sharpened her focus on the ever-evolving world of film and media. With 6 years in the industry, Rianna continues to cover the stories she loves while also advocating for awareness and representation of rare disabilities, such as Moebius Syndrome, which she lives with.
Sign in to your ScreenRant account
Summary
Generate a summary of this story
follow
Follow
followed
Followed
Like
Like
Thread
Log in
Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents:
Try something different:
Show me the facts
Explain it like I’m 5
Give me a lighthearted recap
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Stranger Things season 5, volume 1Stranger Things season 5 has a new child in danger, but instead of Will Byers, it’s Mike and Nancy’s little sister, Holly Wheeler, and now creators The Duffer Brothers are explaining exactly why and what the thought process was behind targeting Holly.
The Duffer Brothers spoke with Variety regarding Volume 1 of Netflix’s smash-hit sci-fi series, and in particular, why Holly (played by Nell Fisher) was targeted by Vecna, much like Will (played by Noah Schnapp) during season 1. Matt confirmed it was "a new idea" to have Holly as a major character. Ross continued and added:
I don’t even think it was during the pandemic. Because we had so long [of a break] that we had time to not only finish [writing] Season 4, but pitch a version of Season 5. I don’t think she was even in that. That was the big breakthrough, having shot Season 4, coming back, and realizing the drive of these kids getting taken. Once we realized that, we got really excited about making Holly the focus of that new group of kids.
Max and Holly in Stranger Things season 5Image via Netflix
Holly Wheeler has been a side character for the majority of Stranger Things, with barely any dialogue or plot points, much like her parents, Ted and Karen. Matt and Ross Duffer had major deliberations when it came to casting Holly. As they also reiterated, "Holly barely talks at all. So we didn’t really have much of a character there."
Matt Duffer clarified that they "were really nervous" regarding Holly’s casting as they previously had young twin girls in the role. Matt saw Fisher in her role in Evil Dead Rise, but not the whole film, just the trailer:
I just saw her in the trailer, and I was like, “That’s Holly.” But then I didn’t remember that. [Our casting director] Carmen [Cuba] found her, brought her to us, and I was like, “I knew this like six months ago.” That would’ve saved us a lot of time.
Holly was seen trapped in Vecna’s mindscape (which Holly names Camazotz), and the surprise return of Max (played by Sadie Sink) as she was also trapped by Vecna during the tragic final moments of season 4.
It’s unclear how they will escape, but Max and Holly’s partnership could prove to be a key part of Vecna’s undoing, as he’s shown to harness children as their minds are easier to control.
Stranger Things’ final season will continue with Volume 2, released on December 25, and the finale, which will be released on Netflix and select theaters on December 31.
519
9.2/10
8/10
Stranger Things
10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Drama Mystery Horror Science Fiction Release Date 2016 - 2025-00-00 Network Netflix Showrunner Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer Directors Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Andrew Stanton, Frank Darabont, Nimród Antal, Uta Briesewitz Writers Kate Trefry, Jessie Nickson-Lopez, Jessica Mecklenburg, Alison Tatlock
7 Images
Eleven looking into an opening of the Upside Down with pink light in Stranger Things season 1
Jim Hopper (David Harbour) grabbing Jonathan's (Charlie Heaton) shoulders in Stranger Things season 1©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection
Eleven with cables all over her head in Stranger Things season 4
Vecna looking towards Will in the trailer for Stranger Things season 5 (2025)
Max and Eleven in Stranger ThingsNetflix
Stranger Things season 2, episode 2 "Trick or Treat, Freak".MovieStillsDB
The Upside Down in Stranger Things season 5Courtesy of Netflix Close
Cast
See All-
Millie Bobby Brown
Jane 'Eleven' Hopper
-
Finn Wolfhard
Mike Wheeler
Expand
Collapse
-
Stranger Things
We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.
Be the first to post Images Attachment(s) Please respect our community guidelines. No links, inappropriate language, or spam.Your comment has not been saved
Send confirmation emailThis thread is open for discussion.
Be the first to post your thoughts.
- Terms
- Privacy
- Feedback
3 hours ago
Star Wars: 10 Major Darth Vader Moments Fans Never Saw On-Screen
4 hours ago
HBO's Green Lantern Show Trailer Confirms Major James Gunn DCU Change
3 hours ago
How Stranger Things’ Secret 2025 Release Gives New Look At Dr. Brenner Explained By Franchise Star
3 hours ago
3 Best Peacock Shows To Binge This Weekend (Nov 28-30, 2025)
More from our brands
Everything We Know About Stranger Things Season 5
How Old Are the Main Characters in Each Season of Stranger Things?
3-year waits ruin most shows, but Stranger Things is the exception
Why Rita Died in Dexter, Explained
Two Strangers Things Characters Are Being Recast For Season 5
10 'Stranger Things' Characters, Ranked by How Likely They Are To Die This Season
Did the ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Trailer Quietly Tease the End of a Fan-Favorite Character?
Trending Now
D&D's New Artificer Book Just Buffed Its Best Class Feat
Stranger Things Season 5, Part 2's Frustrating Release Date Continues A Netflix Problem
The Witcher 4 Update Is Music To Our Ears
