A new behind-the-scenes documentary, titled One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5, has shed light on creative choices made for the sci-fi series’s highly anticipated final season. The film directly addresses a key question many fans had: why did Finn Wolfhard‘s Mike Wheeler—often seen battling the Upside Down with less practical tools—never wield a gun in the finale? Discussion around Finn Wolfhard Stranger Things finale weapon choice has long intrigued viewers, especially those invested in the character’s growth and the series’ approach to depicting teenage heroism.
Creators Explain Their Stance on Mike and Firearms
According to the documentary, series co-creator Matt Duffer responded to Finn Wolfhard and the other young cast members’ requests to allow their characters a significant role in the climactic fight. Duffer specifically recounted Wolfhard’s frustration with being given a candlestick—a recurring and often-mocked weapon for his character—rather than something more practical. Mike Wheeler’s clumsy choice of arming himself with a candlestick had become an ongoing joke for the cast and crew as the storylines unfolded across seasons.
He really wants a gun, and I’m just like ‘I don’t think so,’
Matt Duffer, co-creator
Duffer’s sentiment was reinforced by the writers, who shut down the idea off-camera, making it clear that giving Mike a gun would undermine his character’s innocence. Their collective aim was to protect the qualities that made Mike distinctive among the group of kids seen battling supernatural threats through unconventional means.
Director and Writers Emphasize the Theme of Innocence
Documentary director Martina Radwan echoed this rationale, telling Variety that she agreed wholeheartedly with Mike not using a firearm in the finale. Radwan pointed out that arming Mike would take away from his portrayal as the “nerdy kid that plays D&D,” severing an important link to his identity and to the heart of the group’s dynamic in Stranger Things. The insistence on maintaining Mike’s innocence serves as an underlying thread throughout the show, shaping many pivotal moments.
How the Final Fight Played Out on Screen
In the final episodes, viewers saw Mike Wheeler pleading with Nancy—his often more battle-hardened sister—for access to a weapon. Nancy ultimately handed him a flare gun, which briefly excited Mike until Lucas informed him that his hopeful expectation for a real firearm was misplaced. This moment became both a minor disappointment for Mike and a subtle comedic nod for longtime fans, highlighting the writers’ steadfast approach to character integrity.
Creative Team and Returning Cast
One Last Adventure, along with all five seasons of Stranger Things, is now available for streaming on Netflix. The Duffer Brothers, Matt and Ross, created the series and remain executive producers alongside Shawn Levy, Iain Paterson, and Curtis Gwinn. The main cast, in addition to Finn Wolfhard, includes Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, and Gaten Matarazzo.
The Lasting Impact of Creative Choices
The decision not to arm Mike Wheeler with a gun in the Finn Wolfhard Stranger Things finale was influenced by core values of the creative team, prioritizing character consistency and group dynamics over action-driven spectacle. For fans, this choice may evoke slight frustration or disappointment, yet it preserves the spirit of innocence and uncertainty that helped define the show. As Stranger Things reaches its conclusion on Netflix, viewers can look forward to more insights from the creators and the possibility of further behind-the-scenes revelations about these iconic characters.
