The cultural phenomenon that began in 2016 with a missing boy, a mysterious telekinetic girl, and a menacing portal to another dimension is preparing for its grand finale. Stranger Things has successfully captured the hearts of a global audience, transforming its young cast members from relatively unknown actors into household names and genuine movie stars.

This unique opportunity has profoundly shaped the trajectories of their careers, with the experience of growing up in the public eye on one of the largest streaming platforms being an unparalleled foundation for their future artistic endeavours.

After five seasons of battling the horrors of the Upside Down, Netflix and the creators, the Duffer Brothers, have confirmed that the upcoming Season 5 will be the last instalment, promising an emotional and action-packed conclusion. This impending end has naturally led to widespread curiosity and fanfare about the cast's next steps, as their eight-year commitment to the saga comes to a spectacular close. The biggest question remains: where do the children of Hawkins go from here, and how will they leverage this powerful launchpad into the next stage of their lives and careers?

The actress who became a global superstar as Eleven is preparing for a multifaceted leap into adult roles and personal milestones.

Millie Bobby Brown has already begun a notable transition from the world of teenage heroics to more mature and diverse projects, showcasing her capability beyond the iconic role of Eleven. Post-Stranger Things, she is scheduled to star in and produce a new supernatural horror-thriller series titled Prism, where she will portray a character with the ability to communicate with apparitions, further demonstrating a strategic shift toward commanding adult roles.

Beyond her professional commitments, Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi tied the knot in a private legal ceremony in May 2024, followed by a larger wedding celebration in Tuscany, Italy, in October 2024. This confluence of high-profile producing credits, challenging new roles, and major life changes indicates that Millie Bobby Brown is thoughtfully and decisively carving out a long-term, powerful career in the entertainment industry.

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Moving on, the young man known for his naturalistic acting style is focusing his energy on creating new content both in front of and behind the camera.

Finn Wolfhard has distinguished himself not only as a talented actor but also as an emerging artist with serious aspirations in film direction and music. Alongside his work on blockbusters like It and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, he has deliberately pursued independent cinema, including notable roles in films such as When You Finish Saving the World. This dual approach allows him to balance widespread commercial appeal with a genuine passion for arthouse narratives.

Crucially, Finn Wolfhard has made significant moves behind the camera, having directed the comedy short film Night Shifts in 2020. He then elevated this ambition by co-writing and co-directing his feature film debut, the dark comedy Hell of a Summer (2023), which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, positioning him as one of the few Gen Z actors to successfully transition into a directorial role so early. Furthermore, his musical pursuits continue with his alternative-rock band, The Aubreys, following his previous band, Calpurnia, which reinforces his commitment to creative independence across multiple media and genres after his time on the Netflix show concludes.

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Next is the actress who brought profound depth to Max Mayfield is translating her on-screen presence into major film opportunities and high-fashion collaborations.

Sadie Sink’s filmography is expanding quickly with a focus on roles that challenge her dramatic capabilities, having already delivered a remarkable performance in the independent film The Whale (2022). She has recently been confirmed to be joining the cast of Spider-Man 4 alongside Tom Holland, a major casting coup that will place her at the center of one of the world's most successful cinematic universes.

In addition to her growing film career, Sadie Sink has become a prominent fixture in the world of high fashion, establishing herself as a global brand ambassador for prestigious houses. She frequently collaborates with luxury brands such as Prada and Chanel, often participating in major runway shows and exclusive campaigns. Her partnership with Prada is particularly noteworthy, including a role in a documentary film series promoting the brand’s sustainability-focused Re-Nylon initiative, which demonstrates a thoughtful alignment with important global issues, according to L’Official USA.

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Next is the young star who captured hearts as Dustin, his post-series future involves a natural return to his roots.

Gaten Matarazzo is perfectly positioned for a multifaceted career, drawing on his substantial history as a seasoned Broadway performer. He is expected to return to the stage after Stranger Things, having starred in Dear Evan Hansen and Sweeney Todd. On screen, his comedic aptitude shines as the executive producer and host of the Netflix series Prank Encounters, seamlessly blending his theatrical roots with contemporary entertainment.

In film and television, Gaten Matarazzo is making smart moves, demonstrating his range across animation and live-action comedy, while also expanding his executive influence behind the scenes. He contributes his voice to two major animation projects: the satirical Animal Farm movie, where he plays a new piglet character named Lucky (2025 release), and the Disney+ miniseries Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy as the lead voice of Sig Greebling. Furthermore, he is set to star in and serve as an executive producer for The Untitled BriTANicK Pizza Movie, a highly anticipated road trip comedy from the acclaimed duo BriTANicK, showcasing his ambition for creative control.

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The actor whose character was central to the story’s beginning is now charting a course that prioritizes his entrepreneurial spirit and education.

Demonstrating a clear entrepreneurial drive, he has launched several business projects, most notably To Be Honest (TBH), a sustainable hazelnut spread company he co-founded. In addition to TBH, he also launched TenderFix, a delivery-only virtual restaurant brand focused on chicken tenders, and a creator-focused app called Roll, further diversifying his business portfolio in the food sector. His commitment to this path is evident in his choice to attend the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, where he plans to study entrepreneurship.

Finally, the actor who matured on screen as Lucas Sinclair is set to become a formidable leading man by taking on roles of cultural and athletic significance.

His strategy involves moving into a cinema that allows him to tackle complex characters and major cultural narratives. A prime example is his casting in the 2023 biographical sports film Shooting Stars, where he portrays Dru Joyce III, a key member of a high school basketball team that included a young LeBron James. Beyond this, his diverse film credits include the drama film Concrete Cowboy, where he had a lead role alongside Idris Elba, and an appearance in The Book of Clarence. Finally, Hawkins' kids are pivoting to directing, high fashion, entrepreneurship, and diverse adult roles.

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What more do you expect from the young stars of Stranger Things? Let us know in the comments below.