Netflix’s beloved sci-fi juggernaut, Stranger Things, is going full steam ahead with its fifth and final season. A fresh batch of set photos has emerged, sparking discussions about the notable maturity of its cast. The series, initially released in 2016, has followed a group of kids navigating the mysterious and often terrifying happenings in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. Since January, filming has been underway, with a wrap-up anticipated by the year’s end. As the once-young actors step into adulthood, the narrative of Stranger Things shifts towards its closing arc.
On November 6, lovingly dubbed “Stranger Things Day” by fans to mark the anniversary of character Will Byers’ abduction, the show’s official social media teased fans with on-set photos. The new images spot Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, and Caleb McLaughlin—originally introduced to us as young boys—now embodying more mature roles. Another snapshot caught Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery sharing laughs inside a car, suggesting their strengthened camaraderie across seasons.
Challenges of an Aging Cast
Age hasn’t exactly proven to be discreet about meddling in Netflix’s mega-series. Despite ingenious plots and nail-biting suspense, fans (and creators alike) aren’t blind to the realities of time. Since Season 4, a delayed release due to pandemic scheduling conflicts, the contrast between the actors’ real-life age and their on-screen counterparts has widened. Now entering their 20s, our childhood adventurers are growing out of their roles—and some worry the time jump speculated for Season 5 might not bridge the age gap effectively. Instead of helping, additional delays during filming—from the writers’ and actors’ strikes—further stretched the timeline, potentially leaving fans with teenage heroes fighting monsters as full-fledged adults.
Navigating the Time Crisis in Hawkins
Not unprecedented, age differences between actors and their characters have peppered Hollywood for decades. Series like Beverly Hills, 90210 passed off a nearly 30-year-old Gabrielle Carteris as a 16-year-old. The Duffer brothers intend to jump chronologically to 1987, just 18 months shy from the prior season’s events. From slick 80s references and iconic story-telling, one thing is clear—the brothers are betting on narrative magic to keep viewers invested.
Closing Credits
New S5 Photos Revealed (OFFICIAL)
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While production hurdles have prompted skepticism over whether Stranger Things’ final act will maintain its charm, this isn’t the show’s first tango with obstacles. These set snapshots, echoing camaraderie and nostalgia, remind fans of the series’ core spirit. We expect Season 5 to offer viewers a grand farewell, likely steeped in the familiar tones of mystery and friendship. Keep an eye on the show’s official channels as production wraps up, with the highly-anticipated season scheduled to drop in late 2024.
