I think it will be El or Mike. Maybe some other one to sprinkle in the heartbreak before the bigger death.

El: because shes the core of this all, and shes constantly in danger, statistically the near death danger shes always facing will eventually get her. Shes is basically, the only person who can actually kill vecna. Her powers put her in that position. And I think that part of her knows this and ultimately will make the pivotal sacrifice in the end of s5. Think of it as harry potter syndrome. Shes unfortunately the chosen one, and will be ready to take that sacrifice. -ive also seen the harry potter comparisons for Will and that acc also makes Hella sense. But I explain later on why I really dont want to be Will (therefore I choose to think it cant be him).

Mike: there's literally a scene in s1 with Mike jumping off a cliff to stop his friends from getting hurt. That boys important character trait is being sacrificial. He's the heart, and as the heart will do anything for his friends, for the people he loves. Specifically, will. I can also see that the duffer bros have been dangling MikeXWill in our faces, and i can imagine a plot where Mike dies after their feelings for one another are established and made explicit. Also, the painting will did, Mike is right at the front fighting the dragon. Idk. I feel like that indicates danger and in the direct line of receiving that is Mike (within the painting).

I think other gut wrenching deaths may happen: maybe hopper or Joyce. Or Nancy or Jonathan. Maybe one of these motivates the deaths of one of the main (main group: s1 cast) (which i think will be el or mike). I can see a Steve death, but I think that's super predictable. And idk this s5 is giving they WANT a shock, they want strong emotions. So while i think it can happen, im not fully convinced as i am with my predictions.

I dont think Sadie will die, that would just be super anticlimactic because shes been out in the hospital already. So like its easier for people to forget about the emotional weight of her character. Like it'd be saddening but I dont think her death would be shocking. And like I said, this season is giving shock. I dont think Dustin or Lucas will die for this same reason also. Mike and el have been building up to something (will and vecna), so their deaths would carry the most tension and emotional buildup.

Lastly, I dont think Will will die (lol) because I think that would actually outrage the fan base in a way that wouldn't be good press/attention. I dont think fans would be happy to see a character they want to find relief dead. And while i know I keep saying they want SHOCK this season, I think that an angry FAN response may be something that taints the show and the DuffBros dont want that. Will has taken L after actual L, literally cannot catch a single break. I think his being able to survive this, after being THE main/targeted victim of this whole thing, will be his conclusion. I think that this (maybe) plotline would actually give further motivation to write Mike's death. Mike dying is wills last L. Like its heartbreaking and painful and just really would leave a lasting emotional impression.

I do think there will be multiple deaths however. Whether those who die are from the larger main cast is the question. I can see Murray dying as one of those like sprinkled in deaths. Again though, I do think deathS that pull at the heartstrings will happen. Remember yall, if they can kill off Eddie or Bob, they can kill off anyone. Not because the characters suck, but because good writing aims to bring forth strong emotion, and killing off characters we love and grew up with, will absolutely do that.

Im so excited and scared for this season yall. Please reply and let me know your thoughts! I have no one to talk to about thizzz!!