Sadie Sink has opened up about the emotional journey of filming her final scenes for the last season of “Stranger Things,” comparing the experience to “saying goodbye to your childhood.” The actress, who has portrayed Max Mayfield since the show’s second season, revealed that concluding the series was a painful experience filled with grief over the loss of an important chapter in her life.
In an interview with Glamour magazine, Sink described the conclusion of filming as “horrible,” underscoring the bittersweet essence of saying farewell to not just the show, but the close-knit relationships she developed with her co-stars over the years. “It felt like we were genuinely grieving something, which we were because it’s a huge chapter of our lives,” she reflected.
Since joining “Stranger Things” in 2016 at the age of 14, Sink has built a unique bond with her fellow cast members, which she believes surpasses even typical high school or college friendships. “We’re so connected on so many levels,” she stated, acknowledging the profound experience they shared while growing up together. “We have to say goodbye to what brought us together. It was like saying goodbye to your childhood.”
While reminiscing about her teenage years in the spotlight, Sink recognized the challenges of growing up in the public eye, noting that it was often difficult to express her struggles. She felt constrained by the notion that she should always be grateful for the opportunities presented to her, complicating her ability to voice feelings of overwhelm or anxiety. “When things were hard, I felt like I couldn’t talk about it because it was such an amazing thing that was happening,” she explained.
In addition to her acting career, Sink is venturing into producing, with her recent involvement in the film adaptation of the play “John Proctor Is The Villain.” Expressing her curiosity about the production side of filmmaking, she emphasized her commitment to learning and doing the job correctly. “I actually want to learn how to do it and do it right,” she said, showing a desire to take on the responsibility seriously rather than simply lending her name to a project.
As Sink embarks on new adventures beyond “Stranger Things,” her reflections on the powerful friendships and experiences she has gained serve as a reminder of the transformative nature of significant life chapters.