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New Photo - Millie Bobby Brown is sworn to secrecy about Eleven's 'Stranger Things' fate

USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.Millie Bobby Brown is sworn to secrecy about Eleven's 'Stranger Things' fate Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY January 4, 2026 at 6:54 PM 0 Spoiler alert! This story contains details about the final episode of "Stranger Things." Do you believe? The series finale of "Stranger Things" left Eleven's (Millie Bobby Brown) fate ambiguous, but the actress knows the definitive answer about what happened to her, the show's creators have revealed. In a Jan.

- - USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.Millie Bobby Brown is sworn to secrecy about Eleven's 'Stranger Things' fate

Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY January 4, 2026 at 6:54 PM

Spoiler alert! This story contains details about the final episode of "Stranger Things."

Do you believe?

The series finale of "Stranger Things" left Eleven's (Millie Bobby Brown) fate ambiguous, but the actress knows the definitive answer about what happened to her, the show's creators have revealed.

In a Jan. 4 spoiler interview on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast, "Stranger Things" creators Matt and Ross Duffer confirmed they have decided what "the truth" is regarding whether Eleven lived or died, which they have shared with Brown.

But the Duffers have no plans to ever reveal this, nor does the actress.

Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven in "Stranger Things" Season 5.

"She's not going to tell you, either," Matt Duffer said on the podcast. "Don't waste your time."

He added, "Millie swore herself to secrecy."

Evidently, the rest of the "Stranger Things" cast isn't allowed to know the truth, either. During the podcast, Duffer texted Brown to remind her not to tell her costar Noah Schnapp what she knows about Eleven's fate, joking he can't be trusted with secrets. She texted back minutes later, "Of course not."

In the series finale of "Stranger Things," released on New Year's Eve, Eleven appears to sacrifice her life and allow herself to die as the Upside Down is destroyed in order to ensure her friends can be safe. But in the final scene, Mike (Finn Wolfhard) lays out a theory about how Eleven could have faked her death and may still be alive somewhere.

Stranger Things' series finale recap − This is really how it ends?

Mike and his friends decide to believe his theory that Eleven is alive, even though they'll never know for sure, but the show leaves it up to the viewer to decide whether they believe, too. While Eleven is shown arriving to a peaceful town, it's unclear whether this is real or simply a visualization of Mike's story.

Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler in "Stranger Things" Season 5.

On "Happy Sad Confused," Matt Duffer revealed the show's writers considered whether Eleven could have a "fully happy ending," where she's "married to Mike and they're living a perfectly happy life," but "we just couldn't figure out a way for that to work." He also argued it would take "away the power of the ending" to tell the audience their interpretation.

In other post-finale interviews, the Duffers noted they left Eleven's fate ambiguous so viewers would have to choose whether to believe Mike's story, just like the characters.

From left: Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown and Gaten Matarazzo attend Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 world premiere at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on Nov. 6, 2025, in Hollywood, California.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>Fast forward a decade later to Nov. 6, 2025, at the final red carpet premiere of "Stranger Things," as the cast prepares to say goodbye to the end of an area filled with Demogorgons, Mind Flayers, bicycle rides, Eggos, secret labs, first loves, heartbreaks and the biggest bad of them all: Vecna. From left: Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown and Gaten Matarazzo attend Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 world premiere at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on Nov. 6, 2025, in Hollywood, California.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/DafB39P class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Fast forward a decade later to Nov. 6, 2025, at the final red carpet premiere of "Stranger Things," as the cast prepares to say goodbye to the end of an area filled with Demogorgons, Mind Flayers, bicycle rides, Eggos, secret labs, first loves, heartbreaks and the biggest bad of them all: Vecna. From left: Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown and Gaten Matarazzo attend Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 world premiere at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on Nov. 6, 2025, in Hollywood, California.

">Fast forward a decade later to Nov. 6, 2025, at the final red carpet premiere of "Stranger Things," as the cast prepares to say goodbye to the end of an area filled with Demogorgons, Mind Flayers, bicycle rides, Eggos, secret labs, first loves, heartbreaks and the biggest bad of them all: Vecna. From left: Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown and Gaten Matarazzo attend Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 world premiere at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres on Nov. 6, 2025, in Hollywood, California.

" src=https://ift.tt/DafB39P class=caas-img>which will also be hitting theaters).After the Season 5 premiere in Los Angeles, Jamie Campbell Bower, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, and Finn Wolfhard attended a For Your Consideration event at Netflix's Tudum Theater on Nov. 8, 2025.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>Following the first batch of episodes, fans will have to wait until Christmas Day for "Volume 2" to binge three more episodes. Finally, it will all come to a bittersweet end on New Year's Eve with the series finale (which will also be hitting theaters).After the Season 5 premiere in Los Angeles, Jamie Campbell Bower, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, and Finn Wolfhard attended a For Your Consideration event at Netflix's Tudum Theater on Nov. 8, 2025.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/FBSX057 class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Following the first batch of episodes, fans will have to wait until Christmas Day for "Volume 2" to binge three more episodes. Finally, it will all come to a bittersweet end on New Year's Eve with the series finale (which will also be hitting theaters).After the Season 5 premiere in Los Angeles, Jamie Campbell Bower, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, and Finn Wolfhard attended a For Your Consideration event at Netflix's Tudum Theater on Nov. 8, 2025.

">Following the first batch of episodes, fans will have to wait until Christmas Day for "Volume 2" to binge three more episodes. Finally, it will all come to a bittersweet end on New Year's Eve with the series finale (which will also be hitting theaters).After the Season 5 premiere in Los Angeles, Jamie Campbell Bower, Caleb McLaughlin, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, and Finn Wolfhard attended a For Your Consideration event at Netflix's Tudum Theater on Nov. 8, 2025.

" src=https://ift.tt/FBSX057 class=caas-img> (no pun intended) when she attended the Season 1 premiere of "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>Millie Bobby Brown was only 11 (no pun intended) when she attended the Season 1 premiere of "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/nWajPK7 class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Millie Bobby Brown was only 11 (no pun intended) when she attended the Season 1 premiere of "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.

">Millie Bobby Brown was only 11 (no pun intended) when she attended the Season 1 premiere of "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.

" src=https://ift.tt/nWajPK7 class=caas-img>Now 21, Brown is all grown up in a Rodarte black gown at the final premiere.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/pf3Svbn class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Now 21, Brown is all grown up in a Rodarte black gown at the final premiere.

">Now 21, Brown is all grown up in a Rodarte black gown at the final premiere.

" src=https://ift.tt/pf3Svbn class=caas-img>On Nov. 13, 2025, Brown wore another elegant black gown at the UK screening of "Stranger Things 5" at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/5uoObpc class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

On Nov. 13, 2025, Brown wore another elegant black gown at the UK screening of "Stranger Things 5" at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London.

">On Nov. 13, 2025, Brown wore another elegant black gown at the UK screening of "Stranger Things 5" at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London.

" src=https://ift.tt/5uoObpc class=caas-img>Noah Schnapp was also 11 when "Stranger Things" first began.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/SxEWYoc class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Noah Schnapp was also 11 when "Stranger Things" first began.

">Noah Schnapp was also 11 when "Stranger Things" first began.

" src=https://ift.tt/SxEWYoc class=caas-img>Schnapp, now 21, looked dapper at the final "Stranger Things" premiere.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/SoEpaCZ class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Schnapp, now 21, looked dapper at the final "Stranger Things" premiere.

">Schnapp, now 21, looked dapper at the final "Stranger Things" premiere.

" src=https://ift.tt/SoEpaCZ class=caas-img>Schnapp and Brown, who have fostered a close friendship offscreen, share a laugh at the London premiere of "Season Things 5."

" data-src=https://ift.tt/PGaMuEj class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Schnapp and Brown, who have fostered a close friendship offscreen, share a laugh at the London premiere of "Season Things 5."

">Schnapp and Brown, who have fostered a close friendship offscreen, share a laugh at the London premiere of "Season Things 5."

" src=https://ift.tt/PGaMuEj class=caas-img>Gaten Matarazzo was almost 13 when "Stranger Things" premiered in 2016.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/F4yMELW class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Gaten Matarazzo was almost 13 when "Stranger Things" premiered in 2016.

">Gaten Matarazzo was almost 13 when "Stranger Things" premiered in 2016.

" src=https://ift.tt/F4yMELW class=caas-img>Matarazzo, now 23, who plays the beloved Dustin Henderson onscreen, looked rocked a three-piece dark grey suit at the final "Stranger Things" premiere.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/tAz8puJ class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Matarazzo, now 23, who plays the beloved Dustin Henderson onscreen, looked rocked a three-piece dark grey suit at the final "Stranger Things" premiere.

">Matarazzo, now 23, who plays the beloved Dustin Henderson onscreen, looked rocked a three-piece dark grey suit at the final "Stranger Things" premiere.

" src=https://ift.tt/tAz8puJ class=caas-img>Matarazzo at the London screening of the final season.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/HxsyZD0 class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Matarazzo at the London screening of the final season.

">Matarazzo at the London screening of the final season.

" src=https://ift.tt/HxsyZD0 class=caas-img>Caleb McLaughlin was almost 14 when "Stranger Things" Season 1 premiered in the summer of 2016.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/Ms2E6al class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Caleb McLaughlin was almost 14 when "Stranger Things" Season 1 premiered in the summer of 2016.

">Caleb McLaughlin was almost 14 when "Stranger Things" Season 1 premiered in the summer of 2016.

" src=https://ift.tt/Ms2E6al class=caas-img>McLaughlin, now 24, attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 in Los Angeles.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/1uTFOlJ class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

McLaughlin, now 24, attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 in Los Angeles.

">McLaughlin, now 24, attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 in Los Angeles.

" src=https://ift.tt/1uTFOlJ class=caas-img>McLaughlin wore custom Joshua Kane at the London premiere.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/qWLZjFI class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

McLaughlin wore custom Joshua Kane at the London premiere.

">McLaughlin wore custom Joshua Kane at the London premiere.

" src=https://ift.tt/qWLZjFI class=caas-img>Finn Wolfhard was almost 12 when "Stranger Things" premiered in 2016.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/rbjy7EY class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Finn Wolfhard was almost 12 when "Stranger Things" premiered in 2016.

">Finn Wolfhard was almost 12 when "Stranger Things" premiered in 2016.

" src=https://ift.tt/rbjy7EY class=caas-img>Wolfhard, now 22, spoke to USA TODAY at the "Stranger Things 5" red carpet about how it feels to say goodbye to the hit Netflix show and his costars.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/TRbNgzt class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Wolfhard, now 22, spoke to USA TODAY at the "Stranger Things 5" red carpet about how it feels to say goodbye to the hit Netflix show and his costars.

">Wolfhard, now 22, spoke to USA TODAY at the "Stranger Things 5" red carpet about how it feels to say goodbye to the hit Netflix show and his costars.

" src=https://ift.tt/TRbNgzt class=caas-img>"I feel like I haven't ever said goodbye totally," Wolfhard said. "It comes in waves, I feel like. But it's really nice to be able to be here with everyone and experience sort of the end, even though it doesn't really feel like the end, because we all still talk a lot."

" data-src=https://ift.tt/v12JhQg class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

"I feel like I haven't ever said goodbye totally," Wolfhard said. "It comes in waves, I feel like. But it's really nice to be able to be here with everyone and experience sort of the end, even though it doesn't really feel like the end, because we all still talk a lot."

">"I feel like I haven't ever said goodbye totally," Wolfhard said. "It comes in waves, I feel like. But it's really nice to be able to be here with everyone and experience sort of the end, even though it doesn't really feel like the end, because we all still talk a lot."

" src=https://ift.tt/v12JhQg class=caas-img>Natalia Dyer was 20 years old when she first appeared on Netflix's "Stranger Things" in 2016.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/z8xVOyH class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Natalia Dyer was 20 years old when she first appeared on Netflix's "Stranger Things" in 2016.

">Natalia Dyer was 20 years old when she first appeared on Netflix's "Stranger Things" in 2016.

" src=https://ift.tt/z8xVOyH class=caas-img>Dyer, now ushering a new season as a soon-to-be 31-year-old, opted to wear a bold red dress for the final "Stranger Things" premiere as she did for the first.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/JWhmdR2 class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Dyer, now ushering a new season as a soon-to-be 31-year-old, opted to wear a bold red dress for the final "Stranger Things" premiere as she did for the first.

">Dyer, now ushering a new season as a soon-to-be 31-year-old, opted to wear a bold red dress for the final "Stranger Things" premiere as she did for the first.

" src=https://ift.tt/JWhmdR2 class=caas-img>Dyer attends the "Stranger Things 5" screening in London on Nov. 13, 2025.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/7rTvCW1 class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Dyer attends the "Stranger Things 5" screening in London on Nov. 13, 2025.

">Dyer attends the "Stranger Things 5" screening in London on Nov. 13, 2025.

" src=https://ift.tt/7rTvCW1 class=caas-img>After a breakout Season 1 of "Stranger Things," the core cast was back at it on the red carpet circuit for Season 2. Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown attend the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 2 at Regency Bruin Theatre on Oct. 26, 2017.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/Ow98cjY class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

After a breakout Season 1 of "Stranger Things," the core cast was back at it on the red carpet circuit for Season 2. Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown attend the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 2 at Regency Bruin Theatre on Oct. 26, 2017.

">After a breakout Season 1 of "Stranger Things," the core cast was back at it on the red carpet circuit for Season 2. Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown attend the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 2 at Regency Bruin Theatre on Oct. 26, 2017.

" src=https://ift.tt/Ow98cjY class=caas-img>"The Goonies" actor Sean Astin, "Beverly Hills Cop" actor Paul Reiser and "Teenland" actress Linnea Berthelsen also joined the cast.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>Season 2 of the show saw new cast additions including Sadie Sink as May Mayfield and Dacre Montgomery as her brother, Billy Hargrove. "The Goonies" actor Sean Astin, "Beverly Hills Cop" actor Paul Reiser and "Teenland" actress Linnea Berthelsen also joined the cast.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/qdUH4pX class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Season 2 of the show saw new cast additions including Sadie Sink as May Mayfield and Dacre Montgomery as her brother, Billy Hargrove. "The Goonies" actor Sean Astin, "Beverly Hills Cop" actor Paul Reiser and "Teenland" actress Linnea Berthelsen also joined the cast.

">Season 2 of the show saw new cast additions including Sadie Sink as May Mayfield and Dacre Montgomery as her brother, Billy Hargrove. "The Goonies" actor Sean Astin, "Beverly Hills Cop" actor Paul Reiser and "Teenland" actress Linnea Berthelsen also joined the cast.

" src=https://ift.tt/qdUH4pX class=caas-img>Sadie Sink, now 23, attends Netflix's "Stranger Things 2" premiere on Oct. 26, 2017, in Los Angeles.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/P6G9iuV class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Sadie Sink, now 23, attends Netflix's "Stranger Things 2" premiere on Oct. 26, 2017, in Los Angeles.

">Sadie Sink, now 23, attends Netflix's "Stranger Things 2" premiere on Oct. 26, 2017, in Los Angeles.

" src=https://ift.tt/P6G9iuV class=caas-img>Sink attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 in Los Angeles.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/ZRIkUGm class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Sink attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 in Los Angeles.

">Sink attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" Season 5 in Los Angeles.

" src=https://ift.tt/ZRIkUGm class=caas-img>Sink attends a "Stranger Things" Season 5 screening in London.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/wTLDPry class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Sink attends a "Stranger Things" Season 5 screening in London.

">Sink attends a "Stranger Things" Season 5 screening in London.

" src=https://ift.tt/wTLDPry class=caas-img>Brown walked hand-in-hand with costar Sink on the black carpet at the Hollywood premiere of "Stranger Things" Season 5 on Nov. 6, at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>Brown walked hand-in-hand with costar Sink on the black carpet at the Hollywood premiere of "Stranger Things" Season 5 on Nov. 6, at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/NF0GBJn class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Brown walked hand-in-hand with costar Sink on the black carpet at the Hollywood premiere of "Stranger Things" Season 5 on Nov. 6, at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre.

">Brown walked hand-in-hand with costar Sink on the black carpet at the Hollywood premiere of "Stranger Things" Season 5 on Nov. 6, at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre.

" src=https://ift.tt/NF0GBJn class=caas-img>The two have been red carpet besties since the beginning.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/YHGcL8n class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

The two have been red carpet besties since the beginning.

">The two have been red carpet besties since the beginning.

" src=https://ift.tt/YHGcL8n class=caas-img>Joe Keery, now 33, has been part of the original "Stranger Things" cast since Season 1.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/cyG0rTN class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Joe Keery, now 33, has been part of the original "Stranger Things" cast since Season 1.

">Joe Keery, now 33, has been part of the original "Stranger Things" cast since Season 1.

" src=https://ift.tt/cyG0rTN class=caas-img>Fast forward a decade later, Keery has also forayed into the music industry.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/AalW0pJ class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Fast forward a decade later, Keery has also forayed into the music industry.

">Fast forward a decade later, Keery has also forayed into the music industry.

" src=https://ift.tt/AalW0pJ class=caas-img>Keery opts for an edgy, all-black look at the final premiere of "Stranger Things" in Los Angeles.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/2o8JRcS class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Keery opts for an edgy, all-black look at the final premiere of "Stranger Things" in Los Angeles.

">Keery opts for an edgy, all-black look at the final premiere of "Stranger Things" in Los Angeles.

" src=https://ift.tt/2o8JRcS class=caas-img>Here he is pictured at the 2017 BAFTA Tea Party at Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>Charlie Heaton, the brooding Jonathan Byers on "Stranger Things," has also been on the show since the start. Here he is pictured at the 2017 BAFTA Tea Party at Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/JZ5CwvD class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Charlie Heaton, the brooding Jonathan Byers on "Stranger Things," has also been on the show since the start. Here he is pictured at the 2017 BAFTA Tea Party at Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.

">Charlie Heaton, the brooding Jonathan Byers on "Stranger Things," has also been on the show since the start. Here he is pictured at the 2017 BAFTA Tea Party at Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.

" src=https://ift.tt/JZ5CwvD class=caas-img>Heaton, now 31, attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" final season.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/0Zcbphu class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Heaton, now 31, attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" final season.

">Heaton, now 31, attends the world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" final season.

" src=https://ift.tt/0Zcbphu class=caas-img>Heaton, a UK native, attends the "Stranger Things" screening in London.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/njm0Ohq class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Heaton, a UK native, attends the "Stranger Things" screening in London.

">Heaton, a UK native, attends the "Stranger Things" screening in London.

" src=https://ift.tt/njm0Ohq class=caas-img>Mother! Winona Ryder attends the Season 1 premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/gn5Wlo4 class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Mother! Winona Ryder attends the Season 1 premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.

">Mother! Winona Ryder attends the Season 1 premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.

" src=https://ift.tt/gn5Wlo4 class=caas-img>Ryder attends the 2025 world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" in Los Angeles.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/zhS5G3w class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Ryder attends the 2025 world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" in Los Angeles.

">Ryder attends the 2025 world premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" in Los Angeles.

" src=https://ift.tt/zhS5G3w class=caas-img>Blast from the past! David Harbour at the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/IaTHQqK class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Blast from the past! David Harbour at the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016.

">Blast from the past! David Harbour at the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" at Mack Sennett Studios on July 11, 2016.

" src=https://ift.tt/IaTHQqK class=caas-img>David Harbour, now 50, attends the final premiere of "Stranger Things." He plays Jim Hopper.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/BoDctia class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

David Harbour, now 50, attends the final premiere of "Stranger Things." He plays Jim Hopper.

">David Harbour, now 50, attends the final premiere of "Stranger Things." He plays Jim Hopper.

" src=https://ift.tt/BoDctia class=caas-img>Father-daughter duo from the start. Harbour and Brown attend the after party for the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" in 2016.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/2hv1mJN class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Father-daughter duo from the start. Harbour and Brown attend the after party for the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" in 2016.

">Father-daughter duo from the start. Harbour and Brown attend the after party for the premiere of Netflix's "Stranger Things" in 2016.

" src=https://ift.tt/2hv1mJN class=caas-img>Daily Mail on Nov. 1 that Brown had allegedly filed a harassment and bullying claim against her onscreen dad before filming began. During the Nov. 7 premiere, however, the actors showed a united front, conveying nothing but admiration toward each other as phones and cameras measured their every move.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>The final "Stranger Things" premiere was nearly plagued with controversy after reports surfaced from the Daily Mail on Nov. 1 that Brown had allegedly filed a harassment and bullying claim against her onscreen dad before filming began. During the Nov. 7 premiere, however, the actors showed a united front, conveying nothing but admiration toward each other as phones and cameras measured their every move.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/4ZEXGkO class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

The final "Stranger Things" premiere was nearly plagued with controversy after reports surfaced from the Daily Mail on Nov. 1 that Brown had allegedly filed a harassment and bullying claim against her onscreen dad before filming began. During the Nov. 7 premiere, however, the actors showed a united front, conveying nothing but admiration toward each other as phones and cameras measured their every move.

">The final "Stranger Things" premiere was nearly plagued with controversy after reports surfaced from the Daily Mail on Nov. 1 that Brown had allegedly filed a harassment and bullying claim against her onscreen dad before filming began. During the Nov. 7 premiere, however, the actors showed a united front, conveying nothing but admiration toward each other as phones and cameras measured their every move.

" src=https://ift.tt/4ZEXGkO class=caas-img>Here she is pictured at the Season 3 premiere of the show on June 28, 2019, in Santa Monica, California.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>Priah Ferguson, who plays Lucas Sinclair's younger sister Erica Sinclair, also joined the cast of "Stranger Things" in Season 1. She has gradually become a fan favorite with her sassy attitude and quick wit toward her onscreen brother Caleb and the rest of the Hawkins gang. Here she is pictured at the Season 3 premiere of the show on June 28, 2019, in Santa Monica, California.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/dxQzpsj class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Priah Ferguson, who plays Lucas Sinclair's younger sister Erica Sinclair, also joined the cast of "Stranger Things" in Season 1. She has gradually become a fan favorite with her sassy attitude and quick wit toward her onscreen brother Caleb and the rest of the Hawkins gang. Here she is pictured at the Season 3 premiere of the show on June 28, 2019, in Santa Monica, California.

">Priah Ferguson, who plays Lucas Sinclair's younger sister Erica Sinclair, also joined the cast of "Stranger Things" in Season 1. She has gradually become a fan favorite with her sassy attitude and quick wit toward her onscreen brother Caleb and the rest of the Hawkins gang. Here she is pictured at the Season 3 premiere of the show on June 28, 2019, in Santa Monica, California.

" src=https://ift.tt/dxQzpsj class=caas-img>Priah Ferguson attends Netflix's "Stranger Things" red carpet premiere for Season 5.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/AuXLlbS class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Priah Ferguson attends Netflix's "Stranger Things" red carpet premiere for Season 5.

">Priah Ferguson attends Netflix's "Stranger Things" red carpet premiere for Season 5.

" src=https://ift.tt/AuXLlbS class=caas-img>

Say "Vecna"! "Stranger Things" cast Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown (front right) attend the BUILD Series at AOL HQ on Aug. 31, 2016, in New York City.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/TdfxPMe class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

">Say "Vecna"! "Stranger Things" cast Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown (front right) attend the BUILD Series at AOL HQ on Aug. 31, 2016, in New York City.

" src=https://ift.tt/TdfxPMe class=caas-img>Strike a pose! The Core Four of Hawkins hit the 22nd annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on Dec. 11, 2016, in Santa Monica, California.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/pOwQEkB class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Strike a pose! The Core Four of Hawkins hit the 22nd annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on Dec. 11, 2016, in Santa Monica, California.

">Strike a pose! The Core Four of Hawkins hit the 22nd annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on Dec. 11, 2016, in Santa Monica, California.

" src=https://ift.tt/pOwQEkB class=caas-img>Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp and Gaten Matarazzo at the 22nd annual Critics' Choice Awards.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/Wh0oAsU class=caas-img data-headline="'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up" data-caption="

Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp and Gaten Matarazzo at the 22nd annual Critics' Choice Awards.

">Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp and Gaten Matarazzo at the 22nd annual Critics' Choice Awards.

" src=https://ift.tt/Wh0oAsU class=caas-img>

1 / 46'Stranger Things' cast then and now — See Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp grow up

"The characters can't know and the audience can't know because then it puts Eleven in danger and her sacrifice was for nothing," Matt Duffer told The Hollywood Reporter. "So there's a point in not knowing. The boys obviously choose to believe. I'm not sure what the majority of people are thinking, but dipping my toes a little bit into social media, it seems like people are choosing to believe and are going to Mike Wheeler route."

Who dies in the series finale of 'Stranger Things'?

Speaking to Netflix's Tudum, Ross Duffer also argued that Eleven disappearing at the end of the series was important on a thematic level.

"She represents magic in a lot of ways and the magic of childhood," he explained. "For our characters to move on and for the story of Hawkins and the Upside Down to come to a close, Eleven had to go away. We thought it would be beautiful if our characters continued to believe in that happier ending even if we didn't give them a clear answer to whether that's true or not."

Duffer added, "The fact that they're believing in it, we just thought it was such a better way to end the story and a better way to represent the closure of this journey and their journey from children to adults."

Brown's husband Jake Bongiovi appears to have decided on his interpretation of the ending. On Friday, he shared a photo on Instagram of Brown at a screening of the finale and wrote, "I believe!"

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Did Eleven die on 'Stranger Things'? Millie Bobby Brown knows truth

Original Article on Source

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Published: January 05, 2026 at 06:36AM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 04, 2026

Millie Bobby Brown is sworn to secrecy about Eleven's 'Stranger Things' fate

USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. Millie Bobby ...

Jennifer Aniston Supports Boyfriend Jim Curtis at His California Book Event Nicholas RiceJanuary 4, 2026 at 7:34 PM 4 JISH / BACKGRID Jennifer Aniston (left) and Jim Curtis (right) on Jan. 3. Jennifer Aniston supported boyfriend Jim Curtis' book event on Saturday, Jan. 3 The hypnotherapist hosted his "A Deep Reset for the New Year" event at Godmother's bookstore in Summerland, Calif. Aniston and Curtis first sparked romance rumors in July Jennifer Aniston is a supportive girlfriend.

- - Jennifer Aniston Supports Boyfriend Jim Curtis at His California Book Event

Nicholas RiceJanuary 4, 2026 at 7:34 PM

JISH / BACKGRID

Jennifer Aniston (left) and Jim Curtis (right) on Jan. 3. -

Jennifer Aniston supported boyfriend Jim Curtis' book event on Saturday, Jan. 3

The hypnotherapist hosted his "A Deep Reset for the New Year" event at Godmother's bookstore in Summerland, Calif.

Aniston and Curtis first sparked romance rumors in July

Jennifer Aniston is a supportive girlfriend.

The actress, 56, supported boyfriend Jim Curtis during his book event at Godmother's bookstore in Summerland, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 3.

Aniston and Curtis, 50, were photographed at the shop, where the hypnotherapist hosted his "A Deep Reset for the New Year" event.

Curtis wore a black T-shirt, gray cardigan and plaid pants for the outing, while Aniston kept warm in a green sweater and jeans.

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JISH / BACKGRID

Jim Curtis (left) and Jennifer Aniston (right) on Jan. 3.

Aniston and Curtis first sparked romance rumors when they were photographed together in July on a yacht.

The Friends alum then went Instagram official with her boyfriend in November, when she shared a tribute in honor of Curtis' 50th birthday.

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Recently marking the end of 2025, Curtis shared a sweet photograph on Instagram of himself and Aniston in the car together. "Some amazing things happened this year, but it's always the people who make it," he wrote in the post's caption.

Aniston, meanwhile, shared an Instagram Reel that featured an image of Curtis cuddling one of her dogs. "BUH-BYEEEEE 2025," she captioned the clip.

Michael Kovac/Getty

Jim Curtis (left) and Jennifer Aniston (right) in November 2025.

A source close to Aniston recently told PEOPLE that her romance with Curtis is a result of them spending "months" chatting and getting to know one another before taking things to the next level.

"Jen really valued their friendship in the beginning of the year," the insider said. "When it all took a turn to something more romantic, she was cautious at first. Now, she's excited that she just went for it."

The source also told PEOPLE that Aniston's relationship with Curtis "feels like kismet," and that she "truly loves" him.

"He's brought so many good things into her life," the insider explained of Curtis.

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Source: Entertainment

Published: January 05, 2026 at 06:36AM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 04, 2026

Jennifer Aniston Supports Boyfriend Jim Curtis at His California Book Event

Jennifer Aniston Supports Boyfriend Jim Curtis at His California Book Event Nicholas RiceJanuary 4, 2026 at 7:34 PM 4 ...

Henry Winkler refuses to retire at 80 because 'it is deadly' Jillian SederholmJanuary 4, 2026 at 7:56 PM 4 Noam Galai/Getty; ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Henry Winkler in 2025; Winkler as Fonzie on 'Happy Days' TV legend Henry Winkler may be 80, but he won't stop working anytime soon. "People keep asking me, am I gonna retire or 'have you retired?'" the Happy Days alum said on a recent episode of the IMO podcast, hosted by former first lady Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson.

- - Henry Winkler refuses to retire at 80 because 'it is deadly'

Jillian SederholmJanuary 4, 2026 at 7:56 PM

Noam Galai/Getty; ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Henry Winkler in 2025; Winkler as Fonzie on 'Happy Days'

TV legend Henry Winkler may be 80, but he won't stop working anytime soon.

"People keep asking me, am I gonna retire or 'have you retired?'" the Happy Days alum said on a recent episode of the IMO podcast, hosted by former first lady Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson.

"And I think that is like the furthest thing from my imagination," Winkler said of stepping away from acting. "I will retire when I am not able to do [this] more."

He added of retirement, "I think that it is deadly."

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Don Most, Henry Winkler, Anson Williams, and Ron Howard on 'Happy Days' in 1973

"I work a lot," the octogenarian said of his current status. "I have several jobs."

His most recent gig is hosting the History Channel's Hazardous History, which was renewed for a second season that will expand to 30 hour-long episodes.

"When they presented it to me, I just loved the facts of it. I thought, 'This is outrageous,'" Winkler said of the documentary series, which delves into products and activities from America's past that now seem reckless.

Winkler's own past is far from that — aside from a certain shark jump. Over the past 50 years, he's portrayed numerous fan-favorite characters, beginning with one of his earliest roles as Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli on the sitcom Happy Days, which ran from 1974 until 1984. The part won the actor two Golden Globes, scored him three Emmy nominations, and earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1981.

He went on to delight comedy fans with numerous collaborations with Adam Sandler, including The Waterboy, Click, Little Nicky, You Don't Mess With the Zohan, and Sandy Wexler.

Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.

In his later years, he made memorable turns as Arrested Development's hilariously incompetent lawyer Barry Zuckerkorn, Parks and Recreation's resident obstetrician and investor (and father to the incorrigible Jean-Ralphio and Mona-Lisa) Dr. Lu Saperstein, and Barry's eccentric acting teacher Gene Cousineau.

Isabella Vosmikova/HBO Bill Hader and Henry Winkler on 'Barry'

It was the latter role opposite Bill Hader on the HBO series that brought Winkler perhaps the most acclaim of his career, when he was already well into his 70s. He snagged his first Primetime Emmy Award for season 1 and was nominated for all three of the seasons that followed.

Winkler also writes children's books with his writing partner, Lin Oliver, including the Here's Hank and Detective Duck series.

Next up, he can be seen starring alongside Bob Odenkirk and Lena Headey in the crime thriller Normal, heading to theaters in April.

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Watch Winkler's full interview with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson on IMO above.

on Entertainment Weekly

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Source: Entertainment

Published: January 05, 2026 at 06:36AM on Source: RON MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byKris Ronald

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

January 04, 2026

Henry Winkler refuses to retire at 80 because 'it is deadly'

Henry Winkler refuses to retire at 80 because 'it is deadly' Jillian SederholmJanuary 4, 2026 at 7:56 PM 4 Noam G...

New Photo - The 'Stranger Things' S5 soundtrack is coming to vinyl. How to buy.

USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.The 'Stranger Things' S5 soundtrack is coming to vinyl. How to buy. Greta Cross, USA TODAYJanuary 5, 2026 at 4:03 AM 0 The 'Stranger Things' S5 soundtrack is coming to vinyl. How to buy. "Stranger Things" may be over but fans can continue enjoying the story through its music. Sony Music announced the lineup for the "Stranger Things" Season 5 soundtrack, set to release on Jan. 30.

- - USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.The 'Stranger Things' S5 soundtrack is coming to vinyl. How to buy.

Greta Cross, USA TODAYJanuary 5, 2026 at 4:03 AM

The 'Stranger Things' S5 soundtrack is coming to vinyl. How to buy.

"Stranger Things" may be over but fans can continue enjoying the story through its music.

Sony Music announced the lineup for the "Stranger Things" Season 5 soundtrack, set to release on Jan. 30. The soundtrack will be available on four pieces of physical media: A yellow marble LP, standard LP, cassette and CD.

Thirteen tracks make up the soundtrack, from Michael Jackson's "Rockin' Robin" to Iron Maiden's "The Trooper." The CD also includes a bonus track of "To Each His Own" by Freddy Martin & His Orchestra.

Though the final season and two-hour-long finale have received mixed reviews, it's hard to deny the series' impact on music. Since its debut in 2016, "Stranger Things" has been known for its iconic soundtracks, blasting several classic hits into the stratosphere, like Kate Busch's "Running Up That Hill" from 1985 and Metallica's "Master of Puppets" from 1986, which were both featured in the series' fourth season.

Here's what to know about getting your hands on the "Stranger Things" Season 5 soundtrack on vinyl.