Duffer Brothers Reveal the Stranger Things Character Closest to Them

The global promotional tour for Stranger Things is underway as fans count down to the release of Season 5 Volume 1 on 26 November (27 November in India). With the series approaching its final chapter, creators Ross and Matt Duffer reflected on the character that means the most to them after nearly a decade of storytelling.

In a conversation with GQ Thailand, the Duffer Brothers were asked which character they would choose to say goodbye to. Ross Duffer admitted that choosing one is difficult because they love all the characters. But if he had to pick, he would choose Mike Wheeler. Ross explained that Mike was created as a reflection of their own personalities when they were younger. Writing Mike allowed them to reconnect with their childhood and revisit the creative world they enjoyed growing up. He shared that the show gave them a chance to escape into those memories for almost ten years.

Matt Duffer agreed completely. Mike was the first character they wrote for the series and the one who helped shape the show’s earliest ideas. Because Mike represents their younger selves, Matt said he would also choose to say goodbye to him.

Mike Wheeler, played by Finn Wolfhard, has always been one of the most important characters in the series. He is the unofficial leader of “The Party,” the group of friends at the center of the story. Mike is the one who discovers Eleven, supports her through her struggles, and motivates his friends to search for Will Byers when he goes missing in the first season.

As Stranger Things Season 5 approaches, characters face the most emotional and dangerous moments of their journey. Eleven must regain her full power to face rising threats. Will Byers becomes more central as his connection to Vecna deepens. Max continues to deal with the painful consequences of her past experiences, becoming a key emotional focus for the group. Dustin, Lucas, and Mike also face growing challenges as the battle against the Upside Down reaches its final stage.

Meanwhile, Hopper, Joyce, Steve, Nancy, and Robin confront new dangers that test their loyalty, strength, and survival instincts. The final season promises intense drama, high stakes, and emotional depth as the story reaches its conclusion.

The first four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 will premiere on 27 November at 6:30 a.m. IST. Fans across the world are eagerly waiting to see how the beloved series will end and how each character’s journey will conclude.