Stranger Things creators, the Duffer Brothers (Matt and Ross), had initially planned to kill off Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) in season 1. Matt even reveals during an interview that when Steve comes back to fight the Demogorgon, it was actually supposed to be Joyce Byers’ ex-husband, Lonnie Byers (Ross Partridge), instead of Steve. Funny enough, the brothers can’t recall how his death was meant to occur. Matt adds that the show is a living thing that keeps adapting based on cast, writers and directors’ input; not everything is written in stone. That’s why the Duffer brothers credit Joe Kerry for transforming his character arc, which positively impacted Stranger Things’ narrative.

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Steve is introduced in season 1 as a high school bully who mainly has it in for Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton). He starts dating Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer) but is dumped for being a jerk (or was it because Nancy didn’t really love him?), which becomes a turning point for his character. Steve even helps Jonathan and Nancy fight off a Demogorgon. This is perhaps where viewers stop disliking him, and he starts becoming a fan favorite.

Steve’s New Character Arc Makes Viewers and Writers Fall in Love With Him

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Joe Keery was meant to be a static villain, but the creators loved his role so much that they had to look for a way to extend it. In fact, during an interview, Keery reveals that he knew he would get killed because he played a douchey character - the person who usually dies first. In Stranger Things season 2, Steve takes on a more responsible and caring role. He is now the babysitter and chauffeur of the group, ensuring no harm comes to the young characters. Steve even forms a close friendship with Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo), which according to the Duffer Brothers, was the best path for the narrative. He also accepts Robin Buckley’s (Maya Hawke) sexuality, and they become besties and confidants. These relationships have become tremendous double acts for the series, leaving fans wondering what Stranger Things would be without Steve.

RELATED: Stranger Things: Steve Harrington’s Best Moments in the Series (So Far), Ranked

Why Steve Harrington Survived in Season 4

After the introduction of Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn), fans were almost certain that season 4 would be the end of the road for fan-favorite Steve Harrington. In Season 4 vol. 1, episode 6, The Dive, viewers are kept on the edge of their seats when Steve dives into a lake to find the Upside Down portal. On resurfacing for air, the Upside Down World vines capture his leg and drag him through the portal. He manages to break free, but is attacked by Demobats, coming close to death, were it not for Nancy, Robin and Eddie. As if those are not enough close calls, season 4 vol.2 has Steve, alongside Nancy and Robin, nearly strangled to death by Vecnas tentacles, but Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) saves the day.

Steve dying in season 4 wouldn’t have sat well with the narrative. It would have affected Robin’s character arc, which relies mostly on Steve and the great double act between Steve and Dustin would also end, perhaps devastating fans. Also, keeping in mind that Eddie, a sort of bigger brother figure to Dustin, had died, Steve’s death would have weighed heavily on Dustin.

Will Steve Die in Season 5?

No death has been confirmed or leaked yet, but this has not stopped fans from worrying that their now-treasured Steve is still doomed to die, possibly because the show’s creators revealed his role was meant to be short-lived.

Regardless, enthusiasts speculate that there are hints that Joe Keery will come out unscathed in season 5. First, despite the introduction of Eddie Munson, who would have replaced him as the new Steve, he survives, meaning Joe Keery might see the series to the end. Secondly, Steve has survived all unnatural (Demogorgon) and natural (Russian soldiers) attacks, possibly preparing and making him stronger for greater foes in season 5.

RELATED: Stranger Things: Every Monster in the Series, Ranked

The Duffer Brothers also confirmed that Stranger Things bows out with the fifth season. Still casting supporting roles, which could be a better option for the next guy to be killed off, it would be heartbreaking to see Steve die after surviving this long. This would be a brutal blow to fans, but how likely is it to happen?

Major characters have survived since the birth of Stranger Things, possibly for one or two to die during the final season. But we can’t forget the two almost-deaths, Max, who actually dies but is revived by Eleven, and Harper, who escapes death by nothing short of a miracle. Steve may be next, and this time, he might really die because his character arc feels complete. The chances are high that he could be killed off memorably, perhaps by sacrificing himself for the kids, Robin, or even Nancy. Remember Joyce’s Bob? Stranger Things creators have a way of making a well-received and lovable character’s death meaningful. The Duffer Brothers hinted that they are pulling a lot from season 2. This could be one of the things to expect - viewers should prepare themselves for anything.