The co-creator of Stranger Things, Matt Duffer, confirmed that Joseph Quinn will not appear in the upcoming fifth season, putting to rest rumors about Eddie Munson’s return. Speaking in an interview with Empire Magazine, Duffer stated that the character remains deceased following Season 4’s finale.
Addressing fan speculation, Duffer said,
No, sadly, RIP. He’s fully under that ground.
This affirmation underlines that Quinn’s role concluded with his character’s demise in the last season’s climactic events.
Joseph Quinn’s Busy Schedule Prevents Comeback
Besides confirming the character’s death, Matt Duffer highlighted Joseph Quinn’s packed schedule as a practical reason for his absence. Quinn has taken on several projects since wrapping his work on Stranger Things, which reportedly makes returning to the show impossible.
Duffer added,
Joe is so busy anyway, that everyone should know he’s not coming back,
followed by,
He’s shot like five movies since! When the hell has he got time to come and shoot ‘Stranger Things?’
Quinn’s recent credits include major films such as A Quiet Place: Day One, Gladiator II, Warfare, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Furthermore, he has been cast as George Harrison in the upcoming Beatles biopic, sharing the screen with Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, and Barry Keoghan.
Fan Hopes for Eddie Munson Cameo Remain Unmet
Despite these clarifications, fans continue to hope for a surprise appearance by Quinn’s character. Eddie Munson’s death at the hands of demobats in the Season 4 finale titled The Piggyback seemed final. Yet, Joseph Quinn himself once hinted he would welcome a guest role like the one Dacre Montgomery had after his character Billy’s death.
This ambiguity only fueled fan speculation, but it is now evident that any such cameo is unlikely.
Upcoming Stranger Things Finale Timeline
The final season of Stranger Things will be released in two parts: Volume 1 premieres on November 26, while Volume 2 is scheduled for December 25, with the series finale airing on December 31. Viewers can revisit Seasons 1 through 4 on Netflix ahead of the conclusion.
The absence of Joseph Quinn in Stranger Things Season 5 marks the end of Eddie Munson’s story but solidifies the show’s commitment to wrapping up its narrative firmly as the spotlight shifts to new developments in the concluding episodes.
