BREAKING: The Stranger Things cast just pulled off a rare Hollywood magic trick. They grew up on screen, built real careers off screen, and are already mapping their next moves. We have the fresh, actor by actor rundown. Think of this as your then and now, with a sharp look at what comes next.
The Hawkins Crew, Then and Now
Millie Bobby Brown used Eleven to kick open every door. She anchored two Enola Holmes films. She led Netflix’s Damsel in 2024. She is also a hands on founder with her beauty brand, Florence by Mills. That mix of producer credit and product line shows where she is headed. More control. More range.
Finn Wolfhard keeps a foot in everything. He carried Ghostbusters Frozen Empire in 2024. He co directed the coming of age chiller Hell of a Summer with Billy Bryk after its festival splash. His band, The Aubreys, continues to drop sharp, jangly tracks. He is building a real multi hyphen life, on his own terms.
Noah Schnapp is balancing the business classroom and the camera. He enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania to study business. He also grows his TBH snack brand, which took aim at big name spreads with cleaner ingredients. Acting remains in the mix, but Noah is playing the long game.
Gaten Matarazzo never left the stage behind. He delivered heart and humor on Broadway as Tobias in Sweeney Todd in 2023. He leans into live work, voice roles, and smart comedy gigs. Gaten’s path looks steady, skilled, and very booked.
Caleb McLaughlin is a quiet storm. He brought soul to Peacock’s hoop drama Shooting Stars in 2023. He releases music on his schedule. He has the kind of calm career that sneaks up on you, then takes the lead.
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Millie Bobby Brown is building screen power and brand power at the same time. That is her lane now.
The Scene Stealers Level Up
Sadie Sink turned one spotlight into many. She stunned in The Whale. She held her own in Taylor Swift’s All Too Well short film. Berlin Nobody put her in the European art house lane. Expect more intense roles that push her even further.
Joe Keery is everywhere at once. Fargo season 5 showed a darker edge. Marmalade gave him a rogue charm. As Djo, his live show keeps growing. End of Beginning became the song fans could not shake. He also boards the thriller Cold Storage, which pairs him with heavy hitters.
Maya Hawke is a double threat with a calm voice and sharp taste. She released her album Chaos Angel in 2024, a dreamy folk pop set with bite. She voiced Anxiety in Inside Out 2, a perfect fit for her tone. Wildcat, directed by her father Ethan Hawke, proved she can carry complex film work with ease.
Joe Keery’s music project, Djo, is not a side thing anymore. It fills bigger rooms and keeps winning new ears.
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The Originals Keep Delivering
Winona Ryder returned to a signature role in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in 2024. It was spooky, funny, and a welcome reminder of why she still rules the screen. She is the cast’s cool North Star, and still full of surprises.
David Harbour stays in action mode and dad mode, all at once. He led Violent Night to cult favorite status, with a sequel in development. He starred in Gran Turismo with real grit. He also suits up again as Red Guardian in Marvel’s next team up chapter. Expect more swagger, more heart.
Natalia Dyer keeps it indie and interesting. All Fun and Games pushed her into thriller gear. Chestnut showed quiet heat and strong instincts. She is a shape shifter, and that is great news for casting directors.
Charlie Heaton plays by indie rules. No Future and other small dramas let him work in raw spaces. He keeps a lower profile, yet he chooses roles that stick.
Priah Ferguson is pure spark. The Curse of Bridge Hollow gave her a playful, spooky showcase. She reads as a natural for comedy, animation, and anything with a sly wink.
Bookmark this guide. We will update as new dates lock in and projects move to set.
Quick Hits You Should Know
- Sadie is leaning into bold, adult roles with festival appeal.
- Finn splits time between studio films and personal music.
- Millie is stacking producer credits while leading new features.
- Joe’s next phase mixes prestige TV, thrillers, and concerts.
Why This Cast Still Matters
Here is the truth. Stranger Things launched a generation of stars who did not stall at nostalgia. They learned the business, chose their lanes, and made smart pivots. Our look at their careers shows real momentum. It also shows how a genre hit can become a launch pad, not a trap.
Nostalgia brought fans in, but the work is what keeps them here. The faces we met on bikes in Hawkins now front albums, indie films, Broadway stages, and superhero squads. That is the story. They are not waiting for what is next. They are making it. And we will be right here, first, with where they go from here. 🎬
