After the brutal ending of Stranger Things Season 4 left Max in a coma, with recovery looking grim, she may have a completely different role in Stranger Things Season 5, as per some theories that have been circulating.
There could be multiple ways and forms in which Max might gain powers in Stranger Things Season 5. Here is a breakdown of where Max stands and what could happen to her.
Is Max dead or alive in Stranger Things Season 5?
Max is not dead in Stranger Things Season 5. But the situation may be more complicated than that. In the Season 4 finale, Vecna started claiming Max like his other victims, but Eleven stopped him halfway, leaving Max half-claimed. As this has not happened to any other victim of Vecna, there is no way to know for sure what will happen to her.
However, this partial connection may have created a bond between Max and Vecna, from which she may draw powers. She could also be the reason why the gateway between the real world and the Upside Down has opened.
Will Max get new powers and be blind in Stranger Things Season 5?
As shown in the brief scene where Max was responsive after being pulled out of Vecna’s grasp, she had seemingly lost her vision. This also appeared to be permanent. But she could acquire a new role because of this condition.
A theory suggests (via BrainPilot) that she may become a seer in Hawkins, using her mind’s eye to see into the Upside Down and possibly help Eleven and the group fight Vecna. Another theory proposes that while saving her, Eleven may have transferred some of her powers to Max, which could give Max superpowers in the final season.
Either way, since Max is alive (and impaired), there is a strong possibility that she may gain powers in the final season, either through her connection with Vecna and the Upside Down or through Eleven.
Stranger Things Season 5 will premiere on November 26, 2025, with the first four episodes.
