Stranger Things Season 5 Cast Update Reveals One Surviving Character Won’t Return In Final Episodes

Stranger Things‘ Catherine Curtin, who has played Claudia Henderson, the mother of Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo) since season 2, will not return in season 5 of the hit Netflix series. Curtin also appeared as Mrs. Henderson in seasons 3 and 4. She is among the characters who are still alive despite the many dangers posed by Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) and the Upside Down that will have to be dealt with in Stranger Things season 5’s story.

On an episode of the Monday Morning Critic Podcast (via What’s On Netflix), Curtin explained that she is not part of Stranger Things‘ final season because she was shooting the upcoming film Saturday Night, which tells the story of Saturday Night Live‘s 1975 premiere. Despite not returning to the Netflix series, she confirmed that she has spoken with some of her peers who are involved with season 5, who have teased that the show’s highly-anticipated ending will be worth the wait. Check out Curtin’s comments below:

No, no, I went off and did SNL 1975. I’m not a part of the Stranger Things season five, but I have interacted with a few of those guys, and what I’m told is that it’s kind of amazing and that they work their butts off and that it’s brilliant. And I think it will not disappoint.

Mrs. Henderson’s Season 5 Absence Is A Lost Opportunity

She Will Be Missed In Season 5

One of the best elements of season 2 was how it introduced the family members of Dustin and Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin), including Lucas’ sister Erica (Priah Ferguson), who became a fan-favorite and important Stranger Things character. Seeing Dustin and Lucas’ home lives and the individuals who raised them made them better-developed characters. Even though Mrs. Henderson and Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair are never the show’s focus, their presence is a reminder of the loved ones and everyday people the main characters are fighting to protect.

With many storylines and character arcs to complete, Stranger Things season 5 would not have had an extensive opportunity to feature Mrs. Henderson, but it is disappointing that she will not appear as the story comes to a close. She is an important part of Dustin’s life and his story may not feel complete without having a final scene with her. It could have been as brief as a single scene of them happily together after Dustin and the party presumably defeat Vecna.

One benefit to Mrs. Henderson’s absence is that Dustin will likely survive the final season of Stranger Things. If he was going to die, his mother would have to learn of her only child’s demise, as it would feel wrong for his only biological family member to not learn of his passing. There is no need to write an offscreen death for Mrs. Henderson, who can stay at home and out of danger during Stranger Things season 5, perhaps with Dustin having a line or two about her staying out of harm’s way.

What’s In Store For Stranger Things’ Other Parents?

Many Of Them Will Be Central To The Final Season

While Mrs. Henderson will be missing from Stranger Things season 5, and much of the focus will remain on the younger characters, some of the other parents will still play an important role in the series’ conclusion. Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) and Jim Hopper (David Harbour) have been at the forefront of the story from the very beginning. That should continue to be the case as they look out for Will (Noah Schnapp), Jonathan (Charlie Heaton), Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), and all their loved ones.

Unlike Mrs. Henderson, whose appearances were more sporadic, Karen Wheeler (Cara Buono), has had a more consistent presence in the series since season 1. With her youngest child, Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher), playing a more central role than ever before in season 5, she may also have a larger part to play. If Holly is Vecna’s next target, Karen and her husband, Ted (Joe Chrest), may need to get more involved with Upside Down matters and actively work with their other children, Mike (Finn Wolfhard) and Nancy (Natalia Dyer), in order to save Holly.

As for Charles Sinclair (Arnell Powell) and Sue Sinclair (Karen Ceesay), they should be concerned since Lucas and Erica will inevitably take risks to save the world from Vecna. Since Mrs. Henderson is not in season 5, they are less likely to appear than the other parents, but if the actors did not have any conflicting projects, they may still be part of the final season. As Stranger Things ends, it is important to highlight all the important characters throughout the show’s run, including the various parents.

Source: Monday Morning Critic Podcast (via What’s On Netflix)