Randy Havens Dispels Rumors About a Hidden Extended Cut of Stranger Things Season 5
Randy Havens, who portrays Hawkins High's Scott Clarke, has publicly dismissed rumors that there is a secret extended version of Stranger Things season five lurking on Netflix.
Following the debut of the show's concluding season, Havens took to Instagram Stories on December 28 to clarify that unlike the infamous "Snyder Cut" of the Justice League, no alternate or longer cut of Stranger Things is available.
"There isn’t a hidden Snyder cut of the show," he stated, cautioning fans against trusting unverified online sources.
To provide context, the "Snyder Cut" refers to a fan-driven movement that resulted in Warner Bros. releasing director Zack Snyder’s original version of Justice League in 2021, after Joss Whedon took over directing duties following a personal tragedy in Snyder's life.
However, the situation with Stranger Things is different. Despite circulating claims about heavily trimmed footage and exaggerated episode lengths—some rumors said episodes run two hours each—co-creator Ross Duffer debunked these in July, calling them "not even close to accurate."
As excitement builds for the final battle against Vecna (played by Jamie Campbell-Bower), the showrunners have also shared details about the tone and narrative of the last season.
Matt Duffer told The Hollywood Reporter that fans should not expect the brutal intensity of a series like Game of Thrones, emphasizing that their show is of a different nature and not intended to shock audiences with extreme violence or heartbreak.
"We want the ending to feel inevitable and satisfying," Matt said, assuring viewers that the finale aims to honor the series’ decade-long journey without causing unnecessary upset.
The Duffers also addressed speculation surrounding Steve Harrington’s fate, noting that fans would likely be anxious regardless of trailer content. "As for Steve’s fate, I can’t say," Matt teased.
With the series finale set to premiere on New Year’s Eve at 8 p.m. ET, here are some intriguing insights into the show’s history and production:
1. Before creating Stranger Things, the Duffer brothers worked on M. Night Shyamalan’s Wayward Pines. The series was originally titled Montauk, but was renamed after initial resistance to the new title.
2. The show was initially planned to be filmed on Long Island to capture the coastal vibe of Montauk, the setting inspiration, but production moved to Atlanta due to logistical challenges.
3. Nearly 20 networks rejected the project before Netflix picked it up, doubting audiences would connect with a story centered on four children.
4. To portray Eleven, Millie Bobby Brown shaved her head, which she described as an empowering and transformative experience.
5. Millie took inspiration for her character from Charlize Theron’s role in Mad Max: Fury Road and Winona Ryder’s vintage yearbook photos.
6. To perfect her American accent, Millie surprisingly modeled it on Miley Cyrus’ portrayal in Hannah Montana.
7. The Duffers had young actors audition with scenes from Stand By Me to capture the right dynamic for the core group.
8. Finn Wolfhard’s anxious, energetic performance led the creators to rewrite Mike Wheeler’s character to better fit his personality.
9. Similarly, Gaten Matarazzo’s portrayal of Dustin shifted the character from a typical nerd to something more unique and tailored.
10. The show’s mention of Eleven’s love for Eggo waffles boosted the brand’s sales significantly after season two.
11. David Harbour won fans’ hearts not just as Chief Hopper but also by fulfilling a fan’s request to take senior portraits with her, gaining viral attention.
12. Harbour also officiated a viewer’s wedding dressed as Hopper, after being ordained for the occasion.
13. Although some fans speculated that Eleven might be Hopper’s biological daughter, he ultimately serves as her surrogate father, symbolized by Eleven wearing a bracelet made from Hopper’s late daughter’s hair ribbon.
14. Millie Bobby Brown’s first-ever kiss occurred on-screen with Mike during season one, an experience she described as overwhelming with so many people watching.
15. During their season two kissing scenes, Finn Wolfhard whispered playful cues to Millie, making the moments memorable for both.
16. Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton, who portray Nancy and Jonathan, have been a couple since 2016 but keep their relationship mostly private.
17. Steve Harrington was originally meant to die in season one, but Joe Keery’s performance won over the creators, extending Steve’s presence in the series.
18. Eleven was also initially planned to sacrifice herself at the end of season one, but the show’s potential longevity and Millie’s talent persuaded the Duffers to keep her alive.
19. The season two episode "The Lost Sister," focusing on Eleven’s search for another test subject, was almost cut due to pacing concerns but was ultimately included.
20. Eleven’s "sister" Kali was originally written as a brother, but after auditions, Linnea Berthelsen was cast, reshaping the episode’s dynamic.
21. Nicola Coughlan, known from Bridgerton, initially auditioned for the role of Robin before securing other opportunities.
As the final chapter of Stranger Things unfolds, fans can look forward to a conclusion crafted with care and free from the distractions of unfounded rumors.