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Joyce Beheads Vecna in Shocking Stranger Things Finale

1/21/2026

26 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In the final season of Stranger Things, Joyce Byers (played by Winona Ryder) beheads Vecna in a climactic scene.
Stunt double Julia Maggio said the series creators kept this plot twist secret until filming.
To ensure safety, the production used multiple prop axes and a thick jelly target for Ryder to hit.
Maggio noted the July heat during night shoots was the most challenging aspect of filming.
The series finale aired on New Year’s Eve 2025.

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Story summary

In the final season of Stranger Things, Joyce Byers (played by Winona Ryder) beheads Vecna in a climactic scene.
Stunt double Julia Maggio said the series creators kept this plot twist secret until filming.
To ensure safety, the production used multiple prop axes and a thick jelly target for Ryder to hit.
Maggio noted the July heat during night shoots was the most challenging aspect of filming.
The series finale aired on New Year’s Eve 2025.