The creators of Stranger Things, Ross and Matt Duffer, have stated that the show's finale reflects their original vision, despite mixed reactions from fans. The brothers emphasized that there was no pressure or interference from Netflix, asserting that the streaming service has always trusted their creative direction since the show's inception.
Leading up to the finale, speculation among fans included rumors of unreleased footage, which the Duffers dismissed. They noted that narrative choices, such as the portrayal of Vecna and character relationships, were made to maintain clarity for viewers, particularly those unfamiliar with supplementary materials like the First Shadow musical.
In a recent Netflix Q&A, the Duffers expressed their intention to leave certain character arcs open to interpretation, such as the nature of Henry's choices regarding the Mind Flayer. They confirmed that Eleven's ending was deliberately ambiguous, as they never envisioned a conclusion where she returned to a normal life with her friends. This thematic choice aims to provoke thought and discussion among the audience.