Stranger Things fans actively discuss new theories to fill the wait until the final season. One of the latest theories revisits the events of season 1 with a fresh twist.

In the show’s very first episode, Will Byers mysteriously disappeared—a moment that sets off the story of Stranger Things. We later learn that he was taken to the Upside Down, supposedly by the demogorgon. He was eventually rescued by his mother Joyce Byers and Jim Hopper.

However after season 4 gave us new insights into the Upside Down and its creatures, some fans have come up with a different idea as they think he was abducted by Vecna.

Did Vecna Kidnap Will Byers in Season 1?

Stranger Things 4 introduced Vecna as the main protagonist of the series. He was once a human called Henry Creel and was later taken to Hawkins Lab as a subject. But in 1979, he was banished to the Upside Down by Eleven where he turned into Vecna.

The latest theory says that Vecna was responsible for kidnapping Will Byers. Fans have found many clues that support this theory.

For instance, the creature that Will Byers saw on the road before his bike accident didn’t quite look like a demogorgon. In fact, it was more humanoid which resembles Vecna’s form. Plus, the lock on the door of Will’s house was unlocked from the inside. Unlike demogorgons, Vecna has telekinetic powers, making him the more likely culprit.

Another intriguing hint? When Vecna was first banished to the Upside Down, he was alone and had no connection to the real world. But in 1983, Eleven opened the gate for the second time and Vecna came out too. That same night—November 6, 1983—was when Will was heading home on his bike. It is possible that he took Will Byers with the intent to use him as a host.

Why Would Vecna Choose Will Byers?

There are several reasons why Vecna might have chosen Will as his target. One idea is that Vecna and Will Byers have striking similarities; both were sensitive, felt like outcasts, and often bullied. Will had an abusive father and Henry Creel was loathed by his parents. The play Stranger Things: The First Shadow further explores Henry Creel’s troubled childhood which parallels Will’s.

Vecna might have sensed Will’s vulnerability and saw him as a suitable host. It could explain why Will survived so long in the Upside Down; Vecna may have kept him alive for future use.

Another possibility is that Will Byers stayed alive by singing his favorite song “Should I Stay or Should I Go”. This theory is further supported by the opening scene of season 5 which was revealed last year. We know that music has a huge impact on Vecna’s victims as Max was saved by the “Running Up That Hill” song.

However, there are still many mysteries that are yet to be resolved. Why the Upside Down is stuck on the day Will Byers went missing? And who truly controls the Upside Down—Vecna, the Mind Flayer, or someone else?

We hope that Stranger Things season 5 will finally answer these questions.