Millie Bobby Brown Reveals Her True Feelings About Eleven's Controversial Fate
The actress opens up about her character's divisive ending in Stranger Things season 5, sharing her thoughts on both the official conclusion and Mike's alternative theory about what really happened.
While plenty of viewers walked away from Stranger Things season 5's finale feeling let down, Millie Bobby Brown isn't among the disappointed. The actress who brought Eleven to life for five seasons has nothing but praise for how her character's story wrapped up.
Brown's character made the ultimate sacrifice midway through the final episode. Eleven chose to remain inside the gate as Hopper's explosive device went off, obliterating the Upside Down along with everything trapped within it. That included Eleven herself.
Brown Calls Eleven's Sacrifice 'Beautiful and Cathartic'
Speaking with Tudum, Brown described Eleven's final decision as "so beautiful and cathartic." She revealed this was an ending she had hoped for over a "very long time." The character's self-sacrifice served a greater purpose. By giving up her life, Eleven ensured that Dr. Kay and other villains could never exploit her abilities for evil again. No future gates could be opened.
"I just think it's incredibly important that it all ends for her, and the suffering and the pain end," Brown explained.
Mike's Alternative Theory Offers Hope
The show's epilogue presented a different perspective through Mike Wheeler's eyes. Eleven's boyfriend refuses to accept her death. Instead, Mike tells his friends that Kali created a projection of Eleven at the gate while the real girl escaped past the soldiers unnoticed.
Mike's version shows Eleven living peacefully in Iceland, exploring the waterfalls they had discussed earlier in the series. Brown admits she finds this alternate ending appealing too. "I kinda love that ending, that there is just such a bigger purpose to Kali's powers," she said.
Creators Keep the Truth Hidden
So what actually happened to Eleven? The Duffer brothers, who created the series, deliberately kept things unclear. On the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, they confirmed leaving Eleven's fate "ambiguous" so audiences could decide for themselves. Only they and Brown know the real answer.
Brown's co-star Sadie Sink has her own theory. During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Sink shared her belief that Eleven truly died. "I think she's dead... I think, like, Mike's story is just one last story," she told the host.
The ambiguity means fans can choose whichever ending brings them peace. Whether Eleven made the ultimate sacrifice or found freedom in Iceland, her journey has reached its conclusion after five seasons of supernatural battles and personal growth.