From Hawkins kids to grown-up stars, the main cast has evolved dramatically since Season 1 in 2016—now standing on the doorstep of their final adventure.

Then: 2016 Hawkins Crew

July 16, 2025: When Stranger Things premiered, viewers met a tight-knit group of pre-teens—Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), and Will (Noah Schnapp)—along with newcomers Max (Sadie Sink), Steve (Joe Keery), Nancy (Natalia Dyer), Jonathan (Charlie Heaton), Robin (Maya Hawke), Eddie (Joseph Quinn), and Vecna/Henry (Jamie Campbell Bower). Their on-screen innocence and growing friendships won hearts immediately.

Now: Hollywood’s Rising Stars

Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven) is now a global franchise star, novelist, and newly married.

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Finn Wolfhard (Mike) has taken on major film roles and performs with his band, The Aubreys.

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Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin) continues to work in theater and TV.

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Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas) is recognized for both his acting and activism.

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Noah Schnapp (Will) has balanced acting with content creation and business ventures.

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Sadie Sink (Max) gained praise for her work in film and stage.

Joe Keery (Steve) expanded into music and film, building a strong dual career.

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Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Maya Hawke, Joseph Quinn, and Jamie Campbell Bower have all become major names across various genres and platforms.

Ages vs. Growth

Back in 2016, the main teen cast was between 12–14 years old. Fast forward to 2025, most are in their 20s and early 30s, transforming from young stars to fully established names in entertainment.

Season 5: The Final Chapter

The final season of Stranger Things promises intense drama, emotional reunions, and a high-stakes battle against Vecna. With years of character growth both on- and off-screen, the cast is ready to bring the beloved story to a close.

Final Take

The Stranger Things cast has grown with their fans—evolving from child stars to cultural icons. As the story nears its end, their journey stands as one of the most impactful coming-of-age arcs in TV history.