Stranger Things season 5 to explore the origins of the Upside Down

It’s hard to believe that we’re four seasons into Stranger Things, and we really don’t know much about the Upside Down. Well, that’s about to change! But we’re going to have to wait a little bit longer before we get answers to the questions we’ve been asking since the start of the series.

Ross and Matt Duffer, also known as the Duffer Brothers and creators of the Netflix hit, recently spoke with Variety. The two shared teases on when some of our questions will be answered.

One of many questions is just how does the Upside Down work? According to the brothers, season 5 will delve into it all!

Stranger Things season 5 explores Upside Down origins

The Duffers said season 4 volume 2 will get into some of the mysteries revolving the alternate dimension, but the bulk of how everything functions is really going to be the main focus of the fifth and final season.

When and how was the Upside Down created? Is it just an alternate version of Hawkins that exists, or are there parallel dimensions from other cities or countries around the world? I’m very curious about its origins. We’ll also be getting into the hierarchy – who’s more powerful, the Mind Flayer or Vecna? Is the season 2/3 villain still around?

One big question from season 4 has been whether El created the Upside Down after that reveal in the last episode of volume 1. Or did she just send 001 through and existing world? And why did sending him there create him into the monster that he now is? How did he get so much power – is it because he was already born with abilities? There’s still a lot that needs to be cleared up here.

There were lots of shocking reveals in season 4 volume 1, and one big unexplained mystery is that the Upside Down is frozen in time. Stuck on the day Will went missing to be exact. Why is this so significant and what does it have to do with everything else? The Duffers said we’ll find out next season.

There’s so much left to learn and it sounds like we’ll be doing just that come season 5! It can’t come fast enough. If you want to see the Duffer Brothers’ full answer, skip ahead to the 19:44 time mark, or watch below at the right time.

What are some of your questions about the Upside Down? Do you have any theories about the alternate dimension? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 

Stranger Things season 4 part 2 drops Friday, July 1 on Netflix.