STRANGER THINGS’ Caleb McLaughlin Dismisses Conformity Gate

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The last season of Stranger Things largely ended well for its main characters, although it appeared Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) sacrificed herself to save everyone. However, Mike Wheeler hinted at the possibility she might still be alive in the final moments. The seemingly perfect ending led many fans to believe in a theory called “Conformity Gate,” suggesting a hidden extra episode would reveal the happy ending was actually a Vecna-created illusion. But that extra episode never existed. Now, Caleb McLaughlin, who played Lucas for five seasons, has shared his thoughts on Conformity Gate and Eleven’s fate in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter to promote his new film, GOAT.

Initially, I didn’t think the idea that the show would continue indefinitely made much sense. I understand fans wanting more Stranger Things, but it felt like the story had already reached a natural conclusion after ten years. I believe some viewers lost sight of the show’s core concept and started expecting more seasons. However, I think it’s all part of the storytelling, specifically through Mike’s perspective, which has been consistent since the first season.

Finn Wolfhard, like his co-star Sadie Sink, thinks Eleven is genuinely gone at the end of the series. He believes the hints about her survival are just a product of Mike’s imagination as a dedicated Dungeons & Dragons player. However, he suspects the Duffer Brothers included those survival clues for a reason, leaving the possibility open. Ultimately, it’s up to the audience to decide. Though, Wolfhard jokes, we’ll likely get a definitive answer in a future Stranger Things continuation, probably in about ten years. For now, whether Eleven lives or dies depends on how you choose to see it – as a hopeful or pessimistic outcome.

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2026-02-12 22:32