Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1 has inspired widespread theories and speculations across the mammoth fandom. Social media buzz centers around a recurring theory involving the overlooked character Patty Newby following the Volume 2 trailer release. 

After inhaling all four episodes of season 5, the mystery created a digital rabbit hole of its own, and it continues to intrigue and fuel online discussions. Eagle-eyed sleuths have zoomed in on every still manifesting Patty Newby in the upcoming volume.

Catch a break from doomscrolling and find out who Patty Newby exactly is. 

Patty Newby, adoptive sister of Bob Newby, with whom she established the AV club, came to life in Stranger Things: The First Shadow. The stage play narrates the early life of Henry Creel (Vecna), and 1959's Hawkins. 

Newby, unlike Eleven or Hopper, is not a mainstream character, but she has brought a whole new light to the Upside Down mythos. The character is now surrounded by a buzz of appearances in the upcoming episodes as Stranger Things Season 5 unravels, especially after the release of the Volume 2 trailer, which comprises potential Easter eggs about her existence.

Interest in her has grown tremendously because of her involvement in Vecna's human past, and most fans are sure she will be a significant player in the battle for the good during the second part of Season 5. Newby has become the center of attraction due to her being Henry Creel’s only friend and the sole romantic interest prior to his monstrous transformation into Vecna. 

In the play, Newby convinces Henry, whom she dated in 1959, to use his powers to do something good rather than destructive things. She urged him to track down her biological mother, who was a high school student during her father, Principal Newby's Hawkins High tenure. After an altercation between Patty's father and Henry and the 'shadow thing', a domino of chaotic events followed that contributed to Henry's unfortunate transformation into the villain.

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In a way, Newby is seen as an emotional anchor, prompting viewers to question if her influence might still be felt decades later in the Stranger Things timeline.

Online theorists are having a field day with their wild speculations regarding Patty Newby, who, after the events of the play, is now considered to be alive. Some theories call for her possible reappearance in the second part of the fifth season, either via flashbacks, alternate dimensions, or narrative callbacks as Max continues to poke Henry Creel’s memories. 

Regardless of all the hype, there has been no word yet from Netflix or the Duffer Brothers confirming Patty Newby’s presence in the last few episodes of Stranger Things Season 5. The character's story is rooted mainly in the play’s storyline, though her name has floated around in this season, particularly in Hawkins High's musical, Oklahoma! memory sequence.

Nevertheless, the Stranger Things buffs are adamant that her emotional and narrative significance make her a perfect candidate for either a return or a significant mention when the Hawkins saga draws to its thrilling end. The writers must have placed her name in Max's memory for a reason, which is what the entire fandom believes.

While Patty Newby technically remains out of Hawkins, Netflix subscribers are definitely not, as the second volume of Stranger Things 5 drops on Christmas Day 2025. 

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Do you think Patty Newby is coming back? Comment your thoughts below.