'Stranger Things' actors after 9 years: Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder and other stars of the show, before and after

Its hard to believe that Stranger Things first premiered on Netflix in 2016. The show quickly stood out, transporting viewers to the 1980s with its unique mix of sci-fi, adventure, and coming-of-age drama. Created by the Duffer brothers, it follows a group of young friends in Hawkins, Indiana, who encounter mysterious supernatural forces, secret experiments, and a dark alternate dimension.

While the storyline captivated audiences, the shows casting has become one of its most celebrated aspects. Many of the young actors from the original seasons have since risen to become some of Hollywoods most in-demand talents. Their careers have expanded beyond television to music festivals, films, and personal milestones like parenthood.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown, who played Eleven, has become one of the standout stars of the series. At 21, she has produced and starred in Netflix projects like the Enola Holmes trilogy and Damsel. This year, she starred alongside Chris Pratt in The Electric State and welcomed a baby girl with her husband, Jake Bongiovi.

Brown has also been vocal about the challenges young women face in Hollywood, addressing criticism about her appearance and calling out body-shaming in media interviews.

Finn Wolfhard

Finn Wolfhard, known as Mike Wheeler on the show, has made a name for himself as both actor and director. He starred in the It films and the Ghostbusters sequels. In 2023, he directed the horror-comedy Hell of a Summer and released his debut album, Happy Birthday, in 2025.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder, already a Hollywood veteran before Stranger Things, has embraced the shows cultural impact. She reprised her iconic role in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in 2024 and remains a protective presence over her younger co-stars, mindful of the intense attention that comes with fame.

David Harbour

David Harbour has expanded his career to include films like Hellboy, Violent Night, and Gran Turismo, while joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Red Guardian. Harbour married singer Lily Allen in 2020, though the couple announced their separation this year.

Gaten Matarazzo

Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin, has continued acting in films like Honor Society and voiced characters in Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy. He has also performed on Broadway in shows including Dear Evan Hansen and Sweeney Todd.

Caleb McLaughlin

Caleb McLaughlin, known for his role as Lucas Sinclair, has appeared in films such as The Book of Clarence and The Deliverance.

Noah Schnapp

Noah Schnapp, who debuted as Will Byers at 11, has focused on entrepreneurship alongside acting. He founded vegan snack company TBH in 2021 and TenderFix, a food delivery menu, in 2023.

Sadie Sink

Sadie Sink, who joined the cast as Max Mayfield in Season 2, starred in the Oscar-nominated The Whale and ODessa. She has received recognition at Varietys 2024 Power of Young Hollywood event and will appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day and the London West End production of Romeo & Juliet in 2026.

Joe Keery

Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington, has balanced acting and music. He appeared in Free Guy and Fargo, while releasing albums under the name Djo. His song End of Beginning gained viral popularity on TikTok, earning him a Billboard Hot 100 entry.

Natalia Dyer

Natalia Dyer, as Nancy Wheeler, has acted in films including Yes, God, Yes and starred in Peacocks Based on a True Story. She has been in a long-term relationship with co-star Charlie Heaton since 2016.

Charlie Heaton

Charlie Heaton, who portrays Jonathan Byers, has kept a low-profile acting career, appearing in films such as The New Mutants and Billy Knight. He remains close friends with co-star Joe Keery.

Author's Commentary: Stranger Things Cast – Beyond Hawkins

Looking back at the journey of the Stranger Things cast since the show’s 2016 premiere, it’s clear that the series has been a launching pad for diverse careers. From Hollywood veterans like Winona Ryder to young stars like Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard, each actor has leveraged their time in Hawkins to explore new creative avenues.

Millie Bobby Brown’s trajectory stands out, balancing high-profile acting projects with personal milestones and outspoken advocacy on issues affecting young women in entertainment. Similarly, Finn Wolfhard has branched into directing and music, demonstrating the versatility nurtured by the show’s early success.

Other cast members, including David Harbour, Gaten Matarazzo, and Sadie Sink, have expanded their roles into film, Broadway, and international stages, reflecting a consistent trend: Stranger Things alumni are not confined to a single medium or genre. Entrepreneurship also emerges as a theme, with Noah Schnapp creating vegan and food delivery ventures alongside his acting career.

Stranger Things’ influence extends beyond the screen. The show’s ability to foster talent across acting, music, directing, and business underscores its unique role in shaping modern entertainment careers. Watching these actors grow confirms that Hawkins was only the beginning.

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• 'Stranger Things' cast 9 years later: Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder and more of the show's stars, then and now