Stranger Things dropped on Netflix back in the summer of 2016. Nobody expected what happened next, and in no time, the series took off like fireworks. All these strange kids who were chasing a supernatural entity on their bikes turned into household names. Fast forward nine years, and viewers are amazed to witness their evolution. These performers have spread out across Hollywood in ways nobody saw coming.
They are directing films, producing content, releasing albums, and some are also running businesses. What started as a group of young friends confronting monsters turned into something huge. Each actor from the original cast found their favourite paths. Some went back to the old roots of theatre, and others jumped into popular franchises. The following details look at where the cast of Stranger Things ended up and what they are currently up to.
Millie Bobby Brown builds an empire after Stranger Things

Brown played Eleven on Stranger Things, the girl with the shaved head and telekinetic powers. That role made her famous overnight. She was just twelve when filming started. Now she is 21 and married with an adopted daughter. She starred in The Electric State earlier this year with Chris Pratt, but the critics weren't kind to the film but millions watched it anyway. She is currently filming Enola Holmes 3, playing Sherlock's brilliant younger sister for the third time.
Brown also founded her own production company, PCMA Productions. She launched a beauty brand called Florence by Mills and even wrote a novel. Brown went from playing a girl from Stranger Things who barely spoke to becoming one of the most powerful young women in the entertainment industry.
Finn Wolfhard chooses a different path after Stranger Things

Wolfhard played Mike Wheeler on Stranger Things, the group leader who always had a plan. Those leadership skills weren't just acting; they were genuine. Finn co-directed and also co-wrote Hell of a Summer, a horror comedy that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. He played Trevor Spengler in both Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
Fighting ghosts seems like good preparation after years of battling demogorgons. Wolfhard released his debut album in June. Music has always been his other passion. Mike Wheeler's determination to protect his friends shows up in how Wolfhard tackles every project.
Sadie Sink joins Marvel's world after Stranger Things

Sink came into Stranger Things during season two as Max Mayfield, the skateboarding redhead with attitude. Max never backed down from anything. Sink carries that same energy into her career choices. She starred in The Whale with Brendan Fraser, earning significant critical praise. That film showcased her dramatic range. Earlier this year, she appeared in O'Dessa, a musical drama.
Reportedly, Sadie Sink landed a role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Nobody knows who she is playing yet. Speculations suggest she might be Jean Grey, but that's just speculation. She will also appear in Avengers: Secret Wars. Sink is also heading to London's West End next year for Romeo & Juliet. Max fought Vecna with incredible bravery. Sink approaches her career with that same fearless attitude.
Joe Keery becomes a musical sensation
Remember Steve Harrington from Stranger Things? The popular jock who transformed into everyone's favorite babysitter? Keery played that role perfectly. His character arc became one of the show's highlights. Keery was hiding his own transformation as he stars in projects like season five of Fargo, but music is where things got interesting. Under the name Djo, he released three albums. The Crux came out this past April.
His song End of Beginning went absolutely viral on TikTok last year. He toured the world in support of the album. He performed at Coachella and Glastonbury. Keery isn't some actor playing at being a musician. He has built a legitimate fanbase that exists completely separate from the show. Steve found his purpose in protecting the kids. Keery discovered his voice through music.
Caleb McLaughlin balances different worlds after the Stranger Things feature
McLaughlin played Lucas Sinclair on Stranger Things, the practical and level-headed friend. Before the show, he performed as Young Simba in Broadway's The Lion King. Now at twenty-four, he is branching out in interesting directions. He voiced a lead character in Sony's animated film Goat, scheduled for release in February next year.
Last year, he appeared in The Deliverance, a horror film from director Lee Daniels. McLaughlin is also making music, releasing R&B tracks that showcase his vocal abilities. He started social media campaigns promoting body positivity and self-esteem. Lucas always approached problems with logic and reason. McLaughlin brings that same thoughtful energy to his career.
Noah Schnapp takes the entrepreneur path
Schnapp played Will Byers, the character who got trapped in the Upside Down during Season 1. As the show continued, his screen time grew. Off-screen, Schnapp became huge on TikTok, connecting with fans directly. He is 21 now and doing something unusual, as he is still in college. He attends the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
While studying, he launched TBH, a company making healthier hazelnut spreads as an alternative to Nutella. He hasn't done many acting projects lately because school takes priority. Schnapp appeared in minor roles in Hubie Halloween and The Tutor, but he is clearly focused on different goals right now. Will survived the Upside Down and came back stronger. Schnapp is building something beyond acting.
Gaten Matarazzo goes back to his roots
Gaten Matarazzo played Dustin Henderson on Stranger Things, the lovable kid with the baseball cap and infectious laugh. Dustin brought humor to even the darkest moments.
Matarazzo started on Broadway before the show was even conceived. He played Gavroche in Les Misérables when he was younger. After the show made him famous, he returned to the theater. He joined the final cast of Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway a few years back.
The bigger picture of the Stranger Things cast

What is remarkable isn't just that these actors found success. It is how they each found completely different kinds of success. Brown built a business empire. Wolfhard directs films. Sink conquered multiple genres. Keery became a touring musician.
McLaughlin balances animation and live-action. Schnapp went to business school. Matarazzo returned to Broadway. They are not following the same playbook. Each person took the fame from Stranger Things and used it to pursue what actually matters to them.
The cast proves that talent and hard work matter more than where you start. Their diverse paths from the Stranger Things show real staying power.
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