6 Stranger Things Stars Struggling Beyond Netflix Fame
From Noah Schnapp to Natalia Dyer, several stars of Stranger Things have faced difficulties building their careers outside Hawkins’ supernatural world. As the show nears its end, these actors reflect on their experiences and the uncertain road ahead.
Noah Schnapp: Reflecting on the Past
The fifth and final season begins with a flashback featuring a digitally de-aged Will Byers. Noah Schnapp shared his thoughts on revisiting his younger self and guiding the new actor portraying Will.
He explained how he guided the young actor to match his “physicality” and breath work, before the VFX team spent months “working with 11-year-old me”.
Schnapp described the moment as a nostalgic closure to Will’s emotional journey and admitted he is ready to bid farewell to the role that defined much of his youth.
Season 5: A Nostalgic Farewell
Stranger Things Season 5 will premiere in three parts—on November 26, December 25, and December 31—delivering an emotional finale for longtime fans.
Gaten Matarazzo: From Broadway to Quiet Years
Gaten Matarazzo, best known as Dustin Henderson, became a fan favorite for his humor and sincerity. His energy often held the group together on screen, but career momentum beyond the series has been slow.
Before Stranger Things, Matarazzo had already earned respect on Broadway, performing as Gavroche in Les Misérables and as Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. However, after the show’s meteoric success, his presence in major projects has diminished.
Summary
As Stranger Things approaches its conclusion, some of its beloved actors, including Noah Schnapp and Gaten Matarazzo, find their paths beyond the series more uncertain than expected.