The impact of Jennifer Marshall’s potential return to the popular Netflix series *Stranger Things* has taken on a personal dimension for the actress. Marshall, who portrayed Susan Hargrove, Max’s mother, expressed that an invitation to reprise her role in the show’s fifth season could have positively influenced her ongoing battle with cancer.
On January 6, 2024, Marshall shared her thoughts with fans via Instagram, revealing that returning to the series would have allowed her to secure union health insurance, crucial for her cancer treatment. Her post highlighted the financial strain that her health issues have caused, particularly after her diagnosis of stage 3 cancer at age 39. “I had cancer, I get it. But I was in remission during the shooting of season five. Shooting would have helped me obtain my health insurance through the union,” she wrote.
Marshall’s Cancer Journey and Character’s Absence
Marshall, a military veteran, previously disclosed her health struggles, having battled cancer that began with stage 1 in her foot and later spread to her lymph nodes. In her recent Instagram update, she addressed not only her health but also her character’s fate, stating, “Every day. Not all day, every day but every day,” when asked about Susan Hargrove’s storyline.
The absence of Susan Hargrove in the fifth season, particularly during pivotal moments for her daughter Max, has raised questions among fans. In a post preceding her January 6 update, Marshall posted a photo of Max, played by Sadie Sink, in a hospital bed. Her caption questioned, “But where was Max’s mom??” This prompted fans to express their disappointment and curiosity over Susan’s exclusion from the narrative, with many wondering about the mother’s whereabouts during critical scenes.
Fan Theories and Cast Insights
The online community has generated various theories regarding Susan’s fate. Some speculate that she may have died during the turmoil that Hawkins faced at the series’ climax in season 4. Sink, in an interview with Vulture published on December 25, 2025, reflected on her character’s family dynamics, suggesting, “It’s kind of common for the parents on the show: You just don’t know where they are except for Karen Wheeler. My theory is that Max’s mom must have disappeared or died at some point in the rift at the end of season four.”
Marshall’s portrayal of Susan Hargrove had already showcased a complex character struggling with personal challenges, including turning to alcohol after the loss of her husband. Her final appearance in season 4 featured a haunting encounter with Vecna, leaving fans eager for closure regarding her character.
As the *Stranger Things* narrative continues to evolve, Marshall’s reflections on her health and her character’s journey resonate deeply with many fans. The actress’s candidness about her cancer battle underscores the real-life challenges faced by those in the entertainment industry and highlights the emotional ties audiences develop with the characters they love.
As the series wraps up, fans and cast alike are left pondering the fates of characters and the impact of their stories, both on-screen and off.
