The end is near. With five seasons under its belt, Stranger Things will conclude its story on Netflix, and the cast has much to say about bidding farewell.
Since its debut in 2016, the hit series has transported audiences to the fictitious town of Hawkins, Indiana, where supernatural occurrences lead to intrigue and chaos. Throughout its five-season run, Stranger Things has propelled its cast members—Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery—to fame.
In February 2022, creators Matt and Ross Duffer revealed that the show would end after its fifth season.
“Seven years ago, we mapped out the entire narrative arc for Stranger Things,” the pair explained in an open letter. “We anticipated the story spanning four to five seasons at that time. While too expansive for four seasons, we are rapidly approaching our finale. Season 4 will be the second-to-last season, with season 5 as the conclusion.”
The Duffer Brothers also alluded to potential future projects within the Stranger Things universe on Netflix, stating, “There are still many thrilling stories to be told within the world of Stranger Things: new mysteries, new adventures, new, unexpected heroes. But first, we hope you’ll join us as we finish this tale of a formidable girl named Eleven and her courageous friends, of a damaged police chief and a fierce mother, of a small town called Hawkins and an alternate dimension known only as the Upside Down.”
Director Shawn Levy shared that much effort was invested into creating season 5.
“No one is taking this lightly. The Duffer brothers have [an idea of how the show will conclude], and they’ve hinted at it for me over the past six and a half years. But they keep things closely guarded among themselves until it’s fully developed,” he exclusively told Us Weekly in May 2022. “Then they present it to me, and we take the next steps. It’s now crystal clear, and for a while, it’s been evident that we have one more season that feels worthwhile and consistently incredible.”
Levy added: “We don’t want to be one of those shows that overstay its welcome and flounders in search of a satisfying conclusion. We want to nail the ending. We’ve accomplished that with each season and aim to do the same for the series.”
As fans eagerly awaited the show’s final episodes, Schnapp confirmed that his character, Will Byers, would play a significant role in the last adventure.
“Will will have another central moment in season 5, and I think it’s fascinating. I’m eager to see what they have planned,” the actor told Us in January 2023. “They haven’t divulged any specifics, but they said, ‘Wait. You’ll be overjoyed and thrilled. Hang tight.’ It’s fitting for the story, which began with Will, to come full circle and end with him.
Here’s what the Stranger Things cast has said about the final season:
Noah Schnapp
“Will is like my baby, and I’ve grown up with him,” Schnapp told Us in January 2023 about playing the character for the last time. “I think — not just with Will, but with the show — I’m going to miss the family we’ve built and the connections on set. I’ve returned to that place for 10 years, and they’ve watched me grow up. It will undoubtedly be sad when I have to say goodbye for good and know I won’t be returning to that set. However, I’m determined to collaborate on other projects with the cast and crew in the future. I believe the legacy of Stranger Things will live on forever.”
Millie Bobby Brown
In March 2023, Brown acknowledged she was “very ready” to move on from Stranger Things.
“I’m prepared to wrap up. I feel like much of the story has been told by now,” she shared with Seventeen. “It’s been a significant part of our lives for a long time. But I’m eager to close this chapter of my life and embark on new adventures.”
The Enola Holmes star added, “I can create stories that matter to me and concentrate on the bigger picture. But I’m truly grateful [for the show].”
Natalia Dyer
“I have no doubt the larger, more terrifying, action-packed plot will be present. That’s practically a guarantee,” Dyer told Netflix’s Tudum in July 2022 about her hopes for season 5. “But I’m looking forward to hopefully witnessing some heartfelt character moments, with people connecting and showing they care for each other. That’s the essence of what we love to do. I believe that’s part of the show’s appeal—the heart.”
David Harbour
Before shooting the final season, the Black Widow actor hinted at Hopper’s potential storyline. “We’re heading into season 5. I have a couple more months to train,” he stated at the Middle East Film & Comic Con in March 2023. “I did a lot of training for season 4. Hopper was in a unique position in a Russian prison. It was about transforming him into a different person and shedding layers of himself physically, mentally, and emotionally. But now he’s back in town, in America, where they have cheeseburgers so that he will be well-fed.”
Gaten Matarazzo
Matarazzo, who plays Dustin Henderson, shared his thoughts on the show’s conclusion in a February 2023 interview with Entertainment Weekly. “It’s bittersweet, of course. We’ve all grown so much during this journey, and it’s been an incredible experience,” he said. “But I think it’s the right time for the story to end. We’re all excited about the opportunities ahead, and I know the fans will love how the series wraps up.”
Caleb McLaughlin
Lucas Sinclair’s actor, McLaughlin, expressed his feelings about the show ending in a March 2023 interview with Collider. “I’m grateful for the time we’ve had on Stranger Things and the friendships I’ve made. It’s sad to say goodbye, but I think we’re all ready to move on to new projects and challenges,” he explained. “The final season is going to be epic, and I hope the fans will be satisfied with how we wrap things up.”
Finn Wolfhard
In a January 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, Wolfhard, who portrays Mike Wheeler, reflected on the show’s impact. “Stranger Things has been such an important part of our lives, and it’s crazy to think it’s ending,” he said. “But I believe we’re telling the story we need to tell and giving it the proper conclusion it deserves. It’s been an amazing ride, and I’m excited to see where we all go from here.”
Charlie Heaton
Heaton, who plays Jonathan Byers, discussed the show’s conclusion in a February 2023 interview with Variety. “It’s been an incredible journey, and I think we’re all proud of our work. It’s hard to let go, but I believe the final season will be a fitting end for the characters and the story,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunities Stranger Things has given me and excited about the future.”
Joe Keery
Keery, known for his role as Steve Harrington, shared his thoughts on the show’s ending in a March 2023 interview with GQ. “It’s a mix of emotions. It’s been such an important part of my life, and I’ve made lifelong friends on the show,” he explained. “But I think it’s the right time to bring the story to a close. The final season will be intense; I think fans will appreciate how everything wraps up. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited for what’s next.”
As the beloved series Stranger Things approaches its final season, the cast’s reflections on their experiences reveal a mix of gratitude, sadness, and excitement for the future. The show has shaped the lives of its talented ensemble and left an indelible mark on popular culture. While fans eagerly anticipate the thrilling conclusion of this captivating story, it’s clear that the impact of Stranger Things will continue to resonate long after the curtains close on Hawkins, Indiana. The legacy of the show and the unforgettable memories shared by the cast and fans alike will undoubtedly endure as a testament to the power of storytelling and the bonds formed in the process.
