At a Glance
- Actor Randy Havens says there is no secret Snyder cut for “Stranger Things” Season 5.
- Fans have pushed for an extended cut, citing a Google Doc and a petition with over 316,000 signatures.
- Netflix has not released any additional footage and has not responded to inquiries.
- Why it matters: The debate shows how fan expectations can shape conversations about streaming finales and the limits of post-release content.
When rumors of a hidden “Snyder cut” for Netflix’s final “Stranger Things” season spread, actor Randy Havens stepped into the spotlight to clarify the situation. He used Instagram Stories to debunk the claim, while a petition on Change.org gathered more than 316,000 signatures demanding unseen footage. The controversy highlights the growing influence of fan communities on how shows are marketed and released.
Randy Havens’ Instagram Statement
On Sunday, Havens posted an all-caps message on his Instagram Stories stating, “There’s no secret Snyder cut of the show.” The actor referenced the fan-led movement that once pushed Warner Bros. to release a director’s cut of Justice League after critics complained about Joss Whedon’s changes. He added a warning to viewers: “Please don’t believe everything some random [expletive] tells you on the internet.”
- No equivalent of a “Snyder cut” exists for Stranger Things.
- Season 5 is set to conclude on Wednesday.
- Netflix has not released any additional footage.
The Fan Petition and Response
The petition, hosted on Change.org, asked Netflix to release “unseen footage” from the final season, citing a fan-made Google Doc that alleged shortened storylines. The organizer of the petition wrote: “I believe it was more to the episodes and we didn’t see them either due to Netflix or the team of stranger things cutting them.” The petition amassed more than 316,000 signatures as of Monday afternoon, while Netflix did not immediately respond to a request for comment from News Of Los Angeles.
| Item | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Petition signatures | 316,000+ | As of Monday |
| Netflix response | No comment | As of Monday |
Season 5 holds a 56% audience approval score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on over 5,000 ratings. Havens has appeared in 14 episodes of Stranger Things and also has credits on Halt and Catch Fire and Grosse Pointe Garden Society. Fans celebrated the release of the final three episodes on Christmas Day.
Key Takeaways
- Randy Havens confirms no secret Snyder cut for “Stranger Things” Season 5.
- The petition on Change.org gathered over 316,000 signatures but has received no response from Netflix.
- Season 5’s mixed reception and the final episode release on Christmas Day highlight the series’ concluding impact.
With the final season concluding soon, the debate over a hidden cut underscores how streaming platforms and their audiences navigate expectations for bonus content. Randy Havens’ clear statement leaves fans with no new footage to anticipate, while Netflix remains silent on the petition’s demands.
