On December 19, the creators of “Stranger Things,” Matt and Ross Duffer, joined cast members at the iconic Paris Theatre in New York City for a poignant gathering, coinciding with various press appearances. This emotional event brought together numerous stars of the show, including Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), and Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), among others, marking a significant moment as they viewed the series finale, titled “The Rightside Up.”
This finale, which was over two hours long, represents the culmination of nearly a decade of storytelling that captivated a global audience since its premiere in 2016. Following the screening, Ross Duffer shared his reflections on Instagram, describing the experience as deeply emotional and cathartic. He remarked, “While we’re finished telling this story, we are family now, forever.”
As the show concludes with its finale debuting on Netflix this New Year’s Eve, the cast is coming to terms with the end of an era that has dramatically impacted their lives. Millie Bobby Brown, who began her journey with the series at just 11 years old, has evolved alongside her character and now, at 21, is also a mother to an adopted baby girl. She expressed the surreal nature of the show’s conclusion, noting that it truly sank in for her just a day before wrapping up filming.
For Noah Schnapp, the most challenging aspect was saying goodbye to the close-knit cast, acknowledging how tough it would be to never again share the same space with them. He expressed his emotional struggle as filming concluded, emphasizing the weight of this goodbye.
The experience of the final table read was unexpectedly moving for many cast members, who were caught off guard by how emotional the day turned out to be. Brown shared that she needed a moment to calm herself before driving home afterward, highlighting the depth of their collective experience.
Caleb McLaughlin, who joined the show at age 13, reflected on the bittersweet nature of its ending that had begun to set in during season four. Gaten Matarazzo also recalled moments on set that served as reminders of their shared timeline with the series. The cast’s journey—from young actors to accomplished individuals—is evident. Sadie Sink, who faced initial doubts about her character Max being accepted by fans, has since blossomed into a notable talent with a Tony nomination and an upcoming role in a Marvel film.
Wolfhard has embraced new creative avenues, including directing a horror-comedy film, yet he remains nostalgic about the show that defined much of his youth. As the cast members discuss their next steps and the new paths they are forging, they recognize that “Stranger Things” will always remain a pivotal chapter in their lives.
Despite the end of the series, they remain connected, having built lasting friendships throughout their time together. The spirit of camaraderie continues as they celebrate their growth and successes beyond “Stranger Things,” approaching the future with a mix of optimism and excitement.
All episodes of “Stranger Things” are currently available for streaming on Netflix, inviting longtime fans to revisit the beloved series as its legacy endures beyond its finale.