The release of Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 has not gone as planned, sparking debates, outrage, and a surge of online campaigns unlike anything the series has seen before. While the show has always had a passionate fanbase, the reaction to the latest episodes has reached unprecedented levels—and for reasons that go beyond just storytelling.

Volume 2 of Season 5 did not land well with audiences, making it the lowest-rated season in the series’ history. Episode 7, in particular, has drawn heavy criticism, earning the title of the lowest-rated episode—even below the controversial The Lost Sister from Season 2. Fans expected shocking twists and emotional payoffs, but the reactions reveal deeper frustrations.

A major point of contention was Will Byers’ coming out scene. Many LGBTQ+ fans felt the moment was poorly handled, especially as Mike Wheeler—Will’s longtime crush—barely reacted. On the other hand, homophobes expressed their displeasure at seeing a coming out story in one of the world’s most popular shows.

Meanwhile, neutral fans argued that, given the 1980s setting, a more subtle, private coming out moment might have been more realistic.

A recent document circulating online suggests that Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 may have been heavily edited, with entire plotlines and character arcs removed mid-filming. Citing insiders who accurately leaked scenes from Volume 1, Netflix may have altered the final episodes for content and rating reasons, leaving fans confused and frustrated.

Disclaimer: We do not claim the authenticity of these claims, nor do we take responsibility for their accuracy. This article reports on circulating fan documents and speculation without endorsing or supporting them.

The Leaked Document: Key Alleged Cuts and Changes

Will Byers’ Arc

• Will’s storyline with Vecna/Henry was reportedly shortened, removing key developments.

• A planned plot of Eleven and Mike traveling to Camazotz to rescue Will was allegedly cut.

• Scenes exploring Will’s sexual trauma, initially intended to make the show TV-MA, were toned down.

• Important Mike and Will moments—including music-centered scenes featuring Just Like Heaven by The Cure—were removed.

• A basement one-on-one scene between Mike and Will never made it into the episodes.

• Max and Will were initially part of a team with Eleven and Holly to explain their closeness, but these interactions were cut.

• A dramatic fake-out death for Will, echoing his Season 1 CPR scene, was also removed.

Character Dynamics and Plotlines

• The Eleven & Max reunion appeared out of character, possibly because the original reunion scene was cut.

• Max and Will’s sudden closeness may have been explained in a removed Camazotz plotline.

• Some interactions, such as Robin and Mike arguing or Maya Hawke mentoring multiple characters, seem incomplete due to missing scenes.

• The Mike & Eleven tub scene was shortened, removing wide shots seen in trailers, possibly referencing cut plotlines.

• Vecna blocking Eleven out of his mindscape raised logical inconsistencies—suggesting a previous attempt to enter Camazotz was removed.

Missing Characters and References

• Raphael Luce (young Henry Creel) filmed scenes that never appeared, including more appearances of Henry giving blood.

• Gabrielle Nevaeh’s character (Patty Newby) in the tie-in play The First Shadow was absent from the season.

• Mind Flayer mentions were limited, contradicting the play’s storyline.

• Certain songs and the WSQK Collection vinyl were not used, despite being promoted.

• Some characters teased for Volume 2, like Chance and other bullies, never appeared.

Evidence of Editing Decisions

• IMDb initially listed longer runtimes for episodes, supporting claims of cuts.

• A leaked style guide included dialogue not featured in the final season, suggesting removed scenes.

• Episode editing continued late into December, long after earlier episodes were completed.

• Crew members were restricted from posting behind-the-scenes content, hinting at sensitive material.

• Merch items and Easter eggs (like the ‘For Will’ mixtape) were not referenced in the episodes.

Statements from Cast and Crew

• Jamie Campbell Bower indicated that Vecna’s darker moments were planned but not shown.

• Noah Schnapp mentioned dissociating during Will’s coming out scenes.

• Finn Wolfhard teased a song tied to Mike that never appeared in the final cut.

• The Duffer Brothers noted unusual last-minute edits and expressed frustration with executive interference.

• Shawn Levy confirmed the heavy emotional weight carried by Finn and Noah in filming, implying significant content was intended.

Fans believe the edits may have been made to maintain a TV-14 rating for broader audience appeal, but at the cost of story integrity and character development. As a result, viewers have noticed confusing pacing, incomplete arcs, and tonal shifts, fueling speculation that Volume 2 is not the version the creators originally intended.

The document claims that Netflix may have heavily interfered with the Duffers’ original vision, prompting their eventual move to other streaming platforms. Fans argue that Volume 2 feels tonally inconsistent compared to earlier seasons, and much of the storytelling may have been sacrificed to meet executive demands.

While the authenticity of the document is still under discussion, it has added fuel to the fire, with fans speculating about what Netflix might have withheld.

Fans Demand the Original Cut of Season 5

The fandom’s response has been swift and loud. The hashtag #NetflixReleaseTheVolume2Files has been trending, with over 135,000 tweets and counting. Fans have also launched a petition calling for the release of deleted scenes, which has already gathered more than 70,000 signatures in just a few hours.

the duffer brothers logging onto twitter rn #netflixreleasethevolume2files pic.twitter.com/q2llsHKPKo

— kait! (@reidsgarcia_) December 28, 2025

At the time of writing, the hashtag #NetflixReleaseTheVolume2Files is trending at #5, and it shows strong potential to climb even higher as more fans join the conversation. Among other #MASSBYLERPSYCHOSIS is also trending on social media.

The current push mirrors the fan-driven Snyder Cut campaign for Justice League, which successfully pressured Warner Bros. to release a director’s cut years after the theatrical release.

It’s a high-stakes situation, and the fandom’s response indicates just how much passion the series inspires. Whether Netflix will respond remains to be seen but the campaign is undoubtedly one of the most visible in the show’s history.