In what could have been a very different take on the beloved series “Stranger Things,” creators Matt and Ross Duffer recently shared with TIME that the character Eddie Munson almost didn’t make it to the screen due to difficulties in casting. The Duffer brothers revealed that there was an initial version of Eddie that lacked the charm required to resonate with audiences. “There was a version of Eddie that was annoying and grating and wasn’t going to work,” Matt Duffer explained, noting that finding the right actor for such a dynamic role proved to be a daunting challenge.
After a lengthy search, the Duffers found Joseph Quinn, who ultimately brought Eddie Munson to life in an unforgettable manner. According to the brothers, Quinn’s unique charisma was evident in his audition tape, leading them to recognize that they had discovered something special.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which halted filming shortly after shooting began, ironically provided an opportunity for the Duffer brothers to reassess Eddie’s character. “It allowed us to go back, after seeing the kind of energy that Joe brought to it, and continue to work on that character,” Ross Duffer noted. The time off paved the way for new developments in Eddie’s storyline, allowing it to more deeply intertwine with the main plot.
Eddie Munson quickly became a fan-favorite character, serving as a crucial link within the narrative and enhancing the emotional depth of the story. His transformation from an outcast to a heroic figure culminated in a heartfelt arc that left an impact on both viewers and fellow characters, particularly Dustin Henderson, portrayed by Gaten Matarazzo.
As anticipation builds for “Stranger Things 5,” which premieres on November 26 at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix, fans can look forward to Eddie’s lasting presence in the upcoming season. Reflecting on Eddie’s journey, one can only feel grateful that the series managed to find an actor capable of embodying such a memorable and integral character, ensuring that his legacy will continue to resonate throughout the show’s final chapter.