6 Stranger Things Stars Who Struggled Beyond the Netflix Hit
From Noah Schnapp to Natalia Dyer, six actors from Stranger Things have faced difficulties finding success outside the supernatural world of Hawkins. Though the show’s nostalgic pull remains powerful, not every star has managed to build a lasting career beyond it.
Noah Schnapp Reflects on the End
The series returns fans to its origins in its fifth and final season, opening with a flashback featuring a digitally de-aged Will Byers. Noah Schnapp shared with SFX magazine that he guided a young actor to mirror his movements and breathing before the visual effects team spent months perfecting the sequence.
“The VFX team spent months working with 11-year-old me.”
This nostalgic moment captures the emotional completion of Will’s journey. Schnapp admitted that he feels ready to say goodbye to the story that shaped much of his career.
Gaten Matarazzo’s Career Beyond Hawkins
Gaten Matarazzo, beloved for his portrayal of the curious and loyal Dustin Henderson, quickly became a fan favorite. His humor and sincerity made him a key figure within the Hawkins crew. Yet once the neon lights of Stranger Things dimmed, Matarazzo found fewer major roles awaiting him.
Before Stranger Things, he built his talent on Broadway, playing Gavroche in Les Misérables and Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. His theatrical background gave him the confidence that later defined his screen performance, even if his post-series path has been more subdued.
Season Five’s Nostalgic Farewell
Stranger Things Season 5 will premiere in three parts—on November 26, December 25, and December 31—giving audiences a final dose of nostalgia as the story concludes. For some of its stars, however, the challenge now lies in building new identities beyond the Netflix phenomenon.
Author’s Summary
The Stranger Things finale rekindles nostalgia while revealing that fame in Hawkins doesn’t guarantee star power beyond its eerie glow.