Duffer Brothers explain Joyce’s heroic finale moment in Stranger Things

Joyce Byers delivers the final blow to Vecna in Stranger Things 5, chosen for her fierce love and heroic arc

The Duffer Brothers have revealed why Joyce Byers, played by Winona Ryder, was chosen to deliver the final blow to Vecna in Stranger Things Season 5.

In the climactic finale, Joyce wields an ax against the series’ main antagonist, completing a heroic arc that has been central to the show since its first season.

Ross Duffer explained that Joyce was the natural choice because she was the first character to recognize and act against the strange happenings in Hawkins. “Her fierce love for her family is a superpower in its own way,” he said, noting that this determination made her the only character capable of defeating Vecna.

Winona Ryder described filming the final scene as intense and emotionally charged. “You can’t rehearse a scene like that. You just have to save it for the take,” she said, recalling how she only performed the moment twice. Ryder also highlighted her bond with co-star Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers, emphasizing the meaningful relationship between Joyce and her son.

Matt Duffer added that the finale allowed the show to feature a first-time moment with stronger language, giving Joyce a memorable line that had been saved for the series’ conclusion. The scene also mirrors earlier moments from Season 1, bringing the storyline full circle and highlighting Joyce’s enduring bravery and leadership in Hawkins.

The final season of Stranger Things celebrates the growth of its characters while delivering thrilling resolutions for fans, solidifying Joyce Byers as one of the series’ most iconic heroes. The finale is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.