When Netflix premiered Stranger Things in 2016, no one could have predicted the level of success it would achieve. Created by Matt and Ross Duffer, the series blends a nostalgic mix of horror, science fiction, and ’80s coming-of-age charm. It follows a group of kids in Hawkins, Indiana, as they try to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of their friend Will Byers. The discovery of a government experiment and a parallel dimension, the Upside Down, drives the show’s eerie premise.
Thanks to its captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and stellar performances—especially from its youthful cast—Stranger Things quickly became a cultural touchstone. What set it apart, however, was its portrayal of young actors rising to stardom with remarkable performances. Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, and Caleb McLaughlin—among others—brought the show’s characters to life, making them household names almost overnight.
The show’s undeniable success transformed these child actors into global stars, creating a unique pressure on their young shoulders. While they were instantly thrust into the limelight, their personal lives became subject to public scrutiny. Now, as the series prepares to wrap up with its highly anticipated fifth season, the personal stories of these actors—who grew up under the spotlight—offer a glimpse into the challenges of early fame.
Millie Bobby Brown: Navigating Fame and Friendship Struggles
Among the show’s breakout stars is Millie Bobby Brown, whose portrayal of Eleven made her a household name and solidified her as one of Hollywood’s brightest young talents. However, as the series progressed, Brown faced the challenges of growing up in front of millions. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, she opened up about the sacrifices she’s made for her career. “I don’t have many friends because of who I am,” she shared. “I didn’t go to school, so I don’t have the best social skills when it comes to people my own age and friendships.”
This has understandably affected her social life. Despite her widespread fame, Brown admits that she sometimes feels isolated. “I missed out on a few things. But I’m working through them,” she added. The actress also spoke about the emotional experience of returning to her iconic role for the final season. She explained how it took her by surprise when she began to feel the weight of saying goodbye to Eleven, a character she’s embodied for so many years. “It wasn’t hitting me this entire time—I was on set, and I was like, ‘Well, I have one more day left.’ And I started crying,” Brown recalled, showing the emotional weight that comes with closing this chapter in her life.
As much as she appreciates the journey, Brown revealed that she is ready to leave the role behind. The emotional farewell to Eleven marks a turning point for the actress as she looks toward new opportunities and ventures beyond the show that made her famous.
The Challenges of Playing a Villain: Jamie Campbell Bower’s Reflection
However, Millie Bobby Brown is not the only one who has faced unique challenges playing such iconic roles. Jamie Campbell Bower, introduced in Season 4 as the terrifying villain Vecna, also opened up about his experience. Known for his role in The Mortal Instruments, Bower discussed the mental toll playing a character as dark and sinister as Vecna had on him. The actor admitted in an interview that the intense emotional and physical demands of playing Vecna led him to have deep conversations with his therapist about the psychological impact of the role.
In a fan event for MegaCon Orlando, Bower explained that he had serious discussions with his therapist about the mental strain of the role, especially given the long hours required for the character’s elaborate special effects makeup. “It f—s me up,” Bower confessed. “I’m dead serious,” he added, highlighting the weight that the role placed on him. Though he expressed gratitude for the role, Bower was open about the need to step back from playing villainous characters. “I definitely am ready to hang up the foam latex and wish him a slippery farewell,” he said, reflecting on the end of his journey with the character.
The Final Season: What Fans Can Expect
As Stranger Things nears its conclusion with the upcoming fifth season, the anticipation for how the story will end continues to grow. While specific plot details have been kept under wraps, the Duffer brothers have teased that the final season will be the most intense and emotional one yet. According to Matt Duffer, the final season will be a culmination of everything that has been built throughout the series, with the emotional stakes higher than ever.
“We think it’s our most personal story,” Matt Duffer said. “It was super intense and emotional to film—for us and for our actors. There was a lot of crying. There was so much crying.” For the cast and crew, the final season feels deeply personal, marking a significant point in their lives as they bid farewell to the world of Hawkins and the Upside Down.
While the exact release date for Season 5 remains unknown, it has been confirmed that it will debut sometime in 2025. The Duffer brothers also announced that the season will consist of eight episodes, with longer runtimes, including a two-hour finale, to give the show the epic conclusion it deserves. Fans can expect a thrilling conclusion as they finally learn the fate of their favorite characters and the mystery surrounding the Upside Down.
A Fitting Farewell: The Legacy of Stranger Things
As the series reaches its grand conclusion, Stranger Things is poised to leave a lasting impact on pop culture. From the breakout performances of its young cast to its blending of nostalgia, horror, and science fiction, the show has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. For the actors involved, it has not only been a career-defining project but also a journey through the ups and downs of growing up in the public eye.
While Stranger Things may be coming to an end, its legacy will undoubtedly live on, influencing future generations of television creators and actors. As fans prepare for the final season, they can rest assured that the show will go out with a bang, delivering the epic conclusion that this iconic series has earned. Whether it’s the final battle against Vecna or the bittersweet farewell to beloved characters, Stranger Things promises an unforgettable ending to one of Netflix’s most monumental shows.
