Does This Popular 'Stranger Things' Fan Theory Really Hold Water?

By Andrew Sanford | News | October 31, 2025

How Long Has the Monster Been Menacing Hawkins?

One of the standout aspects of the fourth season of Stranger Things is how it manages to connect threads from earlier seasons. The show's creators skillfully tied the main antagonist, Vecna, to past events in Hawkins, revealing that he had deeper connections to Eleven and the other kids than viewers initially realized.

What seemed like a new villain turned out to have been present all along, manifesting in different forms throughout the series. This revelation gave the impression of a clever narrative twist rather than a simple retcon.

The Vecna Retcon Theory

Some elements of the story can indeed be read as retroactive adjustments. The idea is that what fans thought were independent monsters were actually extensions of Vecna’s will. The smaller creatures, including the demogorgon, may have been his mindless servants, acting under his control from the very beginning.

“That was committed by Vecna, not the demagorgon that menaced the town in season one.”

This particular claim hasn’t been officially confirmed by the show’s creators, but it has captured the imagination of the fan community. Many have rewatched the earliest episodes to find connections that might support this theory.

Evidence in the Early Episodes

Fans cite several moments in the first season that suggest Vecna’s hand was already at play. Some point to the abduction of Will Byers, arguing that the behavior of the creature responsible feels more calculating and deliberate than what we later see from the demogorgons.

At the time, viewers assumed that Will’s kidnapper was simply the season’s horrifying monster, but looking back, it might have been something — or someone — far more complex.

Planning or Correction?

This raises a major question: were these connections part of the show’s long-term design, or are they clever storytelling adjustments added later? Whether through foresight or revision, the result is a more cohesive and layered mythology for Stranger Things.

Author’s summary: The theory that Vecna was behind the events of season one deepens the show's lore, suggesting early hints were intentional rather than accidental.

Pajiba — 2025-11-01