Roll up your sleeves, Stranger Things fans, because Randy Havens just doused gasoline on an already blazing inferno of rumor and speculation! The actor, beloved for his portrayal of Mr. Clarke, took to Instagram with force on December 28 to dismantle a viral myth: the existence of a secret 'Snyder Cut' of Stranger Things Season 5. Addressing his followers directly, Havens declared, “there's no secret Snyder cut of the show,” urging, “please don't believe everything some random ass tells you on the internet.”
Havens’ clapback comes in the wake of a whirlwind movement reminiscent of the fan-driven saga that led to Zack Snyder's version of Justice League seeing the light of day, complete with new effects, scenes, and epic runtime glory. It's 2021 in the DC universe all over again, but this time in Hawkins!
As the clock ticks down to the much-anticipated Season 5 finale on New Year's Eve, an unverified, fan-crafted Google Doc alleging juicy plot cuts has emerged, capturing social media like the Upside Down captured Will. The attached Change.org petition demanding that Netflix coughs up the so-called 'unseen footage' has already scored a whopping 350,000 signatures, and the numbers keep climbing!
Diving into the petition's comments is no less entertaining. One avid fan vented their frustrations: “We have been waiting since 2022 to see this last season. To be robbed of scenes by Netflix which really could have gelled the show together is absolutely unacceptable.” Feel that passion, the call to embolden showrunners the Duffer brothers, Netflix, and the high-octane producer, Shawn Levy. “We want our full episodes, we want the scenes which change everything!”
Meanwhile, Stranger Things Season 5 is not short on ratings drama. While crushing it in viewer numbers on Netflix, Episode 7, 'The Bridge,' has become the battleground for mixed reviews. As reports indicate, the series finds itself tackled by lower audience scores, prompting a fan-driven initiative of 5-star defiance to pull up its ratings.
The buzz around 'The Bridge' has unnerved fans, with criticisms flying at the show's storytelling style, the actor's performances, and those frequently discussed 'plot armors.' The episode ignited a fiery debate on review sites, leaving some fans cheering Randy Havens for taking a stand. “What?? The unconfirmed Google Doc isn’t true?? How could it be!” one fan sarcastically quipped.
And cue dramatic music: Netflix just dropped the trailer for the Season 5 finale! 'The Rightside Up' is guaranteed to have fans on the edge of their seats with a 2-hour, 8-minute runtime on December 31 at 5 pm PT. In an exciting twist, get ready for a nationwide theatrical experience as the episode will also grace cinema screens. And from the brothers who've kept us hooked, the Duffer duo quietly advises no Game of Thrones-style slaughter is on the horizon, but who will survive this jaw-dropping finale?