‘Stranger Things’: The Cast Then and Now — See the 9 Years of Upside Down Glow-Ups

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We’ve watched the actors on Stranger Things grow up over the years, and after almost ten years, the show is finally coming to a close, giving fans a last look at the story.

The popular Netflix series will conclude with its fifth season, which will be released in three parts. The first four episodes will be available starting November 26th. Since the show began in 2016, the young actors have visibly matured, both in their roles and in real life. Recent comparisons, highlighted by Variety, show just how much they’ve changed.

Millie Bobby Brown, who became famous at age 12 for her role as Eleven, is now 21 years old. Since then, she’s taken on roles in films such as Godzilla: King of the Monsters, The Electric State, and Enola Holmes, growing her career as an actress.

In addition to her acting career, Millie Bobby Brown created her own beauty and fashion line, Florence by Mills, and has also ventured into producing. She recently married Jake Bongiovi, son of Jon Bon Jovi, and they welcomed a child into their family earlier this year.

MILLIE BOBBY BROWN. THEN AND NOW.#StrangerThings5

— Variety (@Variety) November 7, 2025

Man, it’s wild to think Finn Wolfhard, who was just a kid when Stranger Things blew up – he was only 14 playing Mike Wheeler! – is already 22. He’s really kept busy since then. I mean, he was fantastic in the new It movies, and then popped up in the Ghostbusters sequels, which were a lot of fun. But it’s not just acting, you know? He’s actually been writing and directing stuff too, and he’s a musician! I remember checking out his bands, Calpurnia and The Audreys – definitely talented.

FINN WOLFHARD. THEN AND NOW.#StrangerThings5

— Variety (@Variety) November 7, 2025

Noah Schnapp, best known for playing Will Byers on a popular show when he was 14, is now 22 years old. Since then, he’s acted in films like Abe and Waiting for Anya, done voice acting, and built a fanbase on YouTube. He’s also become an entrepreneur, starting both a snack company and a virtual restaurant.

NOAH SCHNAPP. THEN AND NOW.#StrangerThings5

— Variety (@Variety) November 7, 2025

Caleb McLaughlin, who first became known for playing Lucas Sinclair at age 14, is now 24. He’s continued acting and has appeared in films like Concrete Cowboy, Shooting Stars, and The Deliverance. Before his work on screen, he performed on stage, including a memorable role as Simba in the Broadway production of The Lion King.

CALEB MCLAUGHLIN. THEN AND NOW.#StrangerThings5

— Variety (@Variety) November 7, 2025

Gaten Matarazzo, who played Dustin Henderson on Stranger Things when he was 13, is now 23 years old. Since then, he’s been performing on Broadway in shows like Dear Evan Hansen and Sweeney Todd, and he also hosted the reality show Prank Encounters.

GATEN MATARAZZO. THEN AND NOW.#StrangerThings5

— Variety (@Variety) November 7, 2025

The original cast members have grown up alongside their characters. Natalia Dyer, who played Nancy Wheeler when she was 21, is now 30 and has since starred in films like Based on a True Story, Velvet Buzzsaw, and All Fun and Games. She’s also been in a long-term relationship with her Stranger Things co-star, Charlie Heaton.

NATALIA DYER. THEN AND NOW.#StrangerThings5

— Variety (@Variety) November 7, 2025

Joe Keery, who played Steve Harrington on Stranger Things starting at age 24, is now 33 and has built a successful career beyond the show. He’s appeared in films like Molly’s Game and Free Guy, the TV series Fargo, and also creates music as the artist Djo.

JOE KEERY. THEN AND NOW.#StrangerThings5

— Variety (@Variety) November 7, 2025

Thanks to Stranger Things, the show’s young actors have developed into well-rounded talents, branching out into music, starting their own businesses, and taking on diverse roles in other movies and TV shows.

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2025-11-07 18:18