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The $100 Million Glow-Up: Where The Stranger Things Cast Of Season 1 Is Now (2025 Updates)

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Eight years have passed since the world first met the young heroes of Hawkins, Indiana, in the summer of 2016. As of December 22, 2025, the original cast members who brought *Stranger Things* Season 1 to life are no longer child stars; they are global icons, directors, producers, and entrepreneurs with massive projects lined up for 2025 and beyond. The anticipation for the final chapter, *Stranger Things* Season 5, is at an all-time high, with the first volume having just premiered on Netflix, making this the most current look at the actors who started it all.

This in-depth profile goes beyond the Upside Down to track the incredible career trajectories of the core Season 1 ensemble, detailing their latest blockbuster movies, new business ventures, and how they are preparing to say goodbye to the characters that defined a generation. Their collective net worth and influence have skyrocketed, proving that the Duffer Brothers’ 1980s sci-fi horror series was the ultimate launchpad for Hollywood's next elite.

The Core Season 1 Cast: Biographies and Latest 2025 Projects

The original ensemble cast of *Stranger Things* Season 1 laid the foundation for the show's massive success. Here is a look at the main actors who first appeared in 2016 and their career status as the final season begins its release in late 2025.

  • Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven "El"): Born February 19, 2004, in Marbella, Spain. She became a household name at age 12 for her portrayal of the psychokinetic girl, Eleven.
  • Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler): Born December 23, 2002, in Vancouver, Canada. He played the leader of the core group, Mike, and is also an accomplished musician.
  • Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson): Born September 8, 2002, in Connecticut, U.S. Known for his charismatic role as Dustin and his advocacy for Cleidocranial Dysplasia awareness.
  • Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair): Born October 13, 2001, in New York, U.S. He played the pragmatic and skeptical Lucas.
  • Noah Schnapp (Will Byers): Born October 3, 2004, in New York, U.S. His disappearance was the central mystery of Season 1. He is also a notable entrepreneur.
  • Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers): Born October 29, 1971, in Minnesota, U.S. A veteran actress who played Will's fiercely protective mother.
  • David Harbour (Jim Hopper): Born April 10, 1975, in New York, U.S. He played the cynical but heroic Chief of Police.

Millie Bobby Brown: From Telekinesis to Global Producer

Millie Bobby Brown, the breakout star who played the powerful Eleven, has arguably had the most explosive career transformation since *Stranger Things* premiered. She has successfully leveraged her Netflix fame into a thriving career as both an actress and a producer.

The 2024-2025 Blockbuster Slate

Brown’s recent filmography is packed with major projects, solidifying her status as a top-tier Hollywood leading lady. Her 2024 began with the release of the fantasy film *Damsel*, where she starred as Princess Elodie, a role that also saw her take on a producing credit.

Looking ahead to 2025, she is set to star in the highly anticipated sci-fi adventure film *The Electric State*, directed by the Russo Brothers. Furthermore, a third installment in her successful detective franchise, *Enola Holmes 3*, is also slated for a 2025 release, continuing her role as the witty sister of Sherlock Holmes and showcasing her producing prowess.

  • Key 2025 Entities: *The Electric State*, *Enola Holmes 3*, Netflix, Legendary Pictures, Producing Credits.
  • Topical Authority: Moving from a television star (Eleven) to a major film franchise lead and producer (Enola Holmes).

The Boys of Hawkins: Finn, Gaten, Caleb, and Noah’s Diverse Ventures

The four boys who formed the iconic Dungeons & Dragons group in Season 1—Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will—have branched out into incredibly diverse fields, from directing major films to launching their own businesses.

Finn Wolfhard: Actor, Musician, and Director

Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler) has successfully balanced acting with his passion for music and filmmaking. In 2024, he reprised his role as Trevor Spengler in the sequel *Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire*, further establishing his presence in major cinema franchises outside of *Stranger Things*.

Most notably, Wolfhard is making a significant transition behind the camera. His co-written and co-directed directorial debut, the horror-comedy film *Hell of a Summer*, is slated for a theatrical release in 2025. This move highlights his evolution from a child actor to a multi-hyphenate creative force, marking a major milestone in his career.

Gaten Matarazzo: Broadway and Star Wars

Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson) has remained deeply connected to his roots in theatre, often returning to Broadway productions. His unique, gravelly voice, which became a signature of the character Dustin, has also landed him major voice roles.

In 2025, Matarazzo is making his debut in the *Star Wars* universe, voicing the new character Sig in the animated series *Rebuild the Empire*. This diversification into voice acting and his continued dedication to the stage show a deliberate effort to build a career that extends far beyond the Netflix series.

Caleb McLaughlin: From Lucas to Lead Roles

Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair) is focusing on taking on challenging, post-*Stranger Things* roles. He is set to star in the faith-based horror film *The Deliverance*, which is scheduled for release in 2024, showcasing his dramatic range.

McLaughlin is also venturing into the animation world, with a voice role in the upcoming 2026 animated sports hero film *GOAT*. This project, along with others, demonstrates his commitment to diverse and impactful cinematic roles as he steps away from his iconic character.

Noah Schnapp: Entrepreneurship and Will Byers’ Final Arc

Noah Schnapp (Will Byers) has recently focused on entrepreneurship alongside his acting career. He launched his own successful snack-focused company, TenderFix, demonstrating a keen business sense beyond Hollywood.

While his external acting projects are fewer compared to his co-stars, his role in *Stranger Things 5* is arguably the most critical. Schnapp has confirmed that the final season will bring a profound and definitive end to Will Byers’ emotional journey, with the actor describing the finale as something that will "blow people away." This focus ensures his final performance as Will is a major highlight of the series' conclusion.

The Veteran Stars: Ryder and Harbour’s Enduring Legacy

The veteran actors of Season 1, Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers) and David Harbour (Jim Hopper), continue to anchor the series while pursuing major film franchises, blending their established careers with the show's new-found global fame.

Winona Ryder: The Return to the Macabre

Winona Ryder, a 1980s icon herself, brought a powerful, frantic energy to Joyce Byers in Season 1, searching for her missing son, Will. Outside of Hawkins, Ryder is reuniting with director Tim Burton for a highly anticipated sequel.

In 2024, Ryder reprised her iconic role as Lydia Deetz in the long-awaited horror-comedy sequel, *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice*. Her involvement in this legacy-quel demonstrates her enduring appeal and her ability to seamlessly move between major television and blockbuster film projects.

David Harbour: From Hawkins Chief to MCU Star

David Harbour (Jim Hopper) has used his renewed fame to become a major player in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Harbour has been juggling his commitments to the final season of *Stranger Things* with his Marvel schedule.

He is set to reprise his role as the anti-hero Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian in the upcoming MCU team-up film *Thunderbolts**, which is slated for a May 2025 release. Additionally, Harbour has secured a role in the true-crime thriller *Evil Genius*, further cementing his status as a versatile, in-demand actor post-*Stranger Things*.

The Final Countdown: Stranger Things Season 5 (2025)

The most significant and current update for the entire Season 1 cast is the release of the final season, *Stranger Things 5*. Fans have been waiting years to see the final battle between the residents of Hawkins and the forces of the Upside Down, including the terrifying Demogorgon and Vecna.

Netflix has begun the staggered release of the final chapter in three volumes. Volume 1 premiered on November 26, 2025, with Volume 2 scheduled for Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, and the final volume wrapping up the series on December 31, 2025.

The cast, who started as middle schoolers, are now young adults, and their emotional farewell has been a central theme in their recent interviews. The final season promises to return to the heart of the Season 1 mystery—Will Byers’ connection to the alternate dimension—bringing the entire, decade-long journey full circle.

  • Final Season Entities: *Stranger Things 5*, Duffer Brothers, Netflix, Volume 1, Volume 2, Demogorgon, Vecna, Alternate Dimension, Hawkins Lab.
  • Topical Authority: The staggered release schedule of the final season, the emotional conclusion for the core characters, and the show's return to the original plot threads.

The journey from a small, 1980s-themed sci-fi show to a global phenomenon has transformed the lives and careers of the entire Season 1 cast. As they close the door on the Upside Down in late 2025, their individual futures in Hollywood are brighter and more diverse than ever before.

stranger things cast season 1
stranger things cast season 1

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