The countdown to the Upside Down’s final chapter is officially on. Stranger Things season 5 has fans buzzing as Netflix’s hit sci-fi series prepares to wrap up its story after nearly a decade. Since its explosive debut in 2016, the show has become a cultural phenomenon, and now, the long-awaited final season is almost here. While production was originally set to begin in 2023, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes caused major delays across Hollywood, pushing filming for season 5 into 2024. But now, things are back on track and it won’t be long before Eleven and the gang return for one last ride. Hollywood Life has rounded up all the latest news we know about the fifth and final season. ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Release Date Stranger Things will release its season 5 episodes in three parts: four episodes on November 26, 2025, three on December 25, and the finale on December 31 in select theaters in the U. S. and Canada. How to Watch the ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Finale Screenings of the season 5 finale will be available in 350 theaters across the country and in Canada starting at 5 p. m. PT on December 31, and it will run through January 1, 2026. The finale’s global premiere will still take place on Netflix. What Is ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 About? The show will be coming full circle in the final season. The focus will be back on Will Byers in Stranger Things 5. “Will really takes center stage again in 5,” Ross Duffer told Variety for Noah Schnapp’s Power of Young Hollywood cover story, which was released on August 7. “This emotional arc for him is what we feel is going to hopefully tie the whole series together. Will is used to being the young one, the introverted one, the one that’s being protected. So part of his journey, it’s not just sexuality it’s Will coming into his own as a young man. Just as filming was about to get underway in May 2023, the Duffers released a note on the official Stranger Things writers’ page and gave an update about the status of season 5. “Duffers here. Writing does not stop when filming begins. While we’re excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike. We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then over and out. #wgastrong,” the Duffers tweeted. The Writers Guild of America went on strike on May 1 after negotiations broke down between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which includes companies like Netflix, Amazon, and Disney. The members of the WGA are asking for increased pay, better residuals, staffing requirements, and clarification about the use of AI. Almost two months later, SAG-AFTRA also went on strike. As of August 2023, both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are still on strike. On March 21, 2023, the Stranger Things writers’ Twitter account gave a little Finn Wolfhard (Mike), Noah Schnapp (Will), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas), Sadie Sink (Max), Natalie Dyer (Nancy), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan), Joe Keery (Steve), and Maya Hawke (Robin). The series veterans Winona Ryder (Joyce) and David Harbour (Hopper) will also return, rounding out the original lineup. In addition, Brett Gelman (Murray Bauman), Cara Buono (Karen Wheeler), and Amybeth McNulty (Vickie) are all confirmed to return in Season 5. Hollywood Life spoke exclusively with Cara Buono in 2023, and she shared her hopes for one last classic Wheeler family dinner scene. “I hope that there are more of like, in season one, there were a lot of family dinners,” Cara said. “And I loved when the kids came over for dinner. so I hope there’s at least one big dinner at the Wheelers where the kids come over and there’s a lot of awkward stuff going on. That would be really, really fun.” Jamie Campbell Bower is also set to return as Vecna, and according to him, the villain is far from finished. “He’s pissed, he’s properly vexed,” Jamie told NME. “He’s rebuilding, and he’s out for blood. That classic Jason Voorhees thing-you’ve made a big mistake.” Maya Hawke opened up to Rolling Stone in 2022 about what she hopes for Robin in the final season. “Well, it’s the last season, so people are probably going to die. I would love to die and get my hero’s moment. But I love the way that the Duffer Brothers love their actors. and they don’t want to kill them. I think that’s a beautiful quality.” She also teased she’d be down for a spinoff-but only if it included co-star Joe Keery, who plays Robin’s best friend, Steve. “He’s so funny and wonderful and smart. I would do anything with him.” And in a surprise reveal at Netflix’s 2023 TUDUM event, Arnold Schwarzenegger helped announce that Linda Hamilton his legendary Terminator co-star joined the cast. I’ll see you in Hawkins.” Netflix later confirmed Hamilton’s casting with a signature upside-down photo on the Stranger Things Instagram account. Additional new cast members include Nell Fisher as Holly Wheeler, Jake Connelly as Derek, and Alex Breaux as Lt. Akers, among others. ‘Stranger Things’ Run So Far Stranger Things became a global phenomenon when it premiered on Netflix in 2016. The series catapulted the young stars to superstardom, and they have grown up before our eyes. Following the success of the second season, the cast reportedly scored major pay raises for season 3 and beyond, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The cast was divided into “different pay tiers” with Winona and David making up the “A tier” that earned them up to $350,000 an episode. The “B tier” included the younger stars like Finn, Gaten, Caleb, and Noah, who started making $250,000 an episode. The “C tier” featured the older kids Natalia, Charlie, and Joe who began making $150,000 an episode in season 3. At the time, it couldn’t be confirmed exactly what Millie was making. After making $30,000 per episode alongside Finn, Gaten, and Caleb, Millie separated herself from the rest of the cast during renegotiations. For season 3, Millie was at least making $250,000 like her fellow young actors, but sources told THR she could be making as high as $350,000 per episode or in her own tier of $300,000 per episode. What Happened In Season 4? Stranger Things season 4 introduced the show’s biggest bad yet: Vecna. The Upside Down was created after Eleven battled Henry Creel, who also happened to be One, the first child to be experimented on by Dr. Brenner. When Eleven was a child, Henry/One posed as Peter Ballard at the Hawkins Lab. Once he gained Eleven’s trust, he betrayed her and killed the other children at the lab. Henry/One faced off against a young Eleven, and she opened the first gate to the Upside Down as she tried to destroy him. Henry/One didn’t die when he was thrown into the Upside Down. Vecna was born. Vecna is the one behind all the chaos that’s been wreaking havoc in Hawkins. In Volume 2 of Stranger Things season 4, the Hawkins crew (with Eleven’s help) tried to take down Vecna. In the midst of this fight, Eddie sacrificed himself and died in Dustin’s arms, Eleven infiltrated Max’s mind, Jason and Lucas got into a brutal fight, and Max was nearly killed by Vecna. Joseph Quinn became an instant star after his breakout performance as Eddie Munson. Even though Eddie died in season 4, many fans hope that Eddie will return in season 5. “He feels kind of gone, it feels pretty hard to bring him back, I’d say, but, I don’t know,” Joseph told Access about possibly returning. Shawn Levy spoke about Eddie’s possible return in an interview on the 2022 Emmy Awards red carpet. “A lot of people can’t even handle the thought of a season five without some excuse for Eddie present, he told The Hollywood Reporter. “Highly unlikely, but we hear you world. We know you’re obsessed with Eddie. So are we.” Joyce and Hopper finally kissed and got out of Russia with Murray. They returned home where they reunited with their kids. However, the current state of Hawkins is borderline ruin. Max did die for a moment before she was brought back to life by Eleven. Max’s death allowed Vecna to get that fourth kill he needed to open the last gate. The faultlines created by the 4 collided at the center of Hawkins, creating massive openings to the Upside Down. The end of the season 4 finale showed the effects of the Upside Down creeping in on Hawkins, and the biggest fight for Eleven and the others is still ahead. Meanwhile, Max is in a coma after her confrontation with Vecna. “Now that I’m here in Hawkins, I can feel him,” Will said to Mike about Vecna. “And he’s hurt. He’s hurting. But he’s still alive. It’s strange, knowing now who it was this whole time, but I can still remember what he thinks and how he thinks. And he’s not going to stop. Ever. Not until he’s taken everything. And everyone. We have to kill him.” Is ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 the Last One? Yes, Netflix and the crew behind the series have said that season 5 is its final one.
https://hollywoodlife.com/feature/stranger-things-season-5-release-date-4741342/
Tag Archives: negotiations
Los Angeles Kings re-sign F Adrian Kempe to 8-year, $85 million contract, AP source says
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Forward Adrian Kempe has agreed to an eight-year, $85 million contract to remain with the Los Angeles Kings, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.
The individual spoke on condition of anonymity Sunday because the Kings had not yet announced the deal with the 29-year-old Kempe, who would have been an unrestricted free agent next summer. The contract extends through the 2033-34 season and carries an average annual value (AAV) of $10.625 million.
Kempe has been the Kings’ most dependable offensive player over the past four seasons. He earned an All-Star selection in 2022 and helped lead Los Angeles to four straight playoff appearances. The Swedish right wing has scored 200 goals and contributed 220 assists during his 10-year career, which he has spent entirely with the Kings. Los Angeles drafted him with the 29th overall pick in 2014.
During the 2022-23 season, Kempe scored a career-high 41 goals and has recorded four consecutive 25-goal seasons. This season, he leads the Kings with six goals and 13 assists in 19 games while playing extensively on special teams. Additionally, Kempe is named to Sweden’s initial roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Re-signing Kempe was a top priority for new Kings general manager Ken Holland, who emphasized the importance of maintaining a foundation of leadership and talent as longtime captain Anze Kopitar plans to retire next year. However, negotiations between the Kings and Kempe stretched from the summer into the current season, sparking speculation that he might enter free agency next year.
Instead, Kempe joins a growing list of notable players who were potential 2026 free agents but have recently re-signed with their teams. Connor McDavid, Martin Necas, Jack Eichel, and Kirill Kaprizov have all committed to their respective organizations in the past two months.
The Kings, currently holding a 10-5-4 record, have rebounded from a slow start this season. They are on a six-game road trip and have won four consecutive games. Los Angeles is set to play against the Washington Capitals on Monday.
JUST IN: Senate to Meet on Friday Amid Deal to Reopen the Government – Trump Doubles Down on Filibuster Termination Demands, Says the Democrats Would “Immediately do it”
Senate Republicans are reportedly working to reach a deal with Senate Democrats to reopen the government on Friday. The proposed agreement would involve amendments to the continuing resolution, including three full-year appropriations bills. These bills are seemingly set to expire after the next midterm election, where Democrats aim to reclaim the Senate majority.
The government shutdown became the longest in U.S. history on Wednesday, entering its 35th day. The previous record was 34 days, set during President Trump’s first term. Now, Republicans are attempting to bring Democrats to the negotiating table and secure the 60 votes needed to overcome the filibuster, offering a plan more favorable to their agenda.
However, President Trump has repeatedly urged Senate Republicans to end the filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes to pass most legislation, and to reopen the government immediately.
According to Politico, the plan is to bring up the House-passed continuing resolution—previously rejected by Democrats—and amend it with a new expiration date, very likely in January, along with a negotiated package of three full-year spending bills. Senate Majority Whip John Thune believes the deal could gain enough Democratic support to advance, though the outcome is uncertain.
Finalizing the deal may take several days due to procedural hurdles and objections from senators. In preparation, Senate GOP leaders are ready to keep lawmakers in Washington to pressure a resolution to the record-breaking shutdown. When asked if the Senate would remain in session through the weekend, Majority Whip John Barrasso replied, “yes.”
On the other side, Senate Democrats held a lengthy lunch meeting on Thursday to discuss their shutdown strategy. Though no resolution was reached immediately, several Democrats indicated ongoing discussions within the caucus. According to CBS News, Senate Republicans hope moderate Democrats involved in negotiations throughout the week will be persuaded by the appropriations bills and a promised vote on extending health care subsidies.
Negotiations with Democrats—likely involving concessions that the Republican base may oppose—would be unnecessary if Republicans chose to eliminate the filibuster. Despite having full control of the federal government, Republicans have so far refused to wield that power to end the shutdown.
At an Oval Office press conference on Thursday, President Trump renewed his calls for Republicans to discontinue the filibuster. This came a day after he urged GOP senators at a breakfast meeting to terminate the procedure. Trump emphasized that ending the filibuster would allow the Senate to swiftly pass election integrity laws, including voter ID requirements and one-day voting, along with legislation on border security, tax cuts, and more—items Democrats oppose.
“What the Democrats will do is they’re going to make Puerto Rico a state, they’re going to make DC a state, they’re going to pack the court, they’re going to end up with more electoral votes, they’re going to end up with four senators because of the two states, and they’re going to do this, 100%,” Trump stated. “So if they’re going to do it, I would do it. I would do it before them.”
Trump also said:
> “I think it’s time for them to end the filibuster and just put everybody back to work. Vote in voter ID, vote in no mail-in voting except for military, far away military and people that are very sick. I’d like to see one day voting. I’d like to see not 65 days of voting from all over the place. I’d like to clean up the elections; the border, we’ve done a great job. We have a great, strong border now. I’d like to see new rules on immigration that can be fair and good. Rules that you’d never get, rules that they’re never going to get. There’s so many things we could put in, including tax cuts that we could get, and we could do it all ourselves. But to do that, you have to end the filibuster.”
Trump criticized Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema for blocking past efforts to change filibuster rules, saying, “They would have done it, except Manchin and Sinema got in their way.”
As reported by The Gateway Pundit, on Wednesday, Trump hosted Republican senators for breakfast, urging them to end the filibuster, reopen the government, and pass laws to “fix our country and our elections.” However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and several other senators have publicly opposed ending the filibuster. “It’s just not happening,” Thune said, making the 50 votes necessary to terminate the filibuster unlikely.
The ongoing negotiations and political tension underscore the complexities in resolving the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. As both parties weigh their strategies, the nation watches closely for a resolution to the stalemate.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/11/just-senate-meet-friday-amid-deal-reopen-government/
Trump issues chilling warning to Putin after Russia tests new ‘invincible’ nuclear missile
President Trump issued a chilling warning to Vladimir Putin on Monday after the Russian leader boasted about testing his country’s new “invincible” nuclear missile.
“They know we have a nuclear submarine, the greatest in the world, right off their shore,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he prepared to travel to Japan.
His remarks came after Putin on Sunday hailed an 8,700-mile, 15-hour test flight for Russia’s “unique” nuclear-powered missile, dubbed a “flying Chernobyl.” Russia claims this weapon could strike targets in the United States.
“They’re not playing games with us. We’re not playing games with them either,” President Trump continued, before reiterating his demand that Putin end the war in Ukraine.
“I don’t think it’s an appropriate thing for Putin to be saying. By the way, he ought to get the war ended. A war that should have taken one week is now in its, soon, fourth year. That’s what he ought to do instead of testing missiles,” Trump added.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has increased his calls for the US to supply his country with long-range missiles to pressure Putin into making peace.
Zelensky praised President Trump’s latest sanctions on Russia, saying they “will make a difference,” but warned that more pressure is needed to bring an end to the conflict raging since February 2022.
“President Trump is concerned about escalation. But I think that if there are no negotiations, there will be an escalation anyway. I think that if Putin doesn’t stop, we need something to stop him. Sanctions is one such weapon, but we also need long-range missiles,” President Zelensky told Axios on Sunday.
[With Post wires.]
https://nypost.com/2025/10/27/us-news/trump-warns-putin-after-russia-tests-new-invincible-nuclear-missile/
Israel strikes Gaza after it says Hamas attacked across ceasefire line
**Israel Strikes Targets in Gaza Amid First Test of U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire**
*TEL AVIV, Israel* — Israel struck targets in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday after reporting that its troops came under fire from Hamas militants. This marked the first major test of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire aimed at halting more than two years of war.
According to the Israeli military, members of the Palestinian group used an RPG against Israeli forces, prompting airstrikes and artillery responses. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations with security officials and directed the military to take “strong action” against any ceasefire violations. However, he did not threaten to escalate back to full war.
Hamas denied involvement in the clashes in Rafah, located in southern Gaza.
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### Hostage Remains Identified as Ceasefire Talks Advance
The strikes coincided with Israel identifying the remains of two hostages released by Hamas overnight. The Palestinian group also announced the initiation of talks to launch the second phase of ceasefire negotiations.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office confirmed the bodies were those of Ronen Engel, a father of three from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a Thai agricultural worker killed at Kibbutz Be’eri. Both had been believed killed during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and their bodies were taken to Gaza.
Notably, Engel’s wife, Karina, and two of their three children were kidnapped during the attack but released in a November 2023 ceasefire agreement.
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### Rafah Border Crossing Remains Closed Amid Hostage Remains Dispute
Israel announced it would keep the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt closed “until further notice.” Netanyahu’s office stated that reopening Rafah hinges on Hamas fulfilling its ceasefire obligations, including returning the remains of all 28 deceased hostages.
In the past week, Hamas has handed over the remains of 13 bodies, 12 identified as hostages. Israel noted one released body did not belong to a hostage.
Meanwhile, Israel has returned 150 Palestinian bodies to Gaza, including 15 on Sunday, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. The ministry posted photos of dozens of bodies online to assist families searching for loved ones. Many of the bodies were decomposed, blackened, and some lacked limbs and teeth. Only 25 have been identified so far.
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### Ongoing Negotiations and Ceasefire Challenges
Following an exchange involving 20 living hostages for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, the handover of deceased hostages’ remains and prisoners remains a critical issue in the ceasefire’s first stage.
Another key issue involves scaling up humanitarian aid and reopening the Rafah border crossing to facilitate aid delivery and the movement of people.
Future ceasefire stages will focus on disarming Hamas, Israeli withdrawal from additional Gaza areas, and the establishment of governance for the devastated territory.
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### Ceasefire Clashes in Rafah
On Sunday, the Israeli military reported militants fired at troops in Rafah, within Israeli-controlled areas as per the ceasefire lines. No injuries were reported.
Hamas denied involvement. Both sides have accused each other of ceasefire violations amid ongoing tensions.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Kassem said that negotiations for the second phase have begun but require national consensus. He added that Hamas has started discussions to solidify its positions but offered no further details.
In line with U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan, future talks will include disarming Hamas and establishing an internationally backed authority to govern Gaza. Kassem emphasized Hamas will not participate in the future ruling authority.
He noted that Hamas-run government bodies continue day-to-day governance to avoid a power vacuum, which he described as “very dangerous.” Kassem called for establishing a Community Support Committee composed of Palestinian technocrats to manage affairs until an administrative committee representing all factions is formed.
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### Status of Rafah Border Crossing
Israel again kept the Rafah crossing closed on Sunday to pressure Hamas for the return of more hostages’ bodies. While Hamas claims it needs special equipment to locate additional remains, Israel believes Hamas has access to more bodies than it has returned.
Before the war, Rafah was the only crossing not controlled by Israel. It has remained closed since May 2024, when Israel took control of the Gaza side.
Reopening the crossing fully would allow Palestinians access to medical treatment, travel, and visits to family in Egypt, where tens of thousands of Palestinians reside.
The Palestinian Authority’s Interior Ministry in Ramallah announced new procedures for Palestinians wishing to use the crossing. Palestinian Embassy staff from Cairo will issue temporary travel documents for those exiting Gaza. Those entering Gaza must apply at the embassy in Cairo for entry documents.
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### Casualty Figures and Conflict Overview
The Israel-Hamas war has reportedly killed more than 68,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. U.N. agencies and independent experts view these figures as reliable; however, Israel disputes the numbers and has not provided its own toll.
Thousands more remain missing, the Red Cross reports.
Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 during the October 7 attack that ignited the war.
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### Hamas Rejects U.S. Claims of Planned Attack
On Sunday, Hamas rejected a U.S. State Department claim alleging credible reports of an imminent planned Hamas attack on Gaza residents.
The U.S. statement warned such an attack would violate the ceasefire and undermine mediation progress.
Hamas called the claim “false allegations,” accused Israel of supporting armed groups in Israeli-controlled areas, and urged the U.S. to pressure Israel to halt such support.
Fighting has erupted between Hamas-led fighters and at least two armed groups in eastern Gaza City accused of looting aid and collaborating with Israel. Hamas has publicly executed several suspects, drawing widespread condemnation.
The Hamas-run Interior Ministry said its forces are working to restore law and order in areas vacated by Israel following the ceasefire.
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*This report will be updated as the situation develops.*
https://abc7.com/post/israel-strikes-gaza-says-hamas-attacked-ceasefire-line/18038173/
Data Corner: Japan in Horizon Europe
Japan is set to sign an agreement to join the EU’s €93.5 billion Horizon Europe research and innovation programme by the end of the year. This marks a significant step in deepening scientific collaboration between Japan and the European Union.
Although Japan has not yet been an official member, the country’s researchers are already familiar with EU research projects. Typically, third countries like Japan are not eligible for funding but can still participate in projects and secure funding in select schemes. To date, 84 Japanese organisations have participated in Horizon Europe 169 times, receiving €1.25 million in funding.
The forthcoming association agreement will allow Japanese researchers to join EU partners on equal terms during 2026 and 2027, the final two years of the current Horizon Europe programme. Formal negotiations on the association began in November 2024, but the EU has been courting Japan’s involvement for several years.
This move comes as Japan seeks to reconfigure its science and technology policy, opening new doors for collaboration and innovation on the global stage.
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-funding/horizon-europe/data-corner-japan-horizon-europe