You won’t believe how much the The Stranger Things kids have changed...
Whether you've binge-watched every series or avoided every episode, you'll be aware of Netflix hit Stranger Things . It is literally impossible not to be.
The sci-fi series, which debuted on the popular streaming service in 2016, caused a stir among film buffs for its incredible mix of hooking plot lines, nostalgic 80s reference and ace soundtrack.
The show gave us exciting acting talent with the predominantly young cast in place. From the loyal Mike, Dustin and Lucas - played by Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin, respectively - to the mysterious and disturbed Eleven - played by Millie Bobby Brown, who is slowly but surely taking over the world. We're sure to be in the midst of some future Oscar winners. But it doesn't stop there, Series 2 and 3 added some more new faces including Sadie Sink, Dacre Montgomery, Paul Rise and Sean Astin. And as we eagerly await the return of Stranger Things, with the shows fourth season we can only expect to meet more new names.
It's crazy to think how far the children have come since they burst onto our Netflix screens and cultural lives back in 2016. Millie Bobby Brown has become a fashion icon in her own right with a series of incredible red carpet appearances alongside her game changing work as the youngest-ever UN Goodwill Ambassador. She has even notched up her first producer credit at the tender age of 15 in the forthcoming movie Enola Holmes where she will also play the daughter of the famous detective, Sherlock. And if that wasn't enough she even became a GLAMOUR UK cover star last year.
Meanwhile her co-stars have also embarked on other ventures namely her on-screen love interest, Finn Wolfhard - who plays Mike in the show - who has formed his own indie rock group from his hometown of Vancouver called Calpurnia. The band have toured the world and dropped an album. Talk about booked and busy.
The show has created its very own off-screen couple too in the form of Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton, who play on-screen lovers Nancy Wheeler and Jonathan Byers. The pair have put in a number of cute AF red carpet appearances since they went public with their relationship shortly after the first series of Stranger Things.
As the cast get ready to release season four of the hit Netflix show and in honour of our love for the show, we take a look at the Stranger Things cast and what they're up to (and look like) in IRL...
WARNING: This article may contain spoilers. If you haven't watched Stranger Things yet (although we struggle to understand how?) here's 8 reasons why you should get on the hype immediately.
Netflix / Getty ImagesMillie Bobby Brown
The dark and brooding Eleven is played by her polar opposite, chirpy 16-year-old, Millie Bobby Brown, who has made quite a name for herself since the show. For the role, Millie actually shaved off her long locks. Now that's dedication. Since then, Millie has become a major Hollywood name! Keep an eye out for the newest role in Enola Holmes which she also produces. Millie has also dedicated her spare time (which is limited) to becoming a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, aiming to get children talking about bullying. What a powerhouse.
You can check out her Instagram here.
Netflix / Getty ImagesSadie Sink
Sadie Sink, 17, is best known for playing Suzanne Ballard on Odyssey (2015) and most recently Glass Castle (2017). Sadie has worked with stars like Helen Mirren and Naomi Watts in the past. We reckon her star is only set to rise after grabbing attention playing Maxine or Max to her Stranger Things on-screen pals in the show.
You can check out her Instagram here.
Netflix / Getty ImagesFinn Wolfhard
Mike is played by Canadian actor Finn Wolfhard, an up-and-coming star who has previously landed roles in The 100 and Supernatural (we're sensing sci-fi might be his forte?). The actor has also appeared It:Chapter Two, The Addams Family and The Golfinch. He also plays a bit of guitar from time to time and tours the world with his band, Calpurnia.
You can check out his Instagram here.
Netflix / Getty ImagesGaten Matarazzo
Dustin, or 'Toothless' (as the school bullies call him), is one fourth of the gang of friends that go in search for their friend Will, along with Mike and Lucas. In real life, Dustin is played by American Gaten Matarazzo who's also acted in the film Blacklist. His hair is just as curly IRL... though this photo shows it slightly crazier.
You can check out his Instagram here.
Netflix / Getty ImagesCaleb McLaughlin
Lucas Sinclair is another pal of Will's who'll do just about anything to get his friend back, even if it means falling out with other friends (Mike) along the way. The character is played by Caleb McLaughlin, who's previously had small roles in Law and Order and Shades of Blue. He'll also played the young American footballer Ricky Bell in the biopic.
You can check out his Instagram here.
Netflix / Getty ImagesNoah Schnapp
Will Byers, the son of Joyce, is played by Noah Schnapp, whose already had some big acting gigs including one alongside Tom Hanks in Bridge of Spies. No mean feat for a 15-year-old. Find him on Twitter here.
You can check out his Instagram here.
@dacremontgomery/InstagramDacre Montgomery
ERM, HI. Billy is played by 25-year-old actor Dacre Montgomery. He's starred in smaller roles like as Jason in Power Rangers in the past, but Stranger Things gave this actor his big break. And now for the most important question: is he single? YES - WE THINK.
You can check out his Instagram here.
@SeanAstin/TwitterSean Astin
You might recognise comedy actor Sean Astin as Sam from Lord of the Rings, as well as tons of other film and TV gigs from his long career. In 2019, he's bagged roles in No Good Nickand Adverse.
You can check out his Instagram here.
@paulreiser / TwitterPaul Reiser
Comedy actor Paul Reiser is an Emmy, Golden Globe, American Comedy Award and Screen Actors Guild nominee who plays Dr Sam Owens in Stranger Things. His daughter is actress Eliza Dushku, best known as Faith in Buffy The Vampire Slayer. It has just been announced that he will be writing and starring in Mad About You, a reboot of the original 1990s sitcom.
You can check out his Instagram here.
Getty ImagesShannon Purser
In real life, Barb is played by breakout star Shannon Purser. Shannon works in a movie theatre outside of acting and she's a big Harry Potter fan. Shannon has also become quite a hit on Twitter, using the hashtag #barbtweets to please her growing followers. Find her on Twitter here.
Shannon Purser also recently came out as bisexual. Then 19 years old the actress, who plays Ethel Muggs on Riverdale, reacted to a fans being annoyed about the show teasing a kiss between the two female leads, suggesting the network was 'queer baiting' without following through on the romance.
Shannon shared on social media: "I don't normally do this, but I figure now is just as good a time as any to get personal," she tweeted. "I've only just recently come out as bisexual to my family and friends. It's something I am still processing and trying to understand and I don't like talking about it too much.
"I'm very very new to the LGBT community. I have never heard the term 'queer-baiting' in my life until today. That being said, I have never ever wanted to alienate anyone and my tweet was thoughtless. I wasn't referring to all the Beronica shippers, just the ones who had been particularly cruel to me personally.
"Either way, it wasn't a wise or kind thing to say and I'm disappointed in myself, especially as a Christian who has always been taught to speak love to others. Thank you to all the people who kindly reached out to me and educated me about the reality [of] your feelings about queer-baiting and I apologize to those who were hurt. Much love."
Shannon has most recently starred as Sierra in the smash-hit Netflix film, Sierra Burgess is a loser.
You can check out her Instagram here.
davidkharbour/TwitterDavid Harbour
Jim Hopper (as he's affectionately known) is played by American actor David Harbour. David's also known for his roles in Brokeback Mountain, The Equalizer and Quantum of Solace. And he's kinda hot, no? Find him on Twitter here. In 2019, he stared in Hellboy and Dhaka and met his new girlfriend, Lily Allen.
You can check out his Instagram here.
Getty ImagesCharlie Heaton
Jonathan is played by English actor Charlie Heaton (yep - that accent isn't real), with Stranger Things being his breakthrough role. He also does a bit of amateur modelling on the side. Find him on Instagram here.
You can check out his Instagram here.
Getty ImagesNatalia Dyer
Nancy Wheeler is sister of Mike, and love interest of school cool kid, Steve Harrington. When her friend Barb goes missing, she devotedly joins Jonathan to find out what's going on. Outside of Stranger Things, Natalie starred alongside Miley Cyrus in Hannah Montana: The Movie, but Stranger Things has certainly made her a household name.
You can check out her Instagram here.
amandaefriedman/InstagramWinona Ryder
Winona Ryder, who plays Joyce Byers, is one of actresses from the series that we already know of. Despite taking a bit of a step down from the spotlight since her 90s heyday, the Beetlejuice actress is back with a bang with this performance.
Getty ImagesJoe Keery
The (easy on the eye) Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington, has done acting bit and bobs in the past, but Stranger Things was his first major role. Since then, he's landed role's in Molly's Game, Free Guy and Beef. In real life, Joe's hair is a bit less bouffant. Find him on Twitter here.
You can check out his Instagram here.
NetflixMatthew Modine
Short answer: no. Matthew Modine, who plays Brenner, is pretty much the antithesis of his character. Just follow him on Twitter here to read his musings on politics, his compliments about his co-stars and frequent emoji use. 2019 was a big year for Matthew as he starred in a number of productions including, Sanctuary, Chance, Miss Virginia,Foster Boy and Surveillance. He's also known for his roles in The Dark Knight Rises, Transporter 2 and Memphis Belle. Matthew is also married with two kids.
You can check out his Instagram here.
Cara Buono/InstagramCara Buono
IRL, Karen is played by actress Cara Buono, who you may recognise for her roles in The Sopranos and Mad Men. Cara's Instagram is comprised of holiday snaps, photos of her kids and behind-the-scenes shots from the Stranger Things set.
You can check out her Instagram here.
Getty ImagesMaya Hawke
Maya Hawke, the daughter of actress Uma Thurman, was cast in the role of Robin, an alternative girl who is bored of her mundane day job in the third series ofStranger Things. As she attempts to inject more excitement into her life, Robin gets more than she bargained for when Hawkin’s dark secret is uncovered. Aside from Stranger Things, you might recognise Maya in the TV adaptation of Louise May Alcott’s novel, Little Women. She’s basically major news.
You can check out her Instagram here.
Getty ImagesPriah Ferguson
Priah appeared in a guest role in season 2 as Erica, Lucas’ little sister. However, in the third series, she returned in a permanent role with an army of her own friends. With previous roles in Atlanta, The Oath and Daytime Divas, Priah is undoubtedly on the road to stardom. She is also a spokeskid for United Way of Greater Atlanta.
You can check out her Instagram here.
Brett Gelman
Brett Gelman is an American actor who has been playing the role of Murray in season 2 and 3 of Stranger Things. He also starred as Martin in Fleabag and has made appearance in Twin Peaksand Making History.
You can check out his Instagram here.
