'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUH/8QAIRAAAgIBAgcAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBAAFIhETITEyYdH/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADBP/EABkRAAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAAMRIf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AzyGzplenfaWpI1mLlGJ0IUDduHoEdOxy/GKLxqwrycCAfMfMYwqhi8lNrEtP/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Stranger Things universe simply does not age! Recently, Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin Henderson, popped up as a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He spilled beans on which character he would save from the "Upside Down" if he had the chance. Given a choice between Eddie and Billy, he chose Eddie. He said:
Oh, Eddie. Eddie. Well, here's my thing. Also, like, Billy, like, assaulted my friends.
The chat was going fine, with Halloween puns and Star Wars dressing-up. But when Stranger Things was mentioned, the conversation turned mushy and became sappy, involving tear-jerking moments on the show.
Those who have been watching since the beginning can only imagine how much everyone wishes that some of the characters who didn’t survive Hawkins’ horrors had made it through. Gaten Matarazzo gave careful consideration to his choice when asked who he would resurrect. His logic reflected both his character’s development and his love for his on-screen companions.
Here's the interview for reference:
A nostalgic beginning before the big question
In a brief but refreshing break from Stranger Things talk, the host had a little Halloween chat. Matarazzo admitted that fans still dress up as his Stranger Things character, Dustin. He joked that they’re usually grown men, picturing an older Dustin still wearing his signature hat. He imagined him tramping around even at fifty years old! As per The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he said:
"And like in the potential world where you see him at 50, he's just like still wearing the hat, still got the backpack. (0:49) But now he's got like a – He hasn't shaved. But now he's got a beard and a beer belly."
His sarcastic tone prepared everyone before the discussion resumed to debate season 5 of Stranger Things, one of Netflix’s most anticipated releases. The host kept pressing the emotional confirmation from the Duffer Brothers that Eddie Munson wouldn’t be returning, a favorite from season 4.
The bracket challenge: Guess who's back
To spice up the show a bit, the host proposed a "bracket" challenge to Gaten. He had to choose between two sets of characters whose lives had poor conclusions in Stranger Things. Matarazzo broke down their histories, friendships, and reasons for being good, step by step.
Round one was Billy Hargrove and Eddie Munson. Gaten resorted to Eddie by default. His reasoning was simple: Billy had a dramatic arc but wasn’t too saccharine to the gang. As Matarazzo quipped, Billy "attacked my friends," so it was virtually not even a contest. Eddie was all about friendship, bravery, and wanting to die for others, qualities that clearly resonated with Gaten.
Chrissy vs. Dr. Brenner: The emotional dilemma
Then came the surprise encounter: Chrissy Cunningham and Dr. Martin Brenner, lovingly referred to as "Papa" by viewers. Matarazzo wasn’t fast enough to respond in order to protect himself. He did comment on being fascinated by the mystery of Dr. Brenner, but in the end, found him guilty. He "poked the bear" and brought about much of the mayhem that followed in Hawkins.
His punishment? Thanks to Dr. Brenner’s experiments, Stranger Things could never have been the catastrophic world it is now! So, Chrissy won round two. Gaten was genuinely affectionate toward Chrissy, complimenting her as "great" and hoping that more of her story would be revealed to the audience.
Creatures, cats, and compassion
Round two witnessed an unexpected pair: Dart, the Demodog, and Muse, the cat. Dart will probably be remembered most by Stranger Things fans as the creature that Dustin had as his temporary pet before it turned out to be part of the monstrous Demogorgon line.
Muse, however, received a sad fate in season two. It was a harder decision than he had expected, conceded Gaten. Ultimately, his affection for cats prevailed, and he became a self-proclaimed "cat dad" to Joan and Jet. That did it. Otherwise, Muse had bettered his imitation resurrection rating.
Barb vs. Bob: The Hawkins debate
The toughest cut to make was Bob Newby vs. Barb Holland. Both were fan-favorite characters who died far too early. Gaten discussed how, even though Bob got more screen time, Barb’s disappearance in season one lingered with Stranger Things fans.
Matarazzo found himself opting for Barb during an internal struggle, admitting he hadn’t planned on picking her until then.
The final four: Emotional eliminations
When the time came, Gaten’s shortlist of who was going to die from the Upside Down had come down to four: Chrissy, Eddie, Muse, and Barb. The rounds that followed were tougher. When he could not decide between Eddie and Chrissy, Gaten blinked not even once. He chose Eddie and smiled at how much the character had impressed him.
Directly opposite this was Muse vs. Barb. Although Matarazzo loved cats, he knew that Barb was, in his words, a "human being." That prepared Barb for the ultimate showdown with Eddie.
The grand choice: Eddie vs. Barb
The last round captured exactly what Stranger Things fans love about the series: nostalgia and emotion. The host reminded Gaten that the decision was between two icons: Barb, the classic original fan favorite from the first season, and Eddie Munson, the more recent breakout star.
Gaten thought it through, acknowledging that both characters had their own place in Hawkins’ heart. Finally, he made his decision:
“I'm going to go with Eddie.”
His intention was pure and direct. Eddie represented courage, friendship, and redemption. As Dustin’s best friend in the show, Eddie influenced both his character and the viewers greatly. Fans never wished for Eddie to avoid punishment in Stranger Things season 5, but as Gaten reminded us, the Duffer Brothers ensured that his story remains intact.
A pinch of humor to end the show
Even with the cliffhanger twist, the mood was not gloomy. The host laughed as he said:
"Hawkins needs your help this season. Gaten Matarazzo, Stranger Things, season five, volume one, premieres on Netflix November 26th.
It was about the return of Eddie. Gaten had a good laugh, and the segment concluded with the announcement that Stranger Things season 5, volume 1, will be released on Netflix on November 26th.
Also on the agenda was Matarazzo’s personal history with the show. He described being on the same talk show for nearly a decade, since the series began its initial Stranger Things years. The interview was a reminder of how much both the actor and the series have grown from their humble roots.
In classic Stranger Things fashion, Gaten Matarazzo’s appearance is a nod to both nostalgia and fandom. Eddie Munson remains beloved by audiences and crew members alike. The segment also highlighted Matarazzo’s good sense of humor, kindness, and the genuine camaraderie among the Stranger Things actors.
Trending
As season 5 approaches, all fans can do is speculate about what’s to come in Hawkins. While Eddie’s return may not be on the table, his spirit clearly lives on through Dustin and the hearts of Stranger Things viewers worldwide.
Reply
