Table of Contents
Introduction
Max has become the most favorite character in Stranger Things ever since she was introduced first in Season 2. Played by Sadie Sink, Max Mayfield quickly became a strong-willed, independent, and emotionally complex character. There is both tragedy and resilience in her journey—rooted from her struggles with her abusive stepbrother, Billy, to her near-death experience in Season 4. And her bond with Lucas and Eleven makes her story way more meaningful, especially with the ending coming up.
At the end of Stranger Things 4, we have seen Max left in a coma after a near-death at the hands of Vecna. With Stranger Things 5 set to be the final season, we can’t wait to know what will happen to Max. Will she wake up and rejoin the fight against the forces of the Upside Down, or is her story destined for a tragic conclusion?
What happened to max in stranger things season 4?
Max was one of Vecna’s primary targets in Stranger Things 4, mainly because she was grieving over Billy’s death. She had been isolating herself from her friends, writing goodbye letters, and mentally preparing for what seemed inevitable—her own death. However, thanks to her friends, and especially the power of music (Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill), she managed to escape Vecna’s grasp once.
But in the final episodes of Season 4, Vecna attacked Max again. This time, despite Eleven’s attempt to protect her, Vecna succeeded in breaking Max’s limbs and temporarily stopping her heart. Eleven used her powers to revive Max, but it came at a cost—Max was left in a coma. The last we saw, Lucas was by her hospital bedside, reading to her in hopes that she would wake up.
Her fate being so uncertain, there are lots of fan theories and speculations about what role Max could play in Stranger Things 5. Will she wake up? Will she be permanently changed? Or is she still trapped in Vecna’s grasp?
Theories about max’s fate in season 5
1. Max wakes up in season 5, but with consequences
One of the most hopeful theories is that Max will eventually wake up, but not without major consequences. Since Eleven revived her, we don’t know what kind of effects this could have on Max’s body and mind. Some possibilities include:
– Memory Loss – Max may not remember the events leading up to her coma, or worse, she may forget her friends altogether. This could create an emotional struggle for Lucas and the others as they try to help her regain her identity.
– Physical Limitations – Vecna severely injured Max, breaking her arms and legs. Even if she wakes up, she may struggle with paralysis or permanent damage, limiting her ability to fight against Vecna.
– Newfound Abilities – Since Eleven revived Max using her powers, there’s a chance that some of Eleven’s abilities would be transferred to Max in the process. Could Max gain telepathic or telekinetic powers? If so, she might play a bigger role in stopping Vecna.
Also read: What happens after Season 5 of Stranger Things?
2. Max remains in a coma
Another possibility is that Max won’t wake up for most (or all) of Stranger Things 5. Instead, her coma could serve as a symbol of what’s at stake in the final battle.
– If Max remains unresponsive, Lucas and the group might be ready to take bigger risks to defeat Vecna and save her.
– The show could explore the idea of entering Max’s mind—perhaps Eleven or someone else with abilities could try to reach her consciousness through a psychic link.
– Vecna might still have a hold on Max in some way. If her mind is trapped in the Upside Down, could her friends rescue her?
3. Max becomes a key to defeating Vecna
One of the most intriguing theories is that Max’s mind is still connected to Vecna and the Upside Down, making her the key to defeating him.
– Vecna’s powers involve controlling people’s minds, so it’s possible that even though Max’s body is in a coma, her consciousness is still trapped somewhere between life and death.
– If Max does wake up, she could know some of Vecna’s weaknesses—information that could help the group take him down once and for all.
– If Eleven and the others find a way to reach her, she might be able to guide them to Vecna’s true form or his ultimate plan.
4. A heartbreaking death?
While no fan wants to see Max die, it’s a possibility that can’t be ignored. Stranger Things 5 is the final season, and high stakes mean that not everyone will survive.
– If Max doesn’t wake up, her death could be the emotional push that forces the group to go all-in against Vecna.
– There’s also the idea that Vecna could use her as a vessel—if her body is weak, could he possess her completely?
– If Max does wake up, she might have a limited amount of time left due to the damage Vecna inflicted. A tragic yet heroic ending could see her sacrificing herself to help her friends win the battle.
What the Duffer brothers have said about Max’s future?
The creators of Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers, have been secretive about Max’s fate. However, they’ve given a few hints:
– Ross Duffer (in an interview with Entertainment Weekly): “Max’s fate is very much uncertain. She’s alive, but she’s not doing well.”
– Sadie Sink (on The Tonight Show): “I honestly don’t know what’s next for Max. She’s in a really dark place, and it’s going to take a lot for her to come back from it—if she does.”
– The showrunners have also hinted that Season 5 will explore the connection between Vecna, the Upside Down, and what happened to Max in more depth.
This suggests that Max will have a significant role in Stranger Things 5, even if her fate remains unknown.
Also read: The hidden LGBTQ+ themes in Stranger Things
How could Max’s fate shape season 5’s storyline?
Regardless of whether she wakes up, stays in a coma, or dies, Max’s fate will have a major impact on Stranger Things 5.
– If Max wakes up: She could become a key player in the final battle against Vecna, especially if she has a lingering psychic connection to him.
– If Max stays in a coma: The team might have to find a way to bring her back, which could tie into Eleven’s journey and the mysteries of the Upside Down.
– If Max dies: This could be the breaking point for Lucas and the others, pushing them to risk everything in the final battle.
Max has always been a symbol of strength, resilience, and defiance. However her story ends, she will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Stranger Things and its fans.
Conclusion
Max Mayfield’s fate is one of the biggest mysteries heading into Stranger Things 5 and her character arc is bound to be emotional and significant to the final season. Fans are hopeful that Max will return stronger than ever, but with Stranger Things known for its heartbreaks, anything is possible. Whatever happens, Max’s journey will be one of the most unforgettable aspects of Stranger Things final chapter.