Does This Popular 'Stranger Things' Fan Theory Really Hold Water?
By Andrew Sanford | News | October 31, 2025
One of the highlights of Stranger Things season four was its skillful way of connecting storylines. The show integrated the main villain, Vecna, with earlier seasons smoothly. Although Vecna seemed like a new threat, he actually had ties to Eleven and the other Hawkins kids, appearing in different forms before.
This reveal was almost like a magic trick. Some aspects could be seen as retroactive adjustments. For example, Vecna was portrayed as a sinister presence controlling mindless minions, distinct from the Demogorgon that terrorized Hawkins in season one.
That last bit has yet to be confirmed by anyone involved in the show, but it’s taken many fans’ imaginations by storm.
Fans have revisited the first episode, uncovering clues that suggest a deeper connection than initially noticed. But the question remains: was this intricate story design planned from the start, or a later retcon?
Will Byers’ disappearance drives the first season's plot. He is taken to the Upside Down by a shadowy figure, which at first seemed to be the Demogorgon. Yet, this creature acts differently than the Demogorgons seen in later seasons, moving stealthily and deliberately.
It’s sneaking around and intentional.
This subtle difference fuels the fan theory that the early monster might actually be connected to Vecna’s influence, rather than the Demogorgon itself.
Author's summary: The evolving villain connection in Stranger Things sparks debate whether the new lore was planned or retrofitted, with early hints suggesting a more complex monster history in Hawkins.