Stranger Things ‘conformity gate’ theory explained after new Netflix trailer confuses fans

It's been about a week now since Stranger Things fans were forced to say goodbye to their favourite show.

The finale episode has sparked a whole bunch of fan theories and online speculation, with the latest update in the ever-evolving social media saga being all to do with the so-called 'conformity gate' theory.

The theory hinges on the belief that the ending Netflix viewers saw a week ago wasn't actually the real one - with the alleged 'real one' set to come out tomorrow (7 January) instead.

They've landed on such a date following a very cryptic post from the streaming giant, which read 'Your future is on the way,' accompanied by a January 7 tag.

Additionally, this given is significant in general due to the fact it marks Orthodox Christmas, which closely mirrors season five's release pattern of dropping episodes on major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Those dead-set on the theory reckon that the end of Stranger Things season five is simply an illusion orchestrated by Vecna, and he may not actually be dead after all.

The dedicated fan base has compiled all their evidence and shared their various examples of 'proof' across X, Instagram and TikTok, and the new Netflix trailer for One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 is part of exactly that.

The behind-the-scenes documentary special, set to come out next week (12 January), 'follows the cast, creators, and crew as they bring the final season to life — and say goodbye to the show that changed them forever'.

Eagle-eyed fans clocked that the cast read the final script off white pages, when it's widely believed that the 'final scripts' would be on red pages.

One fan account on X shared: "A growing conspiracy among some Stranger Things fans is that the finale is actually an illusion created by Vecna, and that the true ending will be released in a secret Episode 9."

"Every time I lose hope, somebody mentions something that makes complete sense #conformitygate," confessed a second.

A third chimed in: "Guys… notice how all of them are reading WHITE scripts when Shawn Levy confirmed the finale was printed on RED scripts… they are trying to confuse us with that trailer. I AM sure #conformitygate."

Stranger Things fans are convinced they've found another piece of evidence to back up the 'conformity gate' theory (Netflix)

"Why is #conformitygate lowkey more entertaining than vol 2 and the finale?" questioned a fourth.

"More conformitygate truther than yesterday, less conformitygate truther than tomorrow," joked another.

And a final X user added: "I really do not think conformity gate is real, but if for some crazy a** reason it is true, it will go down as one of the best and wildest things to ever happen in television."

While the prospect of a 'secret episode' coming out tomorrow is all very exciting, it's important to note that neither Netflix nor the Duffer Brothers has acknowledged the conformity gate theory.

But, I guess we'll simply have to wait and see...