‘Stranger Things’ Cast: Then and Now — A 9-Year Transformation

ByHrvoje Milakovic Published on
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The stars of Stranger Things have grown up in front of fans’ eyes over the past nine years, and now the show is about to reach its finale. Netflix’s supernatural hit will release its fifth and final season in three parts, with the first four episodes coming out on November 26.

Since the series first premiered in 2016, the main young cast members, who were between 11 and 14 at the time, have changed a lot—not just in appearance, but in their careers and personal lives as well. Variety recently shared side-by-side comparisons showing how the actors have evolved from the first season to the last.

Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven, was just 12 when the show began. Now 21, she has taken on roles in films like Godzilla: King of the Monsters, The Electric State, and Enola Holmes. She has also launched a beauty and fashion line called Florence by Mills and explored producing. Off-screen, she married Jake Bongiovi, son of musician Jon Bon Jovi, and they adopted a child earlier this year.

Finn Wolfhard, 14 at the start as Mike Wheeler, is now 22. He has continued acting in films set in the ’80s supernatural style, including It and It Chapter Two, as well as the Ghostbusters sequels. Wolfhard has also written, directed, and pursued a music career with his bands Calpurnia and The Audreys.

Noah Schnapp, who played Will Byers at 14, is now 22. He has appeared in films like Abe and Waiting for Anya, done voice work, gained fame on YouTube, and even launched a snack company and a virtual restaurant brand.

Caleb McLaughlin, 14 when he started as Lucas Sinclair, is now 24. Before Stranger Things, he had TV and stage credits, including playing Simba in The Lion King on Broadway. Since then, he has appeared in films such as Concrete Cowboy, Shooting Stars, and The Deliverance.

Gaten Matarazzo, who was 13 when he first played Dustin Henderson, is now 23. He has continued acting on stage and screen, including hosting Prank Encounters and returning to Broadway in productions like Dear Evan Hansen and Sweeney Todd.

The older cast members, who were in their 20s playing high school students, have grown too. Natalia Dyer, 21 as Nancy Wheeler in the first season, is now 30. She has appeared in TV series like Based on a True Story and movies including Velvet Buzzsaw, Things Heard & Seen, and All Fun and Games. Dyer has been in a relationship with co-star Charlie Heaton throughout the show’s run.

Joe Keery, 24 when he debuted as Steve Harrington, is now 33. He has acted in Molly’s Game, Free Guy, and Fargo, but is also known for his music career. Keery started the band Post Animal before going solo as Djo, releasing three albums, including the hit song End of Beginning.

Stranger Things has not only entertained audiences but also shaped the careers of its cast. From acting to music, fashion, and entrepreneurship, the actors have grown into multifaceted performers while fans watched them grow up on-screen.

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