6 Stranger Things Stars Who Struggle Beyond the Netflix Series
From Noah Schnapp to Natalia Dyer, several stars of the hit Netflix show have faced challenges finding success outside Hawkins’ mysterious world. The fifth and final season brings viewers back to the beginning with a flashback featuring a de-aged Will Byers. The nostalgic tone sets an emotional close to the character’s story arc.
Noah Schnapp Reflects on His Role
In an interview with SFX magazine, Noah Schnapp shared insights about filming the de-aged sequence and the efforts behind the scene.
“I helped the young actor mirror my physical presence and breathing patterns before the VFX team spent months working with 11-year-old me.”
The actor expressed that the sequence felt like closing a full emotional circle for Will Byers.
“It’s bittersweet, but I’m ready to say goodbye.”
With the fifth season debuting in three parts—November 26, December 25, and December 31—the wave of nostalgia is undeniable. Yet not every cast member has experienced the same success after the series.
Gaten Matarazzo’s Quiet Career Path
Gaten Matarazzo, adored for his portrayal of the curious and loyal Dustin Henderson, became an audience favorite. His humor and heartfelt performances made him central to the show’s charm. However, his post-Stranger Things journey struggled to find similar recognition.
Before the Netflix fame, Matarazzo enjoyed acclaim on Broadway, playing Gavroche in Les Misérables and Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. His theater background lent him confidence and energy that resonated strongly on screen, but his later projects have yet to achieve the same visibility.
Summary
The fame from Stranger Things propelled its young cast into stardom, yet for some, sustaining that momentum beyond Hawkins has proven unexpectedly difficult.