Does This Popular 'Stranger Things' Fan Theory Really Hold Water?

By Andrew Sanford | News | October 31, 2025

One of the most impressive aspects of the fourth season of Stranger Things was its skillful way of connecting storylines. The show’s main antagonist, Vecna, was cleverly integrated into previous seasons. A villain initially thought to be new was revealed to have a history with Eleven and all the Hawkins kids, appearing in different forms throughout the series. This reveal felt almost like a magic trick.

Some might argue this was partly retconning certain elements of the show. Vecna was presented as a projection of a smaller monster, with mindless servants carrying out his evil deeds. Notably, the monster responsible for the town’s terror in season one was said to be different from Vecna. This detail has not been officially confirmed by the show’s creators but has sparked much fan speculation.

Fan Theories and Evidence

Fans have revisited the first episode, piecing together clues that were not obvious at first glance. A popular theory suggests the monster menacing Hawkins from the beginning may have ties to Vecna rather than the demogorgon originally believed to be the threat.

Will Byers’ disappearance remains the most crucial storyline of season one. He is abducted by a mysterious figure and taken to the Upside Down. Initially, it was reasonable to assume the demogorgon was behind this abduction. However, the entity’s behavior differs significantly from that of the demogorgons seen in later seasons, being more stealthy and deliberate in its actions.

"He was just a projection of the smaller monster. Mindless servants of his evil. That was committed by Vecna, not the demagorgon that menaced the town in season one."

Whether these connections were part of careful planning or revisions made later remains a matter of debate among fans.

Author’s summary: The integration of Vecna in season four reframes earlier events in Hawkins, challenging fan assumptions and fueling debate over the show's evolving narrative.

Pajiba — 2025-11-01