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‘Stranger Things’ Recast: New Casting Call Hints at Big Changes for Season 5

A recent casting announcement has confirmed that a character in Stranger Things will be recast for its upcoming fifth season, creating a buzz among fans as Netflix’s global hit show prepares for its grand finale.

The young cast of 'Stranger Things' led by Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven)
Credit: Netflix

Since its debut, Stranger Things has solidified its position as a cornerstone of Netflix’s programming, even holding the title of most-watched English-language series before being overtaken by Wednesday. By the time Season 5 releases, more than three years will have passed since the conclusion of its record-shattering fourth season.

Season 4 delved into the haunting past of Henry Creel, the boy who would later become One and eventually the malevolent Vecna (portrayed by Jamie Campbell Bower). The season also saw Millie Bobby Brown’s character, Eleven, embracing her full potential in the fight against this dangerous foe.

Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) in a hospital gown
Credit: Netflix

Season 5, billed as the final chapter in the beloved series, is set to kick off with an episode titled “Chapter 1: The Crawl,” written and directed by The Duffer Brothers, the show’s masterminds. Fans can expect the return of familiar faces, with Brown and Campbell Bower reprising their roles as Eleven and Vecna, respectively.

Winona Ryder will return as Joyce Byers, and David Harbour will once again take up the role of Jim Hopper. The core cast of Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), and Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield) will also be back. Other returning cast members include Joe Keery (Steve Harrington), Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers), and Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley), among others.

The cast of Stranger Things in a mall
Credit: Netflix

In an exciting development, action icon Linda Hamilton has joined the cast for Season 5. Hamilton, best known for her portrayal of Sarah Connor in the Terminator franchise, was initially rumored to be playing an older version of Eleven, but it has since been confirmed that she will portray a doctor.

Adding to the anticipation, a recasting has been confirmed for a character who hasn’t been seen since Season 1.

As reported by Knight Edge Media, “a casting call has gone out for the role of Sara, Hopper’s daughter.” Sara, who tragically passed away from cancer, was introduced through flashbacks in Season 1, providing key emotional depth to Hopper’s character. “The casting call is looking for a child actress who looks similar to the original actress Elle Graham,” the report continues.

Sara Hopper in 'Stranger Things'
Credit: Netflix

The casting call details specify that the new actress must match Elle Graham’s likeness:

“[SARA] – Character is portrayed as 5 years old, female, white, blonde, and with blue/grey eyes. Sara is Hopper’s daughter, seen in flashbacks. MUST MATCH TO SEASON 1 CAST MEMBER ELLE GRAHAM…CO-STAR.”

Sara’s return in Season 5 suggests that viewers will once again be taken into the past, possibly through more flashbacks exploring Hopper’s tragic history and his bond with Eleven, whom he eventually came to view as a surrogate daughter.

Production on Season 5 has faced delays due to the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) strikes in 2023, but the wait has only heightened anticipation for the show’s final chapter.

Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley in 'Stranger Things'
Credit: Netflix

Fans eager for any news will be thrilled to know that Season 5 will consist of eight episodes, which Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley) described as “basically eight movies” during her appearance on the Podrushed podcast. Finn Wolfhard also revealed that filming was near completion, with just a few scenes left to shoot.

David Harbour (Hopper) recently spoke about the emotional table read for the final episode. “The end of this episode when we were reading it — just us reading it — about halfway through, people started crying,” Harbour shared. “Then about the last 20 minutes, it was just uncontrollably crying, waves of different people.”

The conclusion of Stranger Things will undoubtedly leave a significant mark on pop culture. Since its debut in 2016, the show has captured the imaginations of millions worldwide and helped shape the streaming era as we know it today.

The ensemble cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow assembled in front of high school lockers
Credit: Netflix/Manuel Harlan

For those who can’t wait until 2025 for the final season, the prequel stage production, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, is currently running in London’s West End and will premiere on Broadway in Spring 2025.

Though much about Season 5’s plot remains shrouded in mystery, Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson) shared some insights with The Direct: “I think it’s the same vibe we know and love about this gang and getting on their adventures and, of course, the ultimate goal of stopping all this and preventing the Upside Down from infiltrating, but in the context of some pretty serious blows to the group.”

It seems heartbreak and excitement await fans as the story comes to a close.

Are you ready for the end of Stranger Things

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

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