The dynamics between Steve Harrington and Jonathan Byers are set to become more intense as Joe Keery Stranger Things rivalry comes to the forefront in the upcoming season. Set in Hawkins, the new season brings back the original tension between these two key characters, raising anticipation among fans for unforeseen conflict and drama.
Steve and Jonathan Face Off Once Again
For the first time since the debut season, Steve Harrington, played by Joe Keery, and Jonathan Byers, portrayed by Charlie Heaton, are paired up on screen together for Stranger Things season 5. This familiar yet tense interaction promises to stir up new conflicts, adding a layer of unresolved rivalry that has long simmered beneath their surface alliance.
In an exclusive discussion with RadioTimes.com, both Joe Keery and Natalia Dyer, who brings Nancy Wheeler to life, shed light on this developing relationship. Dyer noted,
Yeah, there is a little something going on with these guys,
Natalia Dyer, Nancy Wheeler. She elaborated on the evolution of group dynamics by saying,
We find everyone’s thrown together, working together really closely, or more closely than other seasons, and therefore these two are also thrown together.
Natalia Dyer, Nancy Wheeler.
Keery himself contributed with a hint of friendly competition, declaring, We’re fighting! He further commented on their renewed collaboration:
It’s really fun to work together because we haven’t worked together since season 1.
Joe Keery, Steve Harrington.
Steve’s Changing Relationship With Dustin
Alongside the Steve-Jonathan rivalry, the new episodes will showcase a significant shift in the friendship between Steve and Dustin Henderson, played by Gaten Matarazzo. The aftermath of Eddie Munson’s (portrayed by Joseph Quinn) death has cast a shadow over Dustin, who is now coping with loss and grief, affecting his usual rapport with Steve.
Keery addressed these changing dynamics by stating,
I think it’s a cool what they’ve done with the characters here,
Joe Keery, Steve Harrington. He expanded on the new emotional landscape for Steve and Dustin, reflecting on the burden of being a protector in difficult times.
According to Keery, the narrative arc for Dustin’s recovery highlights Steve’s desire to help, but also shows his struggle with the best way to support his friend. The pressure to guide Dustin through his mourning brings an added dimension to their relationship, challenging Steve’s own understanding of how to offer comfort.
Keery encapsulated this journey by explaining,
Sometimes you just have to be a shoulder for them. It takes him on a different path this year, and I think, although it is a little bit more tumultuous, maybe they end up in a better place for it.
Joe Keery, Steve Harrington.
The Stakes Rise in Hawkins
Season 5 finds Hawkins facing its gravest threat yet, as the group of heroes prepares for a final confrontation against Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower. With the villain’s mysterious disappearance and the entire town under military quarantine, the environment is tense and foreboding. The Duffer Brothers, creators of the series, have promised that this season will finally deliver long-awaited answers for the audience, intensifying excitement ahead of the premiere.
Expectations are high as fans await the outcome of this major showdown. Key characters—including Steve Harrington, Jonathan Byers, and Nancy Wheeler—are positioned for significant growth, both as individuals and as a unified team in the face of adversity.
Where to Watch Stranger Things
Stranger Things season 5 will be available to stream on Netflix, continuing the show’s partnership with the platform. Netflix access is available on various devices and services, including Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. As viewers revisit earlier seasons to prepare for the climactic return, anticipation builds not only for the high-stakes plot, but also for the evolving relationships among the show’s core ensemble.
This season’s Joe Keery Stranger Things rivalry has reignited interest in the dynamics between Steve and Jonathan, promising to reshape group alliances and challenge familiar bonds. With the Duffer Brothers guiding the story and Hawkins under threat, the new episodes are set to leave a lasting impact on the wider Stranger Things legacy.
