Stranger Things” Season 5 has premiered, but it is already facing backlash over its opening scene. This controversy centers on a moment between Will and Vecna, leading some viewers to label it as depicting the assault of a child.
Prominent voices, including conservative activist Jack Posobiec, have been criticizing Netflix for its content, which they perceive as “woke.” Critics highlighted Vecna’s troubling behavior towards children, particularly in this new episode. As of now, neither Netflix nor the Duffer brothers, the creators of the series, have publicly addressed these criticisms.
Social media reactions have been intense, with one commentator stating, “he’s literally preying on and grooming and assaulting kids,” emphasizing the unease surrounding Vecna’s interactions with children. This sentiment was echoed by the Russian news outlet RT, which described a specific moment in the episode as “deeply disturbing.”
In the contentious opening scene, Will attempts to escape from a Demogorgon in the Upside Down, ultimately finding himself at Vecna’s lair. There, a tentacle enters Will’s mouth, delivering a mysterious fluid while Vecna strokes his forehead and speaks of doing “beautiful things” together. This imagery has fueled allegations of inappropriate themes, though Posobiec’s claims were disputed online, with community notes stating that his assertions do not accurately reflect the episode’s content.
While Vecna’s character does focus on manipulating children—demonstrating an unsettling predatory nature—some argue that the interpretation of the scene as overtly sexualized may be exaggerated. Vecna reveals to Will that he learned how to exploit a child’s mind through past encounters, which serves as a core element of his plans in this season.
Despite the concerns raised, “Stranger Things” holds a TV-14 rating, suggesting that it is designed for a teenage audience and that parents may need to provide guidance for younger viewers. With ongoing discussion about the show’s themes, the second volume is set to be released on December 25, followed by the season finale on December 31.