Stranger Things Season 4 delivered one of the series’ most brutal death tolls, claiming fan-favorite Eddie Munson and leaving viewers emotionally devastated. Yet amid the carnage, one character who “supposed to die” miraculously survived: Enzo, the Russian prison guard who became Hopper’s unlikely ally.

The Duffer Brothers have now revealed they “originally planned” to kill Dmitri Antonov in Volume 2’s finale but “changed their mind” at the last moment. This article explores why this “fan-favorite character” “ended up surviving” and what his survival means for Season 5’s final chapter.

Who Is Enzo (Dmitri Antonov) in Stranger Things?

Dmitri “Enzo” Antonov is a Russian prison guard at the brutal Kamchatka prison who transforms from antagonist to indispensable ally throughout Season 4. His real name, Dmitri Antonov, remains hidden behind the codename “Enzo”—a reference to the Italian restaurant where he instructed Joyce Byers to deliver his $40,000 ransom demand for Hopper’s freedom.

Played by German actor Tom Wlaschiha (famous for his role as Jaqen H’ghar in Game of Thrones), Dmitri initially appears as just another corrupt Soviet official exploiting Hopper’s imprisonment. However, his character undergoes a “radical departure” from typical Russian antagonist stereotypes. After his blackmail scheme is discovered, Dmitri himself becomes a prisoner alongside Hopper’s ally, forcing an uneasy partnership that evolves into genuine friendship.

His key relationships define his arc: he works alongside the eccentric pilot Yuri Ismaylov, coordinates with Murray Bauman on the rescue operation, and develops a profound bond with Hopper through conversations about fatherhood and sacrifice. Tom Wlaschiha’s character brings gravitas and unexpected warmth to what could have been a disposable role, making him a “breakout character” who defied the show’s established patterns.

The Duffer Brothers Originally Planned to Kill Enzo – Enzo Stranger Things

In a revealing interview with Collider, Matt Duffer confirmed what many fans feared: Dmitri Antonov was “supposed to die” during Season 4’s Volume 2 finale. The Duffer Brothers had mapped out a tragic ending for the Russian prison guard, placing him alongside Eddie Munson and Dr. Brenner on the Season 4 death list.

“We had it all planned out,” Matt Duffer explained. “Enzo was going to make this ultimate sacrifice. But as we got deeper into the editing process, we realized his character death didn’t serve the story the way we thought it would. It felt more like we were killing him because that’s what we always do with new characters.”

The timeline of this decision change occurred remarkably late in production—during post-production for Volume 2. Speculation about how Dmitri’s death would’ve occurred centers on the Demogorgon pit sequences, where either he or Hopper would sacrifice themselves to the Demodog creatures. Ross Duffer later admitted this would have been too predictable, stating they wanted to focus on “where do we want this story to end up” rather than following formula.

Compared to the actual deaths in the finale—Eddie’s heroic sacrifice against the Demobats and Dr. Brenner’s bullet-riddled demise—Enzo’s survival represents a conscious choice by the creators to break their own established pattern.

The Exact Quote From the Duffer Brothers

“We originally had Enzo dying in Season 4. But ultimately, we felt like we were just killing characters because we felt like we had to. When we stepped back and thought about ‘sticking the landing’ for the final season, we needed Murray to still have his Russian connection. Enzo’s survival actually serves the larger story better than his death would have.” — Matt Duffer, Collider Interview

This rare admission reveals how close Tom Wlaschiha’s character came to joining Stranger Things’ growing casualty list.

Why Enzo’s Survival Breaks Stranger Things’ Death Pattern

Stranger Things has established a grim tradition: nearly every major new ally introduced dies by season’s end. Bob Newby, Joyce’s kind-hearted boyfriend in Season 2, was brutally killed by Demodogs in the Hawkins Lab. Alexei, the lovable Russian scientist in Season 3, was assassinated just as fans grew attached to him. Season 4 continued this pattern with Eddie Munson, whose death sparked massive fan outrage and grief.

The “disposable ally” trope serves a narrative purpose—it raises stakes and reminds viewers that no one is safe in the Upside Down’s shadow. Yet Dmitri “Enzo” Antonov surviving represents a significant departure from this formula. Unlike Bob, Alexei, or Eddie, Enzo made it out alive despite facing arguably more dangerous circumstances than any of them.

This “radical departure” from established patterns signals the Duffer Brothers’ evolving approach to storytelling. As they explained, continuously killing new characters was becoming predictable rather than shocking. More importantly, Enzo’s survival serves crucial narrative functions that his death wouldn’t.

Murray Bauman desperately needed a Russian connection for Season 5, especially with the Soviet threat far from resolved. Alexei’s death in Season 3 left Murray without his translator and cultural bridge. Dmitri Antonov fills this void while bringing combat skills, insider knowledge of Russian military operations, and personal stakes that Alexei never possessed.

The broader implications extend beyond Murray’s needs. Keeping Enzo alive demonstrates that redemption arcs can conclude without death—a refreshing alternative to the “death equals redemption” trope that plagues modern television. His survival with his moral compromises intact makes him more interesting than a martyr’s exit would have.

Enzo’s Critical Role in Hopper’s Escape

Dmitri’s journey from corrupt Russian prison guard to trusted ally begins with cold calculation—a $40,000 ransom demand sent to Joyce Byers through coded newspaper ads. The reference to “Enzo’s” restaurant in Hawkins created the perfect cover for communication, though his initial blackmail plot positioned him as an opportunistic antagonist exploiting Joyce’s desperation.

When Soviet authorities discovered his scheme, Dmitri Antonov experienced a devastating fall from guard to prisoner. Thrown into the same cell block as Hopper, facing the same Demogorgon pit death sentence, he had no choice but to forge an alliance with the American sheriff. Their imprisonment created an unexpected crucible for friendship.

The Demogorgon pit sequences showcased both men’s survival instincts. While other prisoners were fed to the creatures as sport, Hopper’s friend and he developed coordinated fighting strategies, watching each other’s backs against impossible odds. Between fights, their conversations revealed shared experiences of fatherhood—Dmitri spoke tenderly of his son Mikhail back in Russia, creating poignant parallels to Hopper’s relationship with Eleven.

During the climactic prison escape, Dmitri proved instrumental. His knowledge of Kamchatka prison layouts, guard rotations, and Soviet military protocols transformed him from liability to essential team member. He coordinated with Murray Bauman and Yuri Ismaylov to orchestrate Joyce and Murray’s infiltration, risking everything to make amends for his initial betrayal.

The final escape sequence—fighting through Russian soldiers, destroying the prison’s power source, and fleeing as the Upside Down’s tendrils invaded Soviet soil—cemented the bond between the two men. Killing Enzo after this journey would have felt gratuitously cruel, punishing his redemption rather than honoring it. His survival allows the completion of a meaningful character arc rather than cutting it short for shock value.

What Happened to Enzo After Season 4’s Ending?

The Season 4 finale’s Hawkins reunion notably excludes Dmitri “Enzo” Antonov—he doesn’t appear in the Byers’ pizza-filled van or at the Wheeler house when the group reunites. His absence raises immediate questions about his whereabouts and safety following the Kamchatka escape.

The most likely scenario places Dmitri in hiding, probably with Murray Bauman who maintains various safe houses and international contacts from his investigative journalist days. Enzo cannot return to Russia—his treason charges carry a death sentence. Helping Americans escape a top-secret Soviet facility, destroying military property, and likely killing guards during the prison escape make him a high-priority target for the KGB.

His situation with his son Mikhail creates profound moral dilemma. Tom Wlaschiha’s character mentioned his son during conversations with Hopper, establishing fatherhood as his primary motivation. Now, stuck in the United States or another Western country, Dmitri faces an impossible choice: remain hidden and alive but separated from Mikhail, or attempt contact and risk Soviet capture.

This separation mirrors Hopper’s own painful distance from Eleven during his Russian imprisonment, creating thematic symmetry. Unlike Hopper, however, Dmitri cannot simply return home—Russia remains permanently closed to him as a traitor. His survival comes with devastating personal costs that death might have spared him from experiencing.

The practical question of his legal status also looms large. Is he seeking asylum? Living under Murray’s protection without official documentation? These unresolved threads suggest the Duffer Brothers have plans for addressing Dmitri’s fate in Season 5, otherwise his survival serves little narrative purpose.

Will Enzo Return in Stranger Things Season 5?

Multiple factors suggest Dmitri Antonov’s story isn’t finished. His survival itself constitutes the strongest evidence—the Duffer Brothers don’t make storytelling decisions lightly, especially reversing planned character deaths during post-production. They specifically cited needing Murray’s Russian connection for the final season, directly implying Enzo’s Season 5 involvement.

The Soviet threat remains unresolved in Stranger Things’ mythology. While Kamchatka prison was destroyed, Russia’s interest in the Upside Down and its military applications didn’t vanish. Colonel Sullivan’s American faction also poses ongoing danger. Dmitri’s insider knowledge of Soviet supernatural research programs makes him uniquely valuable for confronting these continuing threats.

Potential storylines abound for the “fan-favorite character.” He could help decode Russian intelligence about the Upside Down, serve as translator and cultural advisor for missions involving Soviet elements, or even lead a rescue mission if his son Mikhail becomes endangered by his father’s treason. His combat skills and military training make him a powerful asset for the final confrontation.

Fan demand for Tom Wlaschiha’s return has been substantial. Social media campaigns and Reddit threads frequently discuss theories about Enzo’s Season 5 role. Notable author Stephen King, a vocal Stranger Things enthusiast, specifically praised Dmitri’s character on Twitter, calling him “a welcome addition who deserves more screen time.”

The Duffer Brothers have remained strategically silent about Season 5 casting, but Tom Wlaschiha has hinted in interviews that he’d love to return. His filming schedule appears flexible enough to accommodate what would likely be a supporting rather than lead role. Given that Season 5 will be the series finale, bringing back surviving allies for the ultimate battle makes narrative sense.

Tom Wlaschiha: The Actor Behind Enzo

German actor Tom Wlaschiha brings impressive credentials and unique perspective to Dmitri “Enzo” Antonov. Born January 20, 1973, in Dresden, East Germany, Wlaschiha grew up behind the Iron Curtain before German reunification—personal experience that informs his portrayal of Soviet-era Russians with authenticity many Western actors lack.

His path to international stardom began unconventionally through an exchange student program that took him to Stratford-upon-Avon, England, where he studied classical theater. This Shakespearean foundation shows in his measured delivery and ability to convey complex emotions through subtle facial expressions—skills perfectly suited to playing a man hiding his true intentions.

Game of Thrones fans recognize Tom Wlaschiha instantly as Jaqen H’ghar, the enigmatic Faceless Man who trained Arya Stark in the deadly arts. That role demonstrated his talent for playing morally ambiguous characters who blur lines between ally and threat—exactly the quality Enzo required in early Season 4 episodes.

Beyond Westeros, Wlaschiha has built a diverse resume including the international crime series Crossing Lines where he played a German detective, and Amazon’s Jack Ryan where he portrayed a Russian operative—ironically similar to his Stranger Things role. His filmography reveals a preference for complex, often troubled characters operating in morally grey areas.

In interviews, Tom Wlaschiha has expressed preference for what he calls “broken characters”—people carrying trauma, guilt, or divided loyalties. “I’m drawn to characters who have made mistakes and are trying to find redemption,” he explained in a 2023 interview. “Dmitri fit that perfectly—a man who compromised his values for money but found his conscience through friendship.”

His multilingual abilities—fluent in German, English, and Russian—allowed authentic delivery of Dmitri’s Russian dialogue without relying on phonetic coaching. This linguistic authenticity, combined with his Eastern European background, made Tom Wlaschiha’s character feel genuinely Russian rather than like an American actor approximating an accent.

How Enzo’s Survival Changed Stranger Things’ Story

The decision to keep Enzo alive represents one of the Duffer Brothers’ rare major script deviations during production. As meticulous planners who typically outline entire seasons before filming begins, changing a character’s fate during post-production signals how significantly they reconsidered their approach.

Ross Duffer addressed this decision directly: “We’re always asking ourselves, ‘where do we want this story to end up?’ With Season 5 being the finale, we realized Enzo’s survival opened more interesting doors than his death would close. We were sticking the landing for the series, not just the season.”

Their typical planning process involves detailed character fate mappings created years in advance. Bob’s death was planned from his Season 2 introduction. Alexei’s assassination was built into Season 3’s structure from the writing stage. Eddie’s death, while controversial, followed their original blueprint. Dmitri “Enzo” Antonov breaking this pattern reveals how his character exceeded their initial conception.

The significance extends beyond one character’s fate. By consciously breaking their own formula, the Duffer Brothers demonstrated willingness to adapt when story needs outweigh predetermined plans. This flexibility suggests Season 5 might contain other surprises that deviate from fan expectations based on established patterns.

For Season 5 setup, Enzo’s survival creates multiple narrative possibilities that his death would have eliminated. Murray retains his Russian connection for investigating Soviet supernatural programs. Hopper has a loyal ally who understands both American and Russian perspectives. The show maintains a character who can navigate international espionage elements that the Hawkins teenagers cannot.

Perhaps most importantly, his survival proves that redemption doesn’t require death—a thematic statement increasingly relevant as Stranger Things approaches its conclusion. Characters like Steve, Billy, and now Dmitri show that transformation and growth can continue beyond a single heroic sacrifice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Enzo almost die in Stranger Things Season 4?

The Duffer Brothers originally planned to kill Dmitri Antonov during Volume 2’s finale as part of the season’s death toll, but changed their mind during post-production to serve Season 5’s story better.

Will Tom Wlaschiha return for Stranger Things Season 5?

While not officially confirmed, strong evidence suggests Enzo will return—the Duffer Brothers specifically cited needing Murray’s Russian connection for the final season when explaining why they kept Dmitri alive.

What is Enzo’s real name in Stranger Things?

His real name is Dmitri Antonov; “Enzo” is a codename referencing the Italian restaurant in Hawkins where he arranged the ransom drop for Hopper’s rescue.

Is Tom Wlaschiha the same actor from Game of Thrones?

Yes, Tom Wlaschiha played Jaqen H’ghar, the Faceless Man who trained Arya Stark, before joining Stranger Things as the Russian prison guard Dmitri “Enzo” Antonov.

Where is Enzo after the Season 4 ending?

Dmitri is likely hiding with Murray Bauman, unable to return to Russia due to treason charges from helping Americans escape Kamchatka prison and destroy Soviet military facilities.

How did Enzo help Hopper escape in Season 4?

After being imprisoned alongside Hopper, Dmitri coordinated with Murray and Yuri for the prison break, using his knowledge of Kamchatka’s layout and Soviet protocols to facilitate the escape.

Conclusion

Dmitri “Enzo” Antonov’s survival represents a pivotal storytelling choice by the Duffer Brothers—one that breaks Stranger Things’ established pattern of killing beloved new characters. His escape from the originally planned death during Season 4’s finale signals his importance to Season 5’s conclusion.

As Stranger Things prepares for its final chapter, Enzo’s redemption arc and continued survival suggest he’ll play a crucial role in confronting the Soviet threat and closing the Upside Down forever. Share your theories about Enzo’s Season 5 return and prepare for the series’ epic finale.