Stranger Things Season 5: 5 stars who declined to return to the hit Netflix show's final chapter 

Stranger Things Season 5 recently dropped on our screens again, infusing the same thrill and adventure into fans' minds. Viewers are already going crazy over the Episode 4 reveal, where Will Byers is seen confronting the Demogorgons. All the primary cast has returned for Season 5, while the kids have grown older. Holly Wheeler, who was merely a background child in the previous season, is now the emotional anchor and has grown older. Her character has been recast, with Nell Fisher now playing the role, utilizing her experience in the horror genre.

Several other actors didn't return to Stranger Things Season 5 due to logical and creative decisions. Remember the character Eddie Munson, who became a star in Season 4? The metalhead Dungeon Master won't be returning in the new season. The list has more names. Read on to know.

Here are the 5 stars who declined to return to the hit show Stranger Things

Joseph Quinn, who played Eddie Munson

As mentioned, one of the major names on the list is Joseph Quinn, who appeared in Season 4 as Eddie Munson. He portrayed the metalhead Dungeon Master, also the emotional heart of the Hawkins teens. He sacrifices himself in the finale while protecting Dustin and buying the party time. The actor left the show because of his already occupied film schedule.

After receiving much fame from Stranger Things Season 4, he took up roles in the films A Quiet Place and Gladiator 2 back-to-back. These projects absorbed most of his energy, cementing his exit from the new season of the Netflix show.

Eduardo Franco, who played Argyle

Eduardo Franco played Argyle, Jonathan Byers' chill, lovable, pizza-van-driving best friend introduced in Season 4. Fans were expecting him again in the final season. Franco, in an interview, revealed that his character was not written into Season 5. He said that he never received a call about reprising the role from production. This is likely because Season 5 is going to be darker, and Argyle's character doesn't fit the tone.

Catherine Curtin, who played Claudia Henderson

Catherine appeared as Claudia Henderson, the protective and sweet mother of Dustin. She appeared occasionally in Season 2 and then in Season 4, mostly in comedic family scenes. The actress herself confirmed that she is not returning in Season 5, citing her tight schedule as she was shooting the films SNL and 1975 at the same time.

Dacre Montgomery, who played Billy Hargrove

Dacre Montgomery played Billy Hargrove in Season 3 of the Netflix show. He is shown to have a traumatic childhood and is the abusive stepbrother of Max. In Season 3 itself, he sacrifices his life to save Max. However, he did make a brief appearance in Season 4 when Vecna caused his hallucination while playing mind games.

Meanwhile, the production has already confirmed that the character's story is complete and that he must be remembered for his complexity and sacrifice without building the arc further.

Sean Astin, who played Bob Newby

Sean Astin played Joyce's boyfriend Bob Newby. In Season 2, he dies a tragic death, becoming the victim of a monster from the Upside Down.

In season 5, fans were expecting the character's appearance either in a hallucination or a flashback, but the actor has confirmed that he was not approached by the Stranger Things team for Season 5.

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This is the complete list of actors who aren't returning in the new season. Nonetheless, with or without them, the show has not disappointed its fans and has delivered the finest story of Stranger Things to date.

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