Since the first season premiere back in 2016 audiences worldwide have been captivated by the gripping genre bending 80s set series. Combining elements of comedy and drama withhorror and sci-fi,Stranger Thingshas gone on to become one of the most popular and successful TV shows in history. After wrapping up its third season in 2019, fans have been chomping at the bit for new content. Unfortunately, due to multiple COVID-related delays, fans have had to wait even longer than expected, and anticipation has reached fever pitch as it hasfinally been announcedthe fourth season will finally be airing June 11, 2025.
With most of the original actors all reprising their roles, it’s also been announced thathorror icon Robert Englundwill also be joining the talented cast. Some of the older faces like Englund and Winona Ryder might be familiar amongst viewers of a certain age, but much of the cast, due to their young age, have had very little major mainstream acting experience prior to the show. Since then, however, many have gone on to become household names, appearing in multiple movies and shows outside theStranger Thingsfranchise. Here are some of the other roles you might have seen the cast ofStranger Thingsplay.
Related:Stranger Things 4: Questions We Hope to See Answered
Winona Ryder
Winona Ryderplays Joyce Byers, the mother of Will and Jonathan Byers inStranger Things, but of all the cast, she was definitely the most well-known prior to the show, making her debut in the 1986 Corey Haim and Charlie Sheen vehicleLucas. By the turn of the decade, she had become a huge star in her right, thanks to leading roles in the Tim Burton-helmed horror comedyBeetlejuiceand teen black comedyHeathersalongside Christian Slater. Her success streak continued into the 90s with roles in mega hits likeBram Stoker’s Draculaand Burton’sEdward Scissorhands.She was nominated for Academy Awards for her performances in Martin Scorsese’sThe Age of Innocence(1993) andLittle Women(1994). Aside from a small hiatus in the early 00s, she has been working fairly consistently since the 90s, appearing in a number ofwell received and popular movies, includingGirl Interrupted, Alien Resurrection, Mr. DeedsandBlack Swan.Her main focus at the moment appears tobe Stranger Things, but she still makes time for the odd film from time to time, with her most recent being thriller movieThe Cow.
Robert Englund
A new addition to theStranger Thingscast set to make his debut as thecreepy murderer Victor Creelin the upcoming fourth season is horror icon and classically trained actorRobert Englund. Fitting in nicely withStranger Things’ 80s setting and horror aesthetics, Englund came to prominence for his role as the serial killing, haunter of dreams, Freddy Krueger in the 1984 slasher flickA Nightmare on Elm Street,a role he ended up reprising a further seven times throughout its franchise. Having become somewhat typecast following the movie’s success, the vast majority of Englund’s large portfolio of work comprises of horror movies, includingThePhantom of the Opera, The Mangler, 2001 Maniacs, HatchetandUrban Legend, to name but a few. Aside from his work on horror movies, he is also a prolific voice actor, having appeared in major roles in theBatman,Justice LeagueandSpider-Mananimated series.
David Harbour
David Harbourhas numerous supporting roles in movies, includingBrokeback Mountain,Quantum of Solace, andThe Equalizer, but it was his appearance as the tenacious sheriff Jim Hopper inStranger Thingsthat shot him to stardom. Since that first appearance, his career has gone from high to high, seeing him appear in the title role of in 2019’sHellboyand as the Red Guardian in Marvel’s box office smashBlack Widow.Certainly not one to feel confined to any particular genre or stay in their comfort zone, Harbour’s next role, according toBloody Disgusting, is as none other than Santa Claus in Universal’s upcoming Christmas action horror-comedyViolent Night.
Finn Wolfhard
Prior to his first appearancein Stranger Thingsat the tender age of 13,Finn Wolfhardhad very little acting experience, with just a few bit roles under his belt. After becoming a fan favorite on the show, however, he’s gone onto to appear in numerous box office hits. Following a trend (partly reintroduced byStranger Things) of playing on nostalgia, Wolfhard is best known for his recent appearances in reboots of classicsIt(Chapter 1 and 2),The Addams Family(2019), andGhostbusters: Afterlife(2020). He’s even tried his hand at directing, specifically the comedy shortNight Shiftsin which he also stars.
Millie Bobby Brown
Making her appearance in the first season as the telepathic Eleven,Millie Bobby Brown, like many of the other younger castStranger Thingscast members, had limited professional acting credits under her belt before the showed aired. Since then, she has gone on to find great success in her feature film debut as the lead inGodzilla: King of the Monstersand in the Netflix original movieEnola Holmes. Following the success of both movies she reprised her roles in the sequelsGodzilla vs. KongandEnola Holmes 2, which is slated forrelease later this year.
Gaten Matarazzo
Unlike a lot of hisStranger Thingscolleagues,Gaten Matarazzo, known for playing Dustin, hasn’t made much of a splash on the big screen, choosing to flex his charm and charisma on the television series, most notably as the host of hidden camera showPrank Encounters.Listen carefully, though, and you’ll recognize his distinctive voice as Bubba in the animated comedy movieAngry Birds 2.
Related:Possible Stranger Things Spin-Offs We Could See
Caleb McLaughlin
Outside playing Lucas Sinclair, McLaughlin is probably most known for starring inConcrete Cowboyalongside Idris Elba. The movie was inspired by the real urban African-American horse-riding culture of Philadelphia and was an unbridled success amongst critics and fans alike. With McLaughlin and Elba receiving particular praise for their on-screen chemistry. Prior to making his television appearance withStranger Things, most of McLaughlin’s experience laid in stage performing, having played young Simba in Broadway’sThe Lion King.
Having a recurring role in season one before being upgraded to a major role in season two,Joe Keeryplays popular high school student Steve Harrington. Keery appeared in the lead role in the horror satireSpreein which he plays a social media-obsessed rideshare driver who livestreams a murderous rampage he has embarked on to increase his online popularity. He also played a role in the Ryan Reynolds led action sci-fi comedy flickFree Guywhich recently premiered on Disney+.
Natalie Dyer
Natalie Dyer plays Nancy Wheeler inStranger Things, but outside the show you might recognize her in supporting roles inVelvet BuzzsaworHannah Montana: The Movie. She is reportedly working on a horror thriller movie entitledAll Fun and Games.
Noah Schnapp
Known for playing Will Byers in the show,Noah Schnapp, like Matarazzo, has also done some voice acting outside ofStranger Things, most notably as Charlie Brown in thePeanuts Movie,but he also voiced Kai inThe Legend of Halloween. Talking of Halloween, outside his role inStranger Things, he’s probably most well-known for starring as Tommy in Adam Sandler’s horror-mystery Netflix comedyHubie Halloweenin 2020. Only 17 years old, there are no movies currently in the works, as Schnapp will be focusing most his efforts onStranger Thingsfor the time being.
