By Harshit | September 27, 2025 | Los Angeles | 9:15 AM EDT
As the final chapter of Stranger Things approaches, series creators Matt and Ross Duffer are reflecting on nearly a decade of storytelling, growth, and the unique journey of the young actors who became household names through the Netflix phenomenon.
The show, which premiered in July 2016, has followed a group of children who uncover the mysteries of the Upside Down—a dark, parallel dimension lurking beneath their small town—and introduced viewers to iconic characters like Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown. Over the years, the child actors at the heart of the story have grown into adults, some of them starting families of their own.
Creators Celebrate Cast Growth
At Variety’s Entertainment & Tech Summit in Los Angeles on Thursday, the Duffer brothers shared their thoughts on seeing the actors mature alongside the show.
“It’s wild. It’s a reminder of how long this has been and how lucky we are,” Matt Duffer said. “Because we’re really– it’s a family who’ve sort of gone through all this together.” He added with a laugh that he was pleased none of the young stars were “ruined by this experience,” drawing applause from the audience.
Ross Duffer emphasized the importance of the cast’s support systems. “I think it always comes down to the parents,” he said. “They had good families, and supportive parents who kept them grounded.” He also noted that the actors’ tight-knit relationships helped maintain stability: “I think it also kept them grounded that it wasn’t just one of them. There’s a whole group of them, and they stayed friends and stayed connected when seasons ended.”
Challenges and Support
The Duffer brothers highlighted that growing up on set comes with unique challenges. The actors were navigating fame, demanding filming schedules, and complex storylines while still in their formative years.
Ross explained, “During challenging moments, they were not going through any of it alone.” This camaraderie was evident both on and off camera, with the ensemble cast forming lasting friendships that helped them navigate Hollywood’s pressures.
Winona Ryder, who plays Joyce Byers, Will Byers’ mother, also reflected on the experience of working with young actors. “I got to watch these kids grow up, which was the biggest gift this show has given me,” she said in a recent featurette. Ryder, herself a veteran who entered the industry as a child, praised the Duffer brothers for cultivating a safe and collaborative environment.
From Retro Homage to Modern Hit
Stranger Things has become known for its nostalgic nods to 1980s pop culture, paying tribute to films like Stand By Me and Ghostbusters, while also introducing viewers to original characters and storylines. Over its decorated run, the series has earned 12 Primetime Emmy Awards, solidifying its place as one of Netflix’s most successful and influential shows.
The fourth season, which premiered in 2022, introduced Vecna, a terrifying antagonist portrayed by Jamie Campbell Bower, and deepened the mythology of the Upside Down. Fans are eagerly awaiting the fifth and final season, which promises a climactic showdown against Vecna.
Final Season Plans
The concluding season has been structured in three parts, each premiering around major holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. The Duffer brothers have indicated that this staggered release will allow viewers to experience the story in distinct chapters while maintaining suspense and engagement.
The final season will follow the core group—including Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, and Finn Wolfhard—through their ultimate battle against Vecna. Alongside the younger cast, older actors like Joe Keery, Natalia Dyer, and Charlie Heaton will reprise their roles, bringing full-circle the character arcs that began nearly a decade ago.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
As Stranger Things nears its conclusion, its impact on the television landscape is evident. The show not only launched the careers of its young actors but also set new standards for ensemble storytelling, visual effects, and blending of horror, sci-fi, and coming-of-age themes.
The Duffer brothers expressed gratitude for having been able to guide the cast through these formative years while building a narrative that resonated with millions globally. “It’s been a family journey,” Matt Duffer said. “And seeing them all grow up and remain grounded, while some are starting families themselves, has been incredible to watch.”
For fans, the final season marks both an end and a celebration of a show that captured imagination, nostalgia, and heart. With three holiday installments ahead, the ultimate confrontation with the Upside Down promises a dramatic and emotionally resonant conclusion.
