Gaten Matarazzo Reveals the Secret Behind Dustin’s Most Iconic Scene From 'Stranger Things' Season 2

Published 10/23/2025, 4:12 AM EDT

Stranger Things is a show dotted with symbols that have influenced popular culture to no small extent. From Christmas lights communicating messages to 1980s pop references, the series thrives on attention to detail. But who would have known the most iconic thing to put the show forth as one of the greats in the streaming industry would be an improvisational sound by none other than Gaten Matarazzo's Dustin himself? Netflix’s hit keeps surprising fans with its layered creativity and talent.

What do a Wookiee and a Stranger Things kid have in common? More than one might think of in the duration of Dustin's little growl. 

Gaten Matarazzo reveals a rather chewy revelation behind Dustin's iconic throat mechanism

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Gaten Matarazzo revealed the story behind Dustin's signature "prrrrrr" sound on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. When asked by Jimmy Fallon if the actor had ever been urged to play Chewbacca, the Wookiee creature from Star Wars, Matarazzo revealed that he and co-star Caleb McLaughlin discovered they could do "it", referring to the soft growl Dustin has come to be known for. He revealed that "Caleb came up with it" and, as any thirteen-year-old monopolizes on their not-so-hidden talents, Matarazzo and McLaughlin rightfully annoyed "the crap out of everybody by doing it all the time".

The sound Matarazzo reveals behind the scenes, on the Jimmy Fallon episode, became significant within the show for more than just its amusement value. Dustin's "prrrrrr" is a unique, almost Wookiee-like vocalization that adds depth to his character’s personality, emphasizing his playful and imaginative nature. The sound also became a hallmark moment for the audience, symbolizing the bond between characters and the show’s love for sci-fi pop culture, reinforcing Stranger Things' place in television history.

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Souvenirs, sound secrets and other Stranger Things beyond the show

Dustin’s character, known for his quirky intelligence and heart, has become a favorite of the Stranger Things' stranger enthusiasts. As the show approaches its climactic fifth season, the actors have been revealing behind-the-scenes details, from pocketing souvenirs to sharing the vocal foundations of their characters. These revelations offer the show's lovers a warm buildup to what promises to be a blockbuster goodbye to the beloved Netflix number.

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The story of Dustin’s iconic sound may seem small, but it captures the spirit of Stranger Things perfectly: a show where the finest details, no matter how subtle or whimsical, contribute to an unforgettable narrative. Gaten Matarazzo’s insight into the "prrrrrr" sound shows how passion, creativity, and a bit of playful annoyance helped shape one of streaming’s most enduring characters and moments. Season five premieres soon, ready to enchant audiences once again.

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What do you think of the workings behind Dustin's iconic "prr" sound? Let us know in the comments below!

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Adiba Nizami

821 articles

Adiba Nizami is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. Covering the Hollywood beat with a voice both sharp and stylish, she blends factual precision with a flair for wit. Her pieces often dissect celebrity narratives—both on-screen and off—through parasocial nuance and cultural relevance.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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