Following the recent release of character posters, Netflix has unveiled the opening scene of the premiere episode of Stranger Things season five, titled The Crawl. The clip takes us back to 1983, retracing the moment when Will vanished into the Upside Down.
Inside his makeshift fort, young Will is attacked by a Demogorgon, which drags him to Vecna’s lair. There, he experiences his first chilling encounter with the season’s villain.
It is the fall of 1987 in Hawkins, a town still haunted by the aftermath of the Rifts opening. The main characters are united by a singular mission: to find and kill Vecna. However, Vecna has disappeared, leaving his plans and location unknown.
A government military quarantine is imposed on Hawkins, tightening control and escalating the pursuit of Eleven, who is forced back into hiding. As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance nears, so does a heavy, familiar sense of dread.
The looming confrontation promises a darkness far more powerful and deadly than before. To end this nightmare, the entire group must come together for the last stand.
“The final battle is looming — and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything they’ve faced before. To end this nightmare, they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time.”
Also announced is the animated series Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, slated to premiere in 2026, offering fans a fresh perspective on the beloved story.
Author’s summary: The preview of Stranger Things season 5 revisits Will’s initial encounter with the Upside Down, setting the stage for a high-stakes final battle against an even greater darkness.