Does This Popular 'Stranger Things' Fan Theory Really Hold Water?
How Long Has the Monster Been Menacing Hawkins?
By Andrew Sanford | News | October 31, 2025
One of the highlights of the fourth season of Stranger Things was how it started connecting past storylines. The show integrated its main villain, Vecna, into earlier seasons with ease. What seemed like a brand-new antagonist actually had a history with Eleven and the Hawkins kids, appearing in various forms before.
Retcon or Masterful Storytelling?
Some viewers see this as retroactive continuity—changing past elements to fit new narratives. For example, Vecna is portrayed as controlling mindless servants, distinct from the Demogorgon of season one, which reportedly did not commit Vecna's acts. This distinction has not been officially confirmed but has sparked strong fan theories.
Fan Theories and Evidence
Fans have revisited the show's first episode, piecing together clues that were easy to miss. Their interpretation suggests a more complex presence behind Will Byers' disappearance, a core event of season one.
"Will Byers’ disappearance is the most important story of season one. He’s abducted by a shadowy figure and taken to the Upside Down. At the time, we could have assumed it was the season’s frightful Demogorgon. However, it behaves much differently than we see them do in later seasons. It’s sneaking around and intentional."
Unanswered Questions
The nature of the creature involved in Will's abduction remains ambiguous. Was it the terrifying Demogorgon or another entity like Vecna, operating behind the scenes? The show’s creators have yet to clarify, leaving room for debate between careful planning and late-stage adjustments.
Author’s Summary
The fourth season’s plot weaves Vecna into earlier events, sparking fan debate over whether this is clever storytelling or retconning, especially concerning Will Byers’ mysterious disappearance.