Stranger Things Stars: Then and Now – From Child Stars to Hollywood’s Elite!

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the latest season of Stranger Things, which continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling plot and heartwarming friendships. From the pre-teens battling monsters to the Hollywood stars they’ve become, the journey of the cast has been nothing short of extraordinary. Here’s a look at how the original Stranger Things stars have grown and evolved over the years.

Millie Bobby Brown: Eleven

Then: When Millie Bobby Brown first appeared as the mysterious Eleven in Stranger Things season one, she was just 12 years old. Her portrayal of the telekinetic young girl quickly became the heart of the series.

Now (2025): Fast forward to 2025, Millie Bobby Brown, now 18, has become one of Hollywood’s most influential stars. Not only is she a sought-after actress, having starred in Netflix’s Enola Holmes films, but she’s also a fashion icon. Named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people, Millie has started her own beauty brand and continues to make waves in both acting and entrepreneurship. She’s an advocate for mental health and is highly involved in charity work. Her personal life, including her relationship with Jake Bongiovi, is also in the public eye, but she continues to focus on using her platform for good.

Finn Wolfhard: Mike Wheeler

Then: Finn Wolfhard’s breakout role as Mike Wheeler, the group leader, made him an instant fan favorite. With his curly hair and boyish charm, Finn was the perfect fit for his role as the sensitive yet brave Mike.

Now (2025): At 21, Finn has flourished beyond Stranger Things. He has acted in films such as It, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and is starring in several upcoming projects. Finn is also a musician, leading the band The Aubreys and has made his directorial debut with the short film Night Shifts. His career is not only defined by acting, but by his deep involvement in the music scene as well. Though Finn has kept much of his personal life private, his career continues to grow with huge promise in both film and music.

Gaten Matarazzo: Dustin Henderson

Then: Gaten Matarazzo, known for his lovable portrayal of Dustin, has been part of Stranger Things from the beginning. Even as a 12-year-old, Gaten brought a lot of heart to his role as the nerdy, brave, and humorous friend.

Now (2025): Now 21, Gaten has become a Broadway sensation, starring in Dear Evan Hansen and hosting his Netflix show Prank Encounters. He’s also a huge advocate for cleidocranial dysplasia, a rare genetic condition that he has, which his character Dustin also shares. Gaten is active on social media, where he has millions of followers, and continues to balance his career between TV, Broadway, and activism. He also maintains a long-term relationship with girlfriend Lizzy Yu.

Caleb McLaughlin: Lucas Sinclair

Then: Caleb McLaughlin played Lucas Sinclair, the skeptical yet fiercely loyal friend in the gang. As one of the core group members, Caleb’s portrayal of Lucas was full of depth, especially when it came to his loyalty to his friends and family.

Now (2025): Now 20, Caleb McLaughlin is an up-and-coming Hollywood star. He’s ventured into film with roles in Concrete Cowboy alongside Idris Elba, and Demon House, a horror film. Caleb is also an accomplished musician, recently releasing his debut single Soul Travel. With more than 11 million followers on Instagram, he is an advocate for body positivity and self-love, promoting his #EmbraceYourFace campaign. Caleb was also named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2021.

Noah Schnapp: Will Byers

Then: As the character who brought the heart-wrenching storyline of Will Byers to life, Noah Schnapp became an integral part of Stranger Things. His portrayal of a young boy trapped in the Upside Down struck a chord with audiences, making his disappearance one of the most compelling parts of season one.

Now (2025): Now 20, Noah has appeared in Bridge of Spies and The Peanuts Movie, and is continuing to build his career in both acting and business. In addition to his acting roles, he recently launched his own food company, Snack TBH, which focuses on sustainable snacks. Noah has also made waves by being accepted into the prestigious University of Pennsylvania. Known for his close relationship with co-star Millie Bobby Brown, Noah remains an important figure in Hollywood and a successful young entrepreneur.

Sadie Sink: Max Mayfield

Then: Sadie Sink made her Stranger Things debut in season 2 as Max Mayfield, a new girl who quickly became part of the gang. Her character added new depth to the group, with her struggles and bravery making her a fan favorite.

Now (2025): At 22, Sadie has proven to be a powerhouse in Hollywood. After Stranger Things, she starred in The Whale alongside Brendan Fraser, earning critical acclaim for her portrayal. She continues to grow as an actress, securing leading roles in both film and TV. Sadie has become a prominent name in the entertainment industry, with a bright future ahead of her.

Where Are They Now?

The Stranger Things kids have grown up before our eyes, and as they prepare to bid farewell to Hawkins, their careers are taking off in exciting directions. From acting to music and business, these young stars have proven they’re more than just their roles in the show. As the stars of Stranger Things continue to dominate Hollywood, fans will eagerly follow their journeys long after the show ends.

Who do you think has changed the most? Keep an eye on these rising stars as they continue to shine!