How the cast has changed since season 1

When Stranger Things first hit our screens in 2016, it wasn’t just the Demogorgon that captured our attention—it was the fresh-faced cast of kids from Hawkins, Indiana. Fast forward to 2025, and these young actors have grown up before our eyes, both on and off the screen. Let’s dive into how the cast has transformed since Season 1, from their ages and appearances to their blossoming careers.

Stranger Things kids are no longer kids now 🤯

How did they start during season 1 of Stranger Things?

In Season 1, we met a group of middle schoolers navigating the Upside Down and adolescence. Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven) was just 12, sporting a shaved head and a pink dress that became iconic. Finn Wolfhard (Mike) had his signature mop of curls, and Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin) charmed us with his lisp and infectious smile. Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas) was the voice of reason, and Noah Schnapp (Will) was the missing boy whose disappearance started it all.

How old were the Stranger Things cast in Season 1 and how old are they now?

Here’s a quick age breakdown from Season 1 to season 5:

Stranger Things kids cast	Age during season 1	Age during season 5 (as of 2025)
Millie Bobby Brown	12	21
Finn Wolfhard	13	22
Gaten Matarazzo	13	22
Caleb McLaughlin	14	23
Noah Schnapp	11	20

As of 2025, the main cast members are in their late teens to early twenties. They’ve grown up alongside their characters, and it’s been a journey watching them mature on screen.

Also read: Is stranger things good to watch?

Transformations and glow-ups

Which Stranger Things cast members have changed the most?

Millie Bobby Brown’s transformation has been particularly notable. From the buzz-cut Eleven to a fashion-forward young woman, she’s embraced her evolution. In 2023, she debuted a dramatic blonde look, sparking conversations about her changing style. Despite facing criticism, Millie stood her ground, emphasizing her right to grow and change as she sees fit. 

Sadie Sink (Max), who joined in Season 2, has also undergone a significant transformation. From her initial tomboyish appearance, she’s now a red-carpet regular, even earning a Tony Award nomination for her role in “John Proctor Is the Villain.”

Who grew up the most on Stranger Things?

Noah Schnapp’s evolution is remarkable. Starting as the shy, missing boy in Season 1, he’s now a confident young adult. Beyond acting, Noah launched a sustainability-focused snacking company, TBH, and even worked as a lifeguard during his summer break before college.

Other projects Stranger Things cast worked simultaneously…

The cast hasn’t limited themselves to the Upside Down. Millie Bobby Brown launched her own beauty line, Florence by Mills, catering to Gen Z with clean, natural products. 

Joe Keery (Steve Harrington) ventured into music under the name Djo, releasing albums like “Twenty Twenty” and “Decide.” His song “End of Beginning” became a sleeper hit, thanks to TikTok. 

Sadie Sink expanded her acting portfolio with roles in “The Whale” and Taylor Swift’s short film “All Too Well.” She also returned to Broadway, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Sadie Sink in Taylor Swift video

Other movies and shows of Stranger Things cast:

Beyond their Netflix fame, the cast has appeared in various projects:

• Millie Bobby Brown starred in the “Enola Holmes” series and “The Electric State.
• Finn Wolfhard appeared in “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and lent his voice to animated films.
• Caleb McLaughlin took on roles in films like “Concrete Cowboy.”
• Gaten Matarazzo returned to his Broadway roots, starring in “Dear Evan Hansen.”

Caleb McLaughlin in Concrete Cowboy

Stranger Things – what happened behind the scenes

As the series progressed, the cast faced more intense scenes and complex storylines. To prepare, they underwent physical training, especially for action sequences. They also worked closely with directors to delve deeper into their characters’ psyches, ensuring authentic portrayals as their roles matured. This is how the Stranger Things cast prepared for later seasons.

Are any original Stranger Things cast members leaving the show?

With Season 5 marking the end of Stranger Things, the original cast is wrapping up their journey in Hawkins. While there’s no official word on spin-offs, the Duffer brothers have hinted at expanding the universe, so we might see familiar faces in new settings. 

Growing while facing scrutiny

Has the fame of Stranger Things affected the cast’s lives?

Growing up in the spotlight isn’t easy. Millie Bobby Brown has been candid about the challenges, especially regarding public scrutiny of her appearance. She addressed critics head-on, emphasizing the importance of allowing young people to grow without constant judgment. 

Also read: Stranger things best season, ranked from best to worst

Rumors about Stranger Things cast and plastic surgery

As with many young celebrities, rumors have swirled about possible cosmetic procedures. However, most of these speculations are unfounded. The cast members have attributed their changing appearances to natural growth, evolving fashion choices, and personal style experimentation. This happened specifically to Milly Brown, who played the role of Eleven, who has faced the brunt of plastic surgery rumors, has denied them outrightly. There were many criticisms about her appearance, especially after turning 18.

“I’m only 19 and I’m learning to love myself more and more every day,” Milly Brown about the media’s rumors and speculations. 

To conclude,

It’s not easy to spend the entire time on sets as a kid or a coming-of-age teen.  From their first steps in the halls of Hawkins Middle School to their final battles against the Upside Down, the Stranger Things cast has grown immensely. Their transformations, both personal and professional, are a testament to their talent, resilience, and the bond they’ve cherished over nearly a decade. Here’s us and all the Stranger Things fans who can’t wait to see them all grown up and even more successful.

Note: None of the information provided above is the author’s own perspective, but based on public reviews, opinions, and ideas shared on open discussions forums.

Also read: Possible Stranger Things spin-off