From Noah Schnapp to Natalia Dyer, six Stranger Things stars have struggled to find the same success beyond Hawkins’ supernatural glow. As the hit Netflix series approaches its final season, nostalgia blends with reflection for both the cast and the fans.
The fifth and final season begins with a flashback featuring a younger Will Byers, portrayed once more by a digitally de-aged Noah Schnapp. The actor reflected on the process and shared his emotional perspective in his interview with SFX magazine.
He explained how he guided the young actor to match his “physicality” and breath work, before the VFX team spent months “working with 11-year-old me”.
This nostalgic moment ties Will’s emotional journey together. Schnapp also revealed he feels ready to say goodbye to the series that defined his teenage years.
With the fifth season premiering in three parts—November 26, December 25, and December 31—the long-running story of Hawkins is coming to a close. Yet, not all of its stars have managed to transition smoothly into new ventures.
Gaten Matarazzo, beloved for his portrayal of the witty and kind-hearted Dustin Henderson, quickly became a fan favorite. His mix of humor and heart made him integral to the show’s dynamic. Still, outside the neon world of Stranger Things, his career dimmed compared to his early fame.
Before Netflix fame, Matarazzo made waves on Broadway, playing Gavroche in Les Misérables and Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. His theatrical experience gave him the charm and confidence that carried seamlessly into his TV role.
As Stranger Things closes its narrative loop, its young cast faces the challenge of stepping beyond a show that defined a decade of pop culture. For some, the next role may still be just beyond Hawkins’ flickering lights.
Author’s Summary: Six Stranger Things actors, including Noah Schnapp and Gaten Matarazzo, struggle to replicate their Netflix success as the nostalgic series nears its final chapters.