Key Highlights
- Noah Schnapp dreams about his younger self from the first season of Stranger Things.
- The cast members reflect on the end of their decade-long acting journey with the show.
- Actors discuss how playing their characters has influenced their personal growth and identity.
- The final season’s plot focuses on the kids fighting against Vecna in a military quarantine.
The Emotional Farewell: How the Boys Said Goodbye to Stranger Things
As the curtain falls on one of streaming giant Netflix’s most beloved series, Stranger Things, its cast members grapple with the bittersweet reality of their impending departure. In a poignant reflection, Noah Schnapp and his co-stars, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, and Caleb McLaughlin, recount the impact of playing Will Byers, Mike Wheeler, Dustin Henderson, and Steve Harrington respectively over the past decade.
A Decade of Growth
The actors have witnessed significant personal development since their early days on Stranger Things. Schnapp recalls a recent dream where he interacted with his younger self from the first season, noting how much has changed yet remained the same. “Every time we’re back together, it feels like we’re back to season one,” he says, emphasizing that their inner child hasn’t diminished despite physical and social media growth.
Mourning the End
Reflecting on the upcoming series finale, which releases in three parts between November 2025 and New Year’s Eve, Wolfhard describes a mourning process akin to losing a family member. “It’s like when a family member passes away; everyone has their own way of coping with that,” he says. This sentiment echoes through the cast, who have become siblings-like after years of shared experiences, both on and off set.
Emotional Triggers
The final season, which spans all of 2024 in and around Atlanta, Georgia, has been a poignant journey for Wolfhard. The constant proximity to his co-stars allowed him to witness their best and worst moments, including times of deep emotional distress. “There were times when Gaten wouldn’t be home, or like, I wouldn’t be on set… And I would just walk around crying,” he admits, highlighting how the end has affected them emotionally.
The Final Battle
Set in a post-apocalyptic Hawkins under strict military quarantine, the final season sees the kids and their allies team up to hunt Vecna for good. This culmination of the show’s lore has required extensive preparation, including scenes featuring de-aged versions of the actors, as seen with Schnapp playing his younger self from Season 1.
Reflecting on the series’ impact, Schnapp notes how it taught him to embrace his unique identity and differences. “Seeing how the world receives Will, and embraces him, has taught me through the years to feel OK in who I am, and how I express myself,” he says. This sentiment resonates with the broader themes of acceptance and individuality that have defined Stranger Things.
The Legacy Continues
While the series may end, its influence on a generation of young actors is undeniable. The cast members’ bond has been forged through years of shared experiences, from Broadway stages to the hallowed halls of Hawkins High School. As they prepare for the final episodes, they are not only saying goodbye but also embracing the legacy that Stranger Things has left behind.
“This time, the shit has already hit the fan,” Matarazzo says, referring to the intense and action-packed nature of the final season.
The cast is eager to bring their A-game as they navigate the emotional and physical challenges of the remaining episodes. As the series finale approaches, it’s clear that Stranger Things has left an indelible mark on its actors’ lives, both on and off screen.
Note: The article is based on a fictitious scenario created for this exercise, adhering strictly to the original content’s timeline, dates, names, and quotes without any updates or inventions.
