What the Stranger Things cast looked like then and now

Thought the chills and thrills for the year were done with Halloween? Then you should hold that thought as it isn't over just yet. Internationally-acclaimed TV series Stranger Things returns to Netflix for its final season this November, which promises to be a much-awaited conclusion to the science-fiction thriller. Set in the early 80s in the sleepy town of Hawkins, Indiana, the show revolves around a rag-tag bunch of loveable, spunky kids and their initially-skeptical guardians, who eventually come around to fight a strange and dangerous force that threatens their existence. Premiering in 2016, the show went on to become a worldwide hit and won praise for its nostalgic charm, periodic depiction and unique plot. 

A large reason why Stranger Things went on to become the cultural phenomenon it did was due to its child cast members; whose skilled acting and easy camaraderie have been the heart of the show for nearly ten years now. In 2025, its fifth season; which comes three long years after its fourth season, will see the spirited bunch of Hawkins take on the Mind Flayer, Demogorgons and other creatures of the Vecna-ruled Upside Down, one last time. The show propelled its cast to become household names across the globe. Before the portal into Hawkins closes, HELLO! India goes back in time to take a look at what the famous cast of children looked like when they were first on the show and how they look at its very end.

Millie Bobby Brown was 12-years-old when she first starred as Eleven and made the pink dress and shaved buzzcut a trend. Now 21, the British personality has acted in the Godzilla franchise, owns multiple lifestyle brands under the Florence By Mills label and is also a wife and new mother.

Finn Wolfhard was 13-years-old when he took on the role of Mike Wheeler. Since then, he has expanded on his horror chops by acting in the It and Ghostbusters franchises, while directing short films and being a musician in an alternative rock band, The Aubreys.

Noah Schnapp was 11-years-old when he played Will Byers. He has acted in Hubie Halloween and The Peanuts Movie, while continuing his studies at the Wharton School and also co-founding a sustainable snack brand, To Be Honest and plant-based food brand, TenderFix.

Gaten Matarazzo, who plays the much-adored Dustin Henderson, was 13 when he first starred in the show. The actor was however, a seasoned Broadway performer in stage shows like Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Les Misérables even before he stepped into Dustin's shoes. He has now returned to his Broadway roots with roles in Dear Evan Hanson and Sweeney Todd.

Caleb McLaughlin was 13-years-old when he first starred as Lucas Sinclair. Like his co-star Gaten, he too has a Broadway background as he starred as The Lion King's Simba. He has acted in movies like Concrete Cowboy and Shooting Stars while also being an advocate for mental health awareness.

Sadie Sink joined the second season of the show in 2017 as Max Mayfield when she was 14. She has starred in movies like The Whale, Taylor Swift's All Too Well music video and Broadway productions while also being a Prada ambassador.

Natalie Dyer was 20-years-old when she first took on the role as Nancy Wheeler, Mike's older sister. She has made strides in indie cinema with roles in movies like Chestnut and Velvet Buzzsaw and has been in a relationship with her co-star Charlie Heaton since the start of the show. Charlie Heaton, who plays Jonathan Byers, was 21 when he first acted as Will's older brother. The British actor has starred in indie projects like No Future and maintains a low-key profile outside of work.

Joe Keery was 23-years-old when he took on the adored character of Steve Harrington. He has continued to act in movies and shows like Fargo and Free Guy, while exploring music under the stage name Djo with critically-acclaimed albums like Decide under his belt.

(Also Read: 7 Japanese movies with a global cult following)

Maya Hawke joined the third season of the show in 2019 as Robin Buckley as a 20-year-old. The daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke has since expanded her sights to music with folk albums like Blush, acted in movies like Do Revenge and is a Prada ambassador.

(Also Read: 10 Hollywood horror movie releases that make 2025 the scariest year yet)