Stranger Things fans have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of season 5, but due to ongoing strikes in the entertainment industry, the wait for new episodes will be longer than expected. Producer Shawn Levy, in an interview with Collider, offered a glimmer of hope by confirming that he plans to return and direct at least one episode in the show’s final season. This decision continues a long-standing tradition where Levy has taken the director’s chair for pivotal episodes throughout the series.
In the past, Levy directed key episodes in each season, contributing significantly to the show’s success. In season 1, he directed the memorable “Holly, Jolly” episode, which featured the heartbreaking demise of fan-favorite character Barb. He also directed “The Body” in that season. Season 2 saw Levy taking the helm for “The Pollywog” and “Will the Wise,” while in season 3, he handled “The Case of the Missing Lifeguard” and “The Sauna Test.”
However, Levy’s standout moment as a TV director came in Stranger Things season 4, when he directed the fourth episode titled “Dear Billy,” following up his work on “The Monster and the Superhero.” This episode was a turning point in the season, as Max became possessed by the formidable Vecna. The intense sequence where Max escapes Vecna’s grasp with the help of Kate Bush’s song “Running Up That Hill” left a lasting impact on viewers.
With Levy’s track record and his commitment to directing in the final season, fans can expect his expertise to play a crucial role in bringing the Stranger Things saga to a fitting conclusion. While the strikes may prolong the wait, the dedication of the show’s team to delivering a memorable final adventure for Eleven, Dustin, Mike, Will, Steve, and the gang is something fans can look forward to as they anticipate the return of this beloved Netflix series.