The Evolution of "Stranger Things" Cast: From Fresh Faces to Seasoned Pros

When "Stranger Things" premiered on Netflix on July 15, 2016, the show's cast was made up almost entirely of young people at the starts of their professional lives. The show's creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, had a clear vision for the characters they wanted to portray, and they chose actors who fit the bill.

The Original Cast: Fresh Faces with Big Potential

At the time of the show's premiere, the cast consisted mainly of young actors with little to no experience. Some notable examples include:

• Finn Wolfhard, 11 years old at the time, who played Mike Wheeler
• Millie Bobby Brown, 12 years old at the time, who played Eleven
• Gaten Matarazzo, 10 years old at the time, who played Dustin Henderson
• Caleb McLaughlin, 11 years old at the time, who played Lucas Sinclair
• Sadie Sink, 9 years old at the time, who played Max Mayfield

These young actors brought a level of energy and enthusiasm to their roles that captivated audiences worldwide. Their inexperience actually worked in their favor, as they were able to bring a sense of naivety and wonder to their characters.

The Rise of "Stranger Things" and the Cast's Growing Experience

As the show gained popularity, so did the cast members. They began to gain more experience working on film sets, attending auditions, and taking on new roles in other projects.

• Finn Wolfhard, for example, had already appeared in several films and TV shows before landing his breakout role as Mike Wheeler.
• Millie Bobby Brown started gaining recognition for her role as Eleven after appearing in the BBC's "Luna and Lucy" series.
• Gaten Matarazzo continued to work on stage productions, including Broadway shows, while also making appearances on TV.

The success of "Stranger Things" helped launch the careers of its young cast members. They began to transition from child actors to full-fledged professionals in the entertainment industry.

The Cast's Growth and Development

As the show continued through its seasons, the cast grew and developed their characters. The actors were able to bring more depth and nuance to their performances, and their chemistry on screen became undeniable.

• Finn Wolfhard, for example, began to explore darker themes in his roles outside of "Stranger Things."
• Millie Bobby Brown took on more dramatic roles, including a lead part in the film "Godzilla: King of the Monsters."
• Gaten Matarazzo continued to work on stage productions, including the hit Broadway show "Matilda."

The cast's growth and development was also reflected in their personal lives. They began to gain recognition for their individual talents outside of the show, and they started to take on more responsibility within the production.

The Future of "Stranger Things" and Its Cast

As we look ahead to future seasons of "Stranger Things," it's clear that the cast has come a long way. The actors have grown both as individuals and as professionals, and their chemistry on screen remains one of the show's greatest strengths.

• Finn Wolfhard, now 19 years old, has continued to take on more dramatic roles in film and TV.
• Millie Bobby Brown, now 17 years old, has become a prominent advocate for social justice causes.
• Gaten Matarazzo, now 16 years old, continues to work on stage productions and has even launched his own production company.

The success of "Stranger Things" has been a defining moment in the careers of its young cast members. They have grown from fresh faces with big potential into seasoned professionals with undeniable talent. As we look ahead to future seasons, it's clear that this talented group will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

A Look Back at the Cast's Career Highlights

Here are some notable career highlights for each of the main cast members:

Finn Wolfhard

• It (2017) - Wolfhard played Richie Tozier in the hit horror film.
• The Goldfinch (2019) - He starred as Theo Decker in the HBO miniseries.
• The Addams Family (2019) - Wolfhard voiced the character of Pugsley Addams in the animated film.

Millie Bobby Brown

• Luna and Lucy (2015) - Brown appeared in this BBC series about twin sisters.
• Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) - She played Madison Russell, a young scientist who helps battle Godzilla.
• Dollface (2020) - Brown had a recurring role as Abbi, a quirky and charming woman.

Gaten Matarazzo

• Matilda (2013) - Matarazzo originated the title role in this Broadway musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel.
• The King and Queen of Hearts (2017) - He played the lead role in this off-Broadway play about a young man who falls in love with a crown princess.

Caleb McLaughlin

• Our Friend, Charlie (2019) - McLaughlin starred alongside Millicent Simmonds in this drama film.
• When They See Us (2019) - He played Kevin Richardson in this miniseries based on the Central Park Five case.

Sadie Sink

• The Glass Castle (2017) - Sink had a supporting role as Lexie in this biographical drama film.
• Euphoria (2020) - She played Jules Vaughn, a rebellious and complex teenager, in this HBO series.